For millions of Windows users, the process of transitioning between old and new PCs has long been colored by a sense of both excitement and trepidation. Files and precious memories must be preserved, while familiar desktop arrangements and system preferences are all too easily lost in the shuffle. For years, especially in the wake of Windows 7’s beloved “Windows Easy Transfer” disappearing from subsequent versions, the path to a new PC has felt unnecessarily complex—even for the tech savvy. But now, with a new initiative built into the Windows Backup app for Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft is signaling a dramatic revival of direct, local PC-to-PC migration, aiming to bring both peace of mind and convenience back into the upgrade experience.
The challenge of migrating user data and settings isn’t new. Since the heyday of Windows Vista and Windows 7, users have often pined for the straightforward solution once offered by Windows Easy Transfer. This tool, which provided a visual and guided experience for copying not just files but also settings between computers, was unceremoniously removed starting from Windows 8. In its wake, Microsoft steered users toward the cloud—most notably OneDrive—as the bridge between devices. While effective for some, this reliance excluded those with slow or unreliable internet, privacy concerns, or simply a preference for direct network transfers.
The absence of a local PC-to-PC migration tool left a significant usability gap. For the majority, moving files meant either manual external drive copies or a leap of faith that their data would sync seamlessly from the cloud. Settings—desktop layouts, themes, and application preferences—were even more likely to fall through the cracks.
The migration process closely echoes the intuitiveness of its Windows 7-era ancestor: users launch Windows Backup on their old device, select “Transfer information to a new PC,” and are shown the PC’s name. On the new device—during the initial Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) or later in settings—the user enters that PC’s name and a simple six-digit code. Once a secure pairing is established, the user is presented with a checklist of what can be moved, including the size of each user folder, offering granular control. This design is deliberate, making sure migrations don’t fail due to insufficient space, and preventing users from filling a new, smaller SSD with unnecessary bulk.
Once the user confirms their selection, the transfer proceeds with a visible progress bar and time estimate, echoing the kind of transparency and predictability long missing in PC migrations.
But the tool comes with important limitations:
The new tool, while modernized and visually integrated into Windows 11’s consistent interface language, is less ambitious in scope: it limits the transfer to files and personalization, steering clear of any half-measures around application data. This might actually improve reliability (as partial app data movement often led to corrupted or nonfunctional programs in the past), but it is nonetheless a reduction in overall transfer ambition.
By contrast, Microsoft’s approach prizes safety and the familiar, clean UX of first-party solutions. No hidden fees, no bloatware, and a design philosophy that dovetails with Microsoft’s security priorities. For most users, this will be the decisive factor in favor of using the new tool—even if it means reinstalling apps manually afterward.
The transfer process itself is point-to-point, remaining on the local network. This should reduce the risk of data exposure that might follow, say, a misconfigured OneDrive or a poorly secured cloud account.
However, the encryption gap—requiring decrypting BitLocker drives before migration—does create a window of vulnerability that, while likely minimal for most, cannot be ignored for those in regulated industries or with strict security policies.
Feedback from Windows Insiders and early testers underscores this positive reception; many have praised the clarity of the migration dialog, the speed advantages, and the sense of confidence the transparent progress indicators provide. Microsoft’s approach here is one of gentle guidance, not technical overwhelm.
Yet for enterprise IT admins and pros who routinely manage dozens of machines, the tool’s limitations—especially around application migration and lack of command-line support—mean it won’t replace established imaging or deployment workflows. It is, by design, a mainstream consumer utility, not a Swiss Army knife for power users.
Solutions here might include deepened Microsoft Store integration, or, for advanced users, scripting tools like PowerShell to export and restore app lists and relevant settings. Until then, Microsoft cedes ground in this area to paid third-party offerings.
However, notable omissions—especially around applications, BitLocker-encrypted drives, and ARM device support—underscore that the tool’s usefulness has a ceiling. Advanced users, professionals, and those on the cutting edge of device architectures will still need to look elsewhere for a zero-compromises migration solution.
