Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (2024)

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Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (1)

Windows

Get Windows 11

Transferring data Transferring from one Windows version to Windows 11

You’ve got important stuff on your PC. Take your files and most settings and apps6 with you to your new Windows11 computer with Windows Backup.1 2 5

Get Windows 11

Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (2)

You’ve got important stuff on your PC. Take your files and most settings and apps6 with you to your new Windows11 computer with Windows Backup.1 2 5

Get Windows 11

Transferring data Transferring from one Windows version to Windows 11

Transfer your data with Windows Backup

You’ve got important stuff on your PC. Take your files and most settings and apps6 with you to your new Windows11 computer with Windows Backup.1 2 5

How to use Windows Backup

Windows Backup is part of the latest update for Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. When you sign in with your Microsoft account, Windows Backup will help you securely save and transfer what’s important to you.5 6

Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (3)

Back up your PC files to OneDrive

The best, most secure way to back up your Windows 10 PC is with OneDrive.2 Easily move your files and memories to the cloud, then access them on your new computer.3

Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (4)

Save your files, settings, and apps

When you save what you love on your old PC, Windows Backup will save you time by automatically moving your data to your new computer.3

Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (5)

Feel instantly at home on your new PC

When you set up your new Windows 11 PC, you’ll be able to restore your stuff and settle into the best Windows experience ever.

3 steps to secure and move your data with Windows Backup

When you’re ready to make the move, follow these instructions to save, then transfer your files and most settings and apps6 to your new Windows11 PC.5

Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (6)

1. Update your Windows10 PC

Make sure you’re using the most up-to-date version of Windows 10.

Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (7)

2. Save to Windows Backup

Use the Search bar in Windows10 to locate and open Windows Backup, then follow the steps to save your data to your Microsoft account.3

Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (8)

3. You’re ready to transfer your data

The first time you start your new Windows 11 PC, sign in and follow the setup instructions to bring your stuff with you.3 5 6

Ready to find your next PC?

Moving to a new PC has never been easier. Shop, filter, and compare Windows computers so you can find the right one for you.

Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (9)

Shop Windows 11 PCs

Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (10)

Help me choose

Frequently asked questions

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Yes. A Microsoft account gives you access to Microsoft services, including Windows 11.4 It's free and comes with 5 GB of OneDrive storage! If you don't have a Microsoft account, it’s easy to sign up using your existing or new email address here.

OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud storage service that lets you store your personal files in one place, share them with others, and get to them from any device connected to the internet.2

Learn more about OneDrive

Check out this brief video that will walk you through a few quick steps to set up an account.

A free OneDrive basic account offers 5 GB of storage.2 Need more space? No problem, see available options.

If OneDrive is not the best fit for you, there are other options available. For example, you can use an external hard drive along with Windows Backup.1 There are also other programs designed to help with backing up your files and data and some retailers have service desks that will do the work for you. Learn how.

Yes. You can install or activate compatible versions of Office on your new computer using your product key.

Activate Office on a new PC How to install Office

You can use Windows Backup to restore your list of apps on a new Windows 11 PC.1 Apps will not be transferred or automatically installed. When you open apps for the first time on your new Windows 11 PC, some will reinstall directly from the Microsoft Store when you first open them. Other apps may require you to reinstall them manually from the original app provider.

Looking for more?

Get help with your transition to Windows 11, and make the most of your Windows experience.

Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (11)

Get OneDrive

Securely save and share what’s important to you with OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud-based storage that allows you to access and organize your documents, photos, and more wherever you are.

Learn more

Compare Windows10 & 11

See the new Windows11 features and updates, compare them to features you know in Windows10, and find the right version of Windows11 for you.

Learn more

Learn more about Windows11

Intuitive navigation. Easy organization. Faster performance. Plus, new features to unlock your productivity and creativity. Learn more and see why Windows 11 is the best Windows ever.

Learn more

  • Screens simulated. Features and app availability may vary by region.
  • 1 Windows can back up files, settings, and apps from PCs running Windows 10 and higher. Restore is available on Windows 11, version 22H2 and higher. Geographic restrictions may apply.
  • 2 Requires Microsoft account. Up to 5 GB of Microsoft Storage is included. Data transfers exceeding 5 GB require an active Microsoft subscription or trial.
  • 3 Internet access required. Fees may apply.
  • 4 Windows 11 Home and Pro editions require internet connectivity and a Microsoft account to complete device setup on first use.
  • 5 Using Windows Backup to restore to a Windows 11 PC requires you to sign in during initial device setup with the same Microsoft account you used for Windows 10 PC backup.
  • 6 When you open apps for the first time on your new Windows 11 PC, some will reinstall when you first open them. Other apps may require you to reinstall them manually from the original app provider.
Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft (2024)

FAQs

Windows Backup: How to Back Up Files to Transfer Between Devices | Microsoft? ›

And since they are synced to OneDrive, once you sign in to OneDrive on a new PC, those files will be available to you once again. First, launch Windows Backup: select Start , type windows backup, and select Windows Backup from the results. (Or you can select Start > All apps > Windows Backup.)

