How to transfer files and programs from one computer to another on Windows 10

Hi Greg,

Thanks for responding to my question. How do you sort files into the User folders?

How am I going to handle system files, programs, and app data, etc. ? 

Also thanks for your comments on backing up my data files. I do a system full back-up every quarter and monthly I manually copy all my doc's, pictures, music, videos, etc. folders to my external drive.

Hi Alfred. I'm Greg, a volunteer installation specialist and 8 year WIndows MVP here to help you.

Easiest is to sort your files into the User folders for your account: Documents, Pictures, Music, Downloads, Desktop, etc.

Then drag or copy those folders to the External for transfer and safe keeping.

Safely remove and change the external to the new PC, Open each folder, on Home tab Select All, then drag or right click to Copy the group to the corresponding User folder on the Explorer bar to the left. If in doubt find the destination folder under This PC, then C:\Users choose your Account.

Confirm the files all transferred by right clicking both the source and destination folders to view their Properties to make sure the sizes match exactly.

Now a word about backup going forward. Your files should always be backed up if you value them at all because the hard drive can die at any time.

Some suggestions to help ease into this habit:

You can drag 5gb for free into OneDrive app to store in the cloud where they are safe from fire and theft.

If you install Google Drive, you can use their new Backup to choose User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to sync up to 15g for free to their cloud.

Or you can drag or copy them to a USB external or flash drive.

Here's how to drag, copy or move large groups of files: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2086566/the-man...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

You can transfer files easily, but programs might need a third party tool. You are probably better off reinstalling them from their original setup files and discs.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

and to transfer programs, check out:

Free PC transfer/migration software - EaseUS Todo PCTrans Free

https://www.easeus.com/free-pc-transfer-software/

Transferring your files is no problem, you can simply copy them to and from the external drive

Transferring programs (software) is almost virtually impossible. When you install a program Files are copied into many locations, registry keys and app settings are added also.

Likewise Settings are almost impossible to copy across

There are paid for 3rd party apps like PC Mover that claim to do this all for you, but they are hit and miss . . .