How to transfer data from computer to computer
USB stick or external hard drive
Alternatively, you can use a USB drive or external hard drive to transfer data from computer to computer. This is a good way if you need to transfer multiple files. Also, this method does not require a network connection.
We recommend using faster external drives or a USB 3.0 port for faster read and write speeds.
Of course, to get the best file transfer speeds, you’ll need to plug your external drives into the correct ports. Typically USB 3.0 ports are blue.
Transfer data via Bluetooth
Most desktop computers do not have built-in Bluetooth, but laptops and smartphones do have Bluetooth sensors. So you can use Bluetooth to transfer data from laptop to laptop or mobile device.
Sharing folders and drives on the local computer
Sharing drives and folders is one of the oldest ways to transfer data from computer to computer.
To use this method, right-click on the folder you want to transfer to another computer, then select the “Properties” option.
In the properties window go to the Sharing tab and click the Share button.
You will see a file sharing window. Here select the “All” option, click the “Add” button and then click the “Share” button to share a file or folder.
That’s all! Connect from the second computer to the network, open Explorer, then click on the “Network” option in the left pane. If this is your first time using this feature, you may be prompted to turn on network discovery. Just click on the message and select “Turn on network discovery and file sharing”.
Airdrop for Mac
Airdrop on Macs is similar to Windows Homegroup, but more powerful and easier to use.
To get started, open Finder on both Macs, then select “Airdrop” in the left pane.
Once you open Airdrop on both MAC computers, you will see both systems in the main window. Just drag a file or folder to another system in the Airdrop window. That’s it, the file will be automatically transferred to another computer.
Send data by email
It’s old school. But, if you need to transfer a small amount of data from computer to computer, you can use this method. At the same time, you do not need to install additional programs or set up file sharing on the network.
First, create an archive of the files you want to send. Then compose an email, download the compressed files as an attachment, and send them by email. After that, open your email on another computer and download the attachment.
You should keep in mind that generally, email attachments are limited to 25MB. If you need to transfer data from computer to computer larger than this size, then use other methods.
How to transfer data from computer to computer: 10 ways
It’s okay to have multiple computers these days. You can use a desktop computer, laptop, netbook, etc. When you have several computers, the question arises. how to transfer data from computer to computer. Luckily, transferring files between two computers is easier than you think.
Next, we will tell you about 10 different ways to transfer data from computer to computer.
Synchronization using cloud services (Dropbox or Google Drive)
You can use cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, iCould, etc. to transfer data from computer to computer. The advantage of this method is that cloud services have their own applications for computers and mobile devices. On the downside, cloud services offer limited space, and you also need to upload files to the cloud first and then download them to another device. If you have a slow internet connection, this method is not suitable.
Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive allow you to turn on selective sync so you can sync only the files you need.
Also, if you are using Dropbox, be sure to turn on LAN Sync. This function allows you to synchronize files and folders between computers on the same network.
PCmover Express
The Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems introduced Easy Transfer, which allowed users to transfer their files and settings between PCs using a USB data cable, DVDs, external hard drive, or the Internet. Unfortunately, Windows 10 didn’t include the service, but Microsoft partnered with Laplink PCmover to reimburse it. The functionality is the same, but the new service is no longer free.
PCmover Express version allows you to transfer folders, user profiles, files and settings to a new computer. All you need to do is connect both computers to the internet. PCmover will make your new computer look like the old one. You can only see some of the changes if you have installed a different version of the operating system. If in the process of data movement there is a problem, the service provides 24/7 assistance.
The disadvantage of this method is that PCmover Express does not allow you to completely transfer applications between PCs. It works with Windows operating systems. versions from Windows XP to Windows 10. Plus, you won’t have a backup of your files when transferring.
Data cable
If you don’t want to subscribe to cloud storage services or spend money on an external hard drive, there is a relatively cheap option that allows you to transfer data between computers, all the way up to the Windows 10 operating system.
This Plugable Windows data cable costs about 40 and uses USB-A 3.0 connectors to connect to two PCs. Once connected, you can use the included software to transfer files, settings, user accounts, and folders from one computer to another. By using the cable, you also create a backup of your files as you transfer them.
PCmover Professional
If you also need to transfer your applications to a new computer, use PCmover Professional.
This service will cost you more and work essentially the same way as PCmover Express, except that you can choose which applications, folders, user profiles, files and settings to move. It also provides 24/7 help in case something goes wrong.
How to transfer data from one computer to another
Have you bought a new computer and can’t wait to try it out? But the problem is that your old files are on your old PC, and you don’t want to start all over again. We will tell you about ways to quickly and safely transfer data from one computer to another.
Macrium Reflect
It is a backup utility for Microsoft Windows. It creates disk images and file backups using Microsoft’s Volume Shadow Copy Service to ensure point-in-time data accuracy.
This tool is designed to create a direct clone of your old disk and move it to a new PC. Macrium Reflect has a free version that suits regular users, a free business version and paid options with different costs.
The free utility has received high marks for being able to protect your personal documents, photos, music, e-mail messages from loss. Macrium Reflect creates a significant load on the processor and RAM of the computer, so it is better to refuse to use other resource-intensive programs during the backup process.
Cloud storage
One of the easiest ways to back up and transfer data from one computer or laptop to another is to use the OneDrive cloud storage service. If you have a Microsoft account, you automatically get 5 GB of disk space for free.
This is unlikely to be enough for backups, especially if you’ve been using your computer for several years, but OneDrive gives you the option to purchase more storage at affordable prices. 100GB of storage will set you back about 2 per month and 1TB of storage will cost you 7 per month. Plus, you get a free personalized Office 365 subscription.