How do I transfer files between Windows devices? ›

Turn on network discovery and file and printer sharing, and turn off password protected sharing.
  1. Select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & internet , and on the right side, select Sharing options.
  2. Under Private, select Turn on Network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing.

Can I backup my files on a computer and transfer them to another computer? ›

When you save what you love on your old PC, Windows Backup will save you time by automatically moving your data to your new computer.

How do I transfer everything from one Windows computer to another? ›

Here are the five most common methods you can try for yourself.
  1. Cloud storage or web data transfers. ...
  2. SSD and HDD drives via SATA cables. ...
  3. Basic cable transfer. ...
  4. Use software to speed up your data transfer. ...
  5. Transfer your data over WiFi or LAN. ...
  6. Using an external storage device or flash drives.
Feb 21, 2019

How to transfer all files from one Microsoft account to another? ›

Share all files between accounts
  1. Right-click on the file/folder which you want to share.
  2. Select Share with option.
  3. Now select Specific people.
  4. In the file sharing window select the user accounts with whom you want to share file with and click on Share button.
Sep 24, 2022

How do I transfer files to another device? ›

  1. Connect both devices wirelessly. Turn on your new Android phone and follow the on-screen prompts. ...
  2. Select your data. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose what comes with you — contacts, photos, videos and calendar events. ...
  3. Transfer. That's it.

Can you transfer files directly between computers? ›

External storage devices, direct cable connection, cloud storage, remote desktop software, online file transfer services, and email are all possible methods. However, similar to knowing how to transfer files from PC to Mac, the steps you need to take will be different when you move across operating systems.

What is the best way to backup my entire computer? ›

We recommend backing up your computer in multiple ways so you have both an onsite and an offsite backup. You can back up to an external drive, use an online backup service, back up to a NAS over your local network, or even try a cloud storage service. Everyone loses data at some point in their lives.

How do I backup all files on Windows 10? ›

First, launch Windows Backup: select Start , then Windows Backup. You can back up your Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders. Simply toggle the switch for each folder On or Off.

Does Windows 10 have easy transfer? ›

Windows Easy Transfer is not available in Windows 10. However, Microsoft has partnered with Laplink to bring you PCmover Express—a tool for transferring selected files, folders, and more from your old Windows PC to your new Windows 10 PC.

Does Windows have a migration tool? ›

The User State Migration Tool (USMT) can be used to streamline and simplify user state migration during large deployments of Windows operating systems. USMT captures user accounts, user files, operating system settings, and application settings, and then migrates them to a new Windows installation.

Can you transfer Windows from one device to another? ›

If you have a retail copy of Windows, you may be able to transfer the license to your new PC, as long as the previous installation is deactivated or uninstalled. This usually involves contacting Microsoft Support and going through the license transfer process.

Can I use a USB cable to transfer data between computers? ›

Connecting two computers with a specific type of Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable allows you to transfer files or other data directly from one machine to another.

Can I transfer Microsoft from one computer to another? ›

Understanding the transfer process
  1. Deactivate License: Open any Office app on old computer. ...
  2. Uninstall Office: Go to Control Panel on old computer. ...
  3. Sign in to Microsoft Account: ...
  4. Download & Install Office: ...
  5. Activate License on New Computer: ...
  6. Transfer Files:

How do I transfer Windows to another Microsoft account? ›

Creating a new user account with your Microsoft Account, you may transfer all the data and settings from the old user account to the new user account folder. By copying and pasting to the new account folder, you can retrieve all the previous settings and you can enjoy using it with your new Microsoft Account.

How do I sync files between two Windows computers? ›

2. Sync Files Between Two PCs Through Network
  1. Right-click on the file/folder you want to share and select Properties. ...
  2. Check the Share this folder option, and click Permissions at the bottom to share permissions.
  3. Important Step. ...
  4. You can specify the permissions you want to allow from the Permissions tab.
Mar 15, 2024

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