Being Tricky
The short answer
To move files to new PC running Windows 11, back up the old PC with Windows Backup (it saves your folders, settings, Wi-Fi passwords and app list to…
At a glance
About 25 minutes · Advanced · For Windows
Key point 1 of 5
Our Windows backup guide walks through this in more detail, including a full copy to an external drive.
Key point 2 of 5
Plug in the drive and copy each folder into the matching folder on the new PC (Pictures into Pictures, and so on).
Key point 3 of 5
Open a few photos, documents and videos on the new PC, including older ones.
Key point 4 of 5
Yes, but not with Windows Backup, which needs a personal Microsoft account.
Step 5 of 5
On the old PC, open Start, type Windows Backup and open the app.
Quick tip
Using Outlook with an older POP email account? Your mail is in a .pst file, usually in Documents\Outlook Files.
Watch out
Resetting with Remove everything deletes all your files on that PC. Do it only once you've checked the list above.
You might ask
Can I transfer programs to a new PC? Windows doesn't move installed desktop programs.
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Being Tricky