Ultimately, Microsoft’s new tool gets the big things right: speed, privacy, and ease of use for the vast majority of users seeking to set up a new Windows 11 PC. As Windows continues evolving into a cloud-connected, yet fundamentally personal platform, this move is a long-overdue course correction. For once, upgrading to a new PC might actually feel like the celebration it should be—not a tedious obstacle course. And for that, Microsoft’s return to its roots is not just welcome, but essential for maintaining loyalty in the world’s most widely used desktop operating system.
Source: WinBuzzer Microsoft Revives Windows 7-Style PC Migration Tool for Windows 11 - WinBuzzer
The Frustration of Moving PCs: A Lingering Gap in Windows
The challenge of migrating user data and settings isn’t new. Since the heyday of Windows Vista and Windows 7, users have often pined for the straightforward solution once offered by Windows Easy Transfer. This tool, which provided a visual and guided experience for copying not just files but also settings between computers, was unceremoniously removed starting from Windows 8. In its wake, Microsoft steered users toward the cloud—most notably OneDrive—as the bridge between devices. While effective for some, this reliance excluded those with slow or unreliable internet, privacy concerns, or simply a preference for direct network transfers.The absence of a local PC-to-PC migration tool left a significant usability gap. For the majority, moving files meant either manual external drive copies or a leap of faith that their data would sync seamlessly from the cloud. Settings—desktop layouts, themes, and application preferences—were even more likely to fall through the cracks.
Microsoft’s Revived Local Migration: A Familiar, Upgraded Approach
With recent Windows Insider builds and a newly published support document, Microsoft confirms the first broad revival of a local, direct migration utility in over a decade. The feature, baked directly into the Windows Backup app, directly addresses this long-standing gap. Its goals are clear: allow users to copy files, personalization, and basic settings from an old Windows 10 or 11 PC to a new Windows 11 device over a secure, one-time local network connection. No internet is required for the actual transfer—a notable nod to users’ privacy and speed concerns.The migration process closely echoes the intuitiveness of its Windows 7-era ancestor: users launch Windows Backup on their old device, select “Transfer information to a new PC,” and are shown the PC’s name. On the new device—during the initial Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) or later in settings—the user enters that PC’s name and a simple six-digit code. Once a secure pairing is established, the user is presented with a checklist of what can be moved, including the size of each user folder, offering granular control. This design is deliberate, making sure migrations don’t fail due to insufficient space, and preventing users from filling a new, smaller SSD with unnecessary bulk.
Once the user confirms their selection, the transfer proceeds with a visible progress bar and time estimate, echoing the kind of transparency and predictability long missing in PC migrations.
What Transfers—and What Stays Behind
Microsoft’s documentation is admirably explicit about what this new migration tool will transfer:- All files: This covers documents, photos, videos, and files scattered across folders and drives, except for content already in OneDrive (which is managed by simply signing into the cloud service on the new device).
- Personalization settings: The desktop background, themes, and various preferences that shape the “feel” of Windows are preserved, removing one of the biggest pain points for upgraders.
But the tool comes with important limitations:
- Installed applications are not migrated. Users will need to redownload and reinstall all third-party and even many Microsoft-made programs on the new machine.
- Saved passwords and system files, such as those in the Program Files folder, are left out—likely due to the heightened security risks and potential compatibility issues of blindly moving such data.
- OneDrive content is specifically skipped to avoid duplication and encourage use of Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure.
- BitLocker-encrypted drives require manual decryption before migration can proceed—a necessary but inconvenient step for security-conscious users who might otherwise expect a seamless experience.
How Setting Up Works: Step-by-Step Simplicity
From the user’s perspective, Microsoft has worked to reduce the cognitive and technical load of the migration. The steps are refreshingly simple:- Start on Old PC: Within the Windows Backup app (available on Windows 10 and 11), select the “Transfer information to a new PC” option.
- Connect to Network and Power: Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and connected to a power source—a standard, but sensible, prerequisite for multi-gigabyte transfers.
- Display and Enter PC Name: The app shows the old PC’s name; the user inputs it on the new PC, establishing clear intent.
- Enter Six-Digit Code: A temporary pairing code ensures only authorized transfers occur, protecting against potential snooping on insecure networks.
