The short answer
There are four practical ways to move your files to a new Windows PC: copy them PC to PC over your own network with a migration tool, carry them on an external USB drive, let OneDrive bring them across, or use the Windows Backup app. They all move files. None of them moves installed programs perfectly — those are best installed fresh.
If you want everything in one go, with a check that each file arrived intact, a PC-to-PC transfer is the least work. If you only have a few folders, a USB drive is fine.
What you need before you start
- Both computers on Windows 10 (22H2) or Windows 11 (23H2 or later), 64-bit.
- Both plugged into power — a big photo library can take an hour or more.
- Enough free space on the new PC for what you're bringing (right-click the folders on the old PC → Properties to see their size).
- Your passwords: Microsoft account, email and browser sync. Saved passwords live inside your browser, not in your files.
- For a network transfer: both PCs on the same home Wi-Fi, or joined with a network cable. Guest and office Wi-Fi often block computers from seeing each other.
What moves — and what doesn't
Files move: Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Desktop, Downloads and any other folders you choose, including ones on a second drive.
Programs, Windows itself and drivers don't copy reliably between computers, whatever tool you use — they're tied to the old PC's system folders, registry and licences. Install them fresh on the new PC. A good migration tool tells you which apps you had so nothing is forgotten, and some app data (browser bookmarks, developer settings) can be carried across.
Method 1: PC to PC over your network (OthTech Switch)
This copies straight from one computer to the other over your Wi-Fi or a network cable. Nothing is uploaded to the internet, and every file is fingerprinted on both sides so you know it arrived intact. The free plan moves up to 11 GB; bigger moves need a one-time Personal or Professional plan.
- 1
Install OthTech Switch on both computers
Download the installer from switch.othtech.com/download and run it on the old PC and on the new PC. Both need the same version — the app tells you if one needs updating.
- 2
Tell each computer its role
On the new PC choose “This is my new computer”; on the old PC choose “This is my old computer”.
- 3
Pair the two PCs with a one-time code
The new PC shows an 8-character code. Type it on the old PC and press Connect. Check that both screens show the same 6-digit number, then choose Allow on the new PC. No IP addresses or shared folders to set up.
- 4
Let it scan, then choose what to bring
Allow the scan on the old PC. The new PC lists your personal folders by size, the apps installed on the old PC, and anything that won't be copied (such as online-only OneDrive files). Untick what you don't need, or add other folders.
- 5
Check space and review the plan
The app compares your selection with the free space on the new PC, suggests where each folder goes and shows an estimated time. Choose what happens if a file already exists — keep both is the default.
- 6
Start the move and leave it running
Files are sent encrypted and checked as they land. You can pause and resume; if the Wi-Fi drops or a PC restarts, the move carries on from where it stopped without sending verified files again.
- 7
Read the report and keep the old PC for a few days
The report shows what moved, what was verified, anything that needs your attention and the apps to reinstall. Save it as HTML, PDF or CSV. Don't wipe the old PC until you've used the new one for a few days.
Tip
With both PCs plugged into your router by cable, a big library moves many times faster than over Wi-Fi.
Method 2: An external USB drive
Good for a small, known set of folders when you already own a drive big enough to hold them.
- Plug the drive into the old PC, open File Explorer and copy your folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop…) onto it.
- Eject the drive safely, plug it into the new PC and copy the folders into the matching folders there.
- Open a few files of each kind to check them — a copy that finishes without an error can still contain a damaged file.
Method 3: OneDrive
If OneDrive already backs up your Desktop, Documents and Pictures, signing in with the same Microsoft account on the new PC brings them back. The free OneDrive plan holds 5 GB, so large photo and video libraries usually need a paid plan, and everything has to upload and download again over your internet connection.
Files marked online-only (a cloud icon) aren't really on the old PC — they come back from OneDrive, not from the old computer.
Method 4: The Windows Backup app
Windows Backup (built into Windows 11 and recent Windows 10 updates) saves your folders to OneDrive and remembers some settings and Microsoft Store apps. When you set up the new PC with the same Microsoft account, Windows offers to restore them. The same OneDrive storage limits apply, and programs installed from the web aren't reinstalled for you.
After the move
- Sign in to your browser to bring back bookmarks and saved passwords through its sync.
- Install your programs fresh and sign in to them; enter licence keys where needed.
- Spot-check large videos and old photos, and compare folder sizes on both PCs.
- Keep the old PC untouched for at least a few days before you reset, sell or recycle it.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to transfer files to a new PC?
It depends on how much you move and the link. Over a typical home Wi-Fi network expect tens of gigabytes per hour; over a gigabit network cable large files can move several times faster. OthTech Switch measures your connection and shows an estimate before you start.
Can I transfer files from Windows 10 to Windows 11?
Yes. Files don't depend on the Windows version. OthTech Switch supports Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2 or later) on either side, in any combination.
Do my files go over the internet?
Not with a PC-to-PC transfer: OthTech Switch sends them directly between your two computers on your own network, encrypted. OneDrive and Windows Backup, by design, upload them to the cloud first.
Can I move my programs as well?
Programs are best installed fresh on the new PC. OthTech Switch lists the apps you had so you can reinstall them, and on paid plans brings browser bookmarks, VS Code settings, Git projects and local databases into the apps on the new PC.
Will anything be deleted from my old PC?
No. OthTech Switch only reads from the old computer and never deletes, resets or wipes it.