new computer setup

Question

trying to migrate my old computer to my new one but i cant use the same computer name to get the one time code required

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

It sounds like the issue may be related to verification and not the computer name itself.

When setting up the new PC, Windows usually sends the one-time code to your Microsoft account email, phone number, or authenticator app. The computer name normally does not block this.

To help narrow down the issue:

1. Are you getting an error saying the old PC name is already in use, or is the code not being sent at all?
2. Also, during setup, did you sign in with the same Microsoft account from the old computer?

Since you already finished the setup, you can still check this on the new PC:

• Settings > Accounts > Your info
• Make sure the same Microsoft account is signed in there.
• You can also rename the new PC if needed:
• Settings > System > About > Rename this PC

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If the issue persists, please provide more details by answering my questions.

Click "Add comment" below to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

The one‑time code is not based on reusing the same computer name. The transfer flow works with whatever the old PC is currently named; the new PC does not need (and cannot) use that same name.

Use this sequence instead:

1. On the previous (old) PC
   1. Make sure it is fully updated to the latest Windows 10/11 cumulative updates and connected to the same network as the new PC.
   2. Open the Windows Backup app.
   3. Select Transfer information to a new PC (or Transfer to a new PC).
   4. The app will show the PC name that must be entered on the new PC. Note this name; do not try to rename the new PC to match it.
2. On the new PC (during setup/OOBE)
   1. When prompted “Do you want to transfer information from another PC?”, choose the option to transfer from another PC and select Continue.
   2. When asked, type the old PC’s name exactly as shown in Windows Backup on the old PC.
   3. The new PC will then display a one‑time code.
3. Back on the old PC
   1. Enter the one‑time code from the new PC into the Windows Backup app on the old PC.
   2. After verification, the devices pair and you can choose what to transfer and start the transfer.

If the transfer option does not appear in Windows Backup on the old PC, install all Windows updates on that PC, restart it, and open Windows Backup again.

There is no requirement or supported path to give the new PC the same computer name as the old one to obtain the one‑time code; the pairing is done by entering the old PC’s name on the new PC and then entering the one‑time code back on the old PC.

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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