- Choose What to Transfer: The tool enumerates all user folders, their size, and allows deselection, making it practical even for users downsizing to a smaller SSD.
- Monitor Progress: With a clear progress bar and time estimate, users can confidently track the migration instead of being left in the dark.
Critical Exclusions and Limitations
Even as Microsoft celebrates the return of direct migrations, it is transparent about significant caveats.Applications and Complex Settings Not Included
For advanced users or those with bespoke workflows, the inability to transfer installed programs represents a hurdle. App data—especially configurations, plug-ins, and settings often buried in hidden directories or system folders—remains behind, necessitating time-consuming reinstallation and manual configuration. This is in line with a modern philosophy favoring clean installs for stability and security; nonetheless, for some power users, this exclusion will remain a thorny issue.BitLocker Decryption Required
Security-forward users employing drive encryption (BitLocker) face an added step. The need to decrypt drives before transfer may complicate things for businesses or individuals handling sensitive data. While the design prevents unauthorized access, it effectively means users must lower their local device security (if only temporarily) just to migrate.No ARM Support—Yet
Perhaps most telling is the current lack of support for ARM-based devices. Windows on Arm is gaining momentum, especially with new Surface devices and tantalizing performance leaps, but users in this segment will need to wait. With no timeline promised, this limits the tool’s immediate impact as Windows architectures diversify.Mandatory Microsoft Account
Unlike older versions of Windows, which often allowed local-only user accounts, the migration is tied explicitly to Microsoft Accounts. Both PCs must be signed in, reflecting Microsoft’s ongoing consolidation of user identity with their cloud services. This will be a non-issue for most consumers, but some privacy advocates and business users may bristle at the lack of a local-only pathway.Windows 11 OOBE Dependency
Users upgrading from Windows 10 benefit mainly if they’re moving to a Windows 11 device freshly set up (especially at the Out-of-Box Experience stage). Those wishing to migrate mid-stream, or move data between two preexisting workstations, will encounter more complexity or be left out altogether. This speaks to Microsoft’s intent: the tool is designed largely for shiny new PCs, not wholesale, ongoing migrations between fleets of older machines.Comparative Analysis: How Does This Stack Up?
To appreciate the real-world impact, it is instructive to compare Microsoft’s new tool against both the classic Windows Easy Transfer and modern third-party solutions.Against Windows Easy Transfer
Windows Easy Transfer set the bar for its era not just with file and settings migration, but by enabling transfer of some basic application data (not full applications), user profiles, and via various methods—USB, network, and even Easy Transfer cables. Its UI was welcoming, and it was genuinely “easy.”The new tool, while modernized and visually integrated into Windows 11’s consistent interface language, is less ambitious in scope: it limits the transfer to files and personalization, steering clear of any half-measures around application data. This might actually improve reliability (as partial app data movement often led to corrupted or nonfunctional programs in the past), but it is nonetheless a reduction in overall transfer ambition.
Compared to Third-Party Migration Software
Several vendors—Laplink’s PCmover being the most prominent—have sought to fill the migration gap since Windows 8 began omitting Easy Transfer. These tools often promise full “PC cloning” capabilities, including applications, system settings, accounts, and more. However, they invariably introduce their own complexity, licensing costs, and—in some cases—potential security concerns from handing over admin rights to a non-Microsoft tool.By contrast, Microsoft’s approach prizes safety and the familiar, clean UX of first-party solutions. No hidden fees, no bloatware, and a design philosophy that dovetails with Microsoft’s security priorities. For most users, this will be the decisive factor in favor of using the new tool—even if it means reinstalling apps manually afterward.
Cloud vs. Local: Privacy and Practicality
Crucially, Microsoft’s reintroduction of local migration is a subtle but significant acknowledgment that not everyone is comfortable or well-served by cloud-based restore options. Local transfers:- Are faster (as they avoid upload/download bottlenecks),
- Function even on slow or metered internet connections,
- Reduce potential privacy exposure,
- Allow migration of large datasets with minimal friction.