Transferring files and folders between computers is a fairly simple task if you have an internet connection. In this case, you can be sure that your data is protected in the event of a hard drive failure. The only drawback here is that you cannot transfer your applications and settings to a new computer.
External hard drive
Using an external hard drive to transfer data from your old to a new computer also provides you with a backup of your files, insuring you in case something goes wrong. This process takes longer, but you don’t have to spend extra money if you already have a drive.
All you need to do is connect your hard drive to your old computer, move files and folders from it to the drive, then connect it to your new computer and load them onto it. Please note that using an external hard drive does not allow you to transfer Windows settings or applications. this is a method to move only your files and folders.
Nearby sharing
In the latest Windows 10 1803 April Update, Microsoft decided to ditch the HomeGroup functionality, replacing it with a new way of sharing data called Nearby sharing.
To transfer files between computers that are in close proximity, the program uses Bluetooth. The function allows you to exchange documents, photos, links to websites, etc., but your data will not be cloned and you will not be able to transfer the operating system to a new PC.
New PC? Learn how to transfer files from PC to PC
Quickly transfer all your music, documents, photos and other files to get the most out of your new PC.
Upload your data to a new PC
Back up your data on your old PC
How to Transfer From PC to PC. Wireless. Photos/Video/Music/Files
Choose the most convenient way to transfer files
Get a device or service to transfer data, or set up a home network
Save your old computer for a few weeks and be sure to erase all data from it before selling or disposing of it
Transfer files from one PC to another quickly, safely and without data loss.
Transfer files from one PC to another quickly, safely and without data loss.
Everyone knows with what delight we get a new powerful computer on which you can quickly complete tasks and enjoy games. But everyone also knows how depressing the need to transfer all music, photos, documents and other files to a new computer is.
Fortunately, now you no longer need to ask your friends to help you cope with this difficult task. There are many different ways to easily and safely transfer files to a shared resource and even transfer programs to a new computer while maintaining complete data security.
For Advanced Users: Manually Transferring Files If you have enough technical skills, the easiest way to transfer files to a new computer is manually. This can be done in several ways.
First, plug a USB flash drive or external hard drive into your old computer (it costs anywhere from 30 to several hundred dollars depending on capacity, speed, and functionality). Simply copy your files to an external drive, remove the storage device, plug the device into your new PC, and then reverse the process to download the files to your new PC. Advice. Some computers have eSATA ports specifically designed for external hard drives. They can move data even faster than USB ports.
If you don’t want to purchase an external hard drive, you can move your files to the cloud for storage. To do this, you can use online storage services such as Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. In this case also, just drag the files from the old computer to the cloud service, and then drag those files to the new computer. For small amounts of data, such services provide storage for free, and for large volumes, a monthly fee is charged.
Faster Process: Transfer via Data Cable If you think it will take too long to transfer files using cloud storage, or do not want to pay to use cloud storage, you can transfer files using a data cable. Connect such a cable to the ports on the new and old computer. Typically, cables come with software that automates the transfer of files from an old computer with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, or XP to a new computer. Transferring data using a data cable is faster than using an external hard drive, since the old computer connects directly to the new one without an intermediary (external drive).
Before transferring files, consider whether you really need all of these files. Installing a new computer is a great opportunity to get rid of old files by archiving and thereby clean up the file and folder structures.
Use (PC) Mover. Universal Software Earlier versions of Windows included an Easy Transfer tool that allowed users to easily transfer files from one computer to another. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with Windows 10. But don’t worry, Microsoft has partnered with vendor Laplink to offer PC Mover software that mimics the functionality of Windows Easy Transfer. PCMover Express transfers data and settings from computers running Windows XP to computers running Windows 8.1 or later. This service costs about 15. PC Mover Professional is more expensive, but it allows you to move your applications too. Both services have 24/7 assistance in case you have problems.
This approach is costly, but it automates the processes, plus you won’t miss files that are in an unfamiliar location on your old computer.
Different operating systems: transfer files from Mac to Windows or from Windows to Mac You can manually move files between your Mac PC and Windows PC just like moving files from one computer to another using external drives, cloud services or home networks. But the computer itself can play the role of a personal assistant responsible for moving and sharing files. Mac OS X Lion and later has a great Migration Assistant that moves contacts, calendars, email accounts, and other files from your Windows PC to the right place on your new Mac PC.
General cleaning: don’t let your old data fall into the wrong hands After moving your files, don’t rush to get rid of your old computer. leave it for a few more weeks in case you missed any files. If you sell, recycle, or give away your old computer, be sure to remove all your data and personal information from it. This is not done with simple file transfers. Even after deleting files and reformatting the drive, experts will be able to extract information that you would not like to share with other people (including banking information and old emails). Fortunately, there are free data destruction programs like Darik Boot And Nuke (DBAN) that can wipe all data on your old computer and ensure that you don’t leave any traces (data) behind you.
Stay Protected: Backing Up New Content Now that you are comfortable with moving files from your old computer, it is time to consider using a backup system in case you need to restore those files again. Windows 8 and later include a handy File History feature that allows you to automatically back up your files to an external hard drive on a regular basis. This feature ensures that your data is not left in the past if the worst happens.
How to Transfer Files Between Two Windows PCs
If you use a Mac device, there are many options and platforms for backing up your data, ranging from iCloud to programs like Time Machine, depending on the version of OS X on your device.
Remember that with many convenient and simple ways to move and share data, you can only move the data that you have access to. Therefore, you should ensure that your documents, photos and other valuable data are protected, even if your computer is lost or broken. With this simple, automatic procedure, you can be sure that your next move (to a new computer) will go smoother.
