Files move. Programs install.
Your documents, photos and videos are just data — they copy perfectly. Programs are different: they spread themselves across system folders, the Windows registry and licensing services that are tied to the original computer.
Tools that promise to “clone” programs often produce apps that half-work. Installing fresh is faster to get right and keeps your new computer clean.
Always install fresh
- Windows itself and its updates
- Hardware drivers (the new PC comes with its own)
- Microsoft Office, Adobe apps and other paid software
- Antivirus and VPN software
- Games (use your game launcher to download them again)
Sign in again
Browsers, email apps, cloud storage and messaging apps usually restore your data as soon as you sign in. Do these first — they bring back bookmarks, mail and chats with no copying at all.
Keep your old computer for a few days
Don't wipe or sell your old PC straight away. Use the new one for a few days first. If you find something missing, it's still there to recover.
Tip
OthTech Switch never deletes anything from your old computer, and its report lists the apps you'll want to reinstall.