Security Posture: Ease Meets Prudence
A critical piece of the puzzle is the secure pairing system: the requirement that the user actively enter the name and pairing code on the new PC before data moves is a meaningful guardrail. It prevents drive-by attacks or inadvertent disclosures on local networks, an increasingly real threat in shared home, dorm, or office environments.The transfer process itself is point-to-point, remaining on the local network. This should reduce the risk of data exposure that might follow, say, a misconfigured OneDrive or a poorly secured cloud account.
However, the encryption gap—requiring decrypting BitLocker drives before migration—does create a window of vulnerability that, while likely minimal for most, cannot be ignored for those in regulated industries or with strict security policies.
User Experience: Is Microsoft Finally Listening?
For the average Windows buyer—often greeted by a dizzying array of “Getting Started” popups, manufacturer bloatware, and unclear migration advice—this new tool will represent a breath of fresh air. Its integration within the Windows Backup app, and visibility within early onboarding flows (the OOBE), make it much harder to overlook than prior solutions.Feedback from Windows Insiders and early testers underscores this positive reception; many have praised the clarity of the migration dialog, the speed advantages, and the sense of confidence the transparent progress indicators provide. Microsoft’s approach here is one of gentle guidance, not technical overwhelm.
Yet for enterprise IT admins and pros who routinely manage dozens of machines, the tool’s limitations—especially around application migration and lack of command-line support—mean it won’t replace established imaging or deployment workflows. It is, by design, a mainstream consumer utility, not a Swiss Army knife for power users.
Future Roadmap: What’s Missing and What Comes Next?
While the tool marks a significant step forward, there are unresolved questions and areas where it currently falls short.When Will ARM Devices Be Supported?
Given Microsoft’s aggressive push for Windows on Arm—the platform now powering flagship Surface devices and increasingly in schools and enterprise—its current exclusion from the migration tool seems anachronistic. Industry watchers expect ARM support may come in a future update, but there’s no public roadmap yet. The delay may stem from technical hurdles, as differences in processor architecture complicate direct user data migration.Dealing with Applications and App Data
A recurring request, dating back to the days of Windows Easy Transfer, is for some solution—however limited—to restore both installed applications and their settings, even if just for trusted Microsoft Store apps. Microsoft’s current advice is simply to redownload all software, which is feasible for those with a handful of core apps, but laborious for those with rich, customized toolchains.Solutions here might include deepened Microsoft Store integration, or, for advanced users, scripting tools like PowerShell to export and restore app lists and relevant settings. Until then, Microsoft cedes ground in this area to paid third-party offerings.
Re-Entrant and Mid-Life Migrations
Currently, the Windows Backup-based migration appears optimized for brand new PCs at the OOBE onboarding phase. Users seeking to migrate between two established, in-use devices (without a full OS reinstall) will find it less flexible. Whether future versions will allow more granular, mid-cycle moves remains to be seen.The Bottom Line: A Welcome, If Imperfect, Return
The introduction of a PC-to-PC migration tool within the Windows Backup app signals a pivotal change in Microsoft’s approach to user data stewardship. By restoring the spirit—if not the full feature depth—of Windows Easy Transfer, Microsoft is clearly listening to years of pent-up demand. The tool brings genuine relief for most mainstream users: no more relying on external drives and patchwork folder copies, no more wrestling with cloud sync idiosyncrasies. The transfer of files and personalization, with proper security and transparency, is set to significantly reduce migration headaches.However, notable omissions—especially around applications, BitLocker-encrypted drives, and ARM device support—underscore that the tool’s usefulness has a ceiling. Advanced users, professionals, and those on the cutting edge of device architectures will still need to look elsewhere for a zero-compromises migration solution.
Ultimately, Microsoft’s new tool gets the big things right: speed, privacy, and ease of use for the vast majority of users seeking to set up a new Windows 11 PC. As Windows continues evolving into a cloud-connected, yet fundamentally personal platform, this move is a long-overdue course correction. For once, upgrading to a new PC might actually feel like the celebration it should be—not a tedious obstacle course. And for that, Microsoft’s return to its roots is not just welcome, but essential for maintaining loyalty in the world’s most widely used desktop operating system.
Source: WinBuzzer Microsoft Revives Windows 7-Style PC Migration Tool for Windows 11 - WinBuzzer
