how to switch to a new computer ( desktop)

Question

Was curious as to how i switch my account to a new computer

Answer 1

Hi, thank you for replying. I believe you have Microsoft 365 Personal. Is that correct? If yes, yes, on your new device, go to:

https://m365.cloud.microsoft/apps

Sign in to your account and download the Office 365 Personal.

For more details about your subscription, you may check it from here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/buy/compare-all-microsoft-365-products?msockid=374de9a9d44f67c70ed9f958d5306671

Answer 2

If your current account is a Microsoft account, just sign in to your account on the new PC. A Microsoft account exists on the internet - it's a cloud account - so it's the same no matter which device you use to access it.

If your current account is a local account, you will have to re-create it on the new computer. A local account cannot be switched to a different computer.

Answer 3

Hi, I'm Bernard, a fellow Windows user. I'm happy to help!

Just to confirm, are you trying to log in to your account on a new device, or do you want to transfer your files to a new account?

If you’re trying to transfer files, there are two options. First, you can use a USB drive or an external hard drive. Simply copy and paste your files to the drive, then move them to the other PC.

Alternatively, you can set up OneDrive to sync your files online:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/move-files-to-a-new-windows-pc-using-onedrive-430274dd-e414-4745-991a-a544b5174765

Answer 4

To use a new Windows 11 desktop with the same files and settings, set up the new PC and transfer data from the old one.

1. Check requirements
   • Previous PC: Windows 10 or Windows 11.
   • New PC: Windows 11, version 2024 or later.
   • Sign in to the new PC during setup with the same Microsoft account that will be used going forward.
   • Both PCs must be on the same Wi‑Fi or LAN network and plugged into power.
2. Start setup on the new PC
   • Turn on the new PC and go through the Out‑of‑box experience (OOBE).
   • When prompted, sign in with a Microsoft account that does not already have an existing backup. If there is an existing backup, use the Windows restore experience instead of the transfer feature.
3. Prepare the previous PC
   • On the old PC, make sure Windows is fully updated:
     1. Open Settings > Windows Update (or use the Updates link if available).
     2. Select Check for updates.
     3. Download and install all updates.
     4. Restart the device.
   • Open the Windows Backup app on the old PC.
   • In Windows Backup, select Transfer information to a new PC to begin pairing.
4. Pair the devices
   • In Windows Backup on the old PC, a PC name will be shown.
   • On the new PC, a one‑time code will be displayed.
   • Enter the PC name from the old PC on the new PC when asked.
   • Enter the one‑time code from the new PC into Windows Backup on the old PC.
   • After verification, the two devices are securely paired.
5. Choose what to move
   • On the new PC, a list of files and folders available for transfer appears.
   • Use the drop‑down menus to select which files and folders to bring over.
   • If the new PC has less storage than the old one, deselect some items so everything fits.
6. Start the transfer
   • On the new PC, select Start transfer.
   • Wait while files and settings are copied.
   • When finished, a summary of what was transferred appears, and setup continues.

What is moved

• All personal files: documents, photos, videos, and other files across folders or drives.
• Many settings and personalization preferences (wallpaper, themes, etc.).

What is not moved

• System and OS folders like Program Files, ProgramData, Temp, etc.
• OneDrive files (sign in to OneDrive on the new PC to sync them).
• Installed applications.
• Saved passwords and sign‑in credentials.
• Data on BitLocker‑encrypted drives unless they are decrypted before starting the transfer.

If the transfer is interrupted (for example, network issues), Windows automatically tries to resume. If it cannot, the transfer can be started again.

If cloud transfer is not desired or the transfer option does not appear, files can be manually copied using an external drive, but apps and settings must then be re‑set up manually.

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References:

• Transfer your files and settings to a new Windows PC
• Use a screen reader to move data to a new PC
• How to back up or transfer your data on a Windows-based computer
• How do I transfer information from my old PC to a new without using the cloud? - Microsoft Q&A