As Microsoft prepares to officially end support for Windows 10—a looming change set to impact millions—the company is rolling out thoughtful new features aimed at making the transition to Windows 11 as seamless as possible. Among the most notable is a fresh addition to the Windows setup experience: the ability to transfer both files and settings directly from an old PC during the initial configuration of a new Windows 11 machine. This article explores how the new tool works, its limitations, the context around its development, and what it means for users facing the end of Windows 10 support.
For years, moving from one computer to another has been a perennial challenge for Windows users, especially for those less tech-savvy or migrating large amounts of personal data. Existing solutions, such as cloud sync (e.g., OneDrive) or third-party tools, have helped alleviate this process but haven’t fully solved it for everyone—often missing certain user preferences, file types, or requiring cumbersome manual steps. With Windows 10 support set to end, these pain points take on a new urgency for individuals and businesses alike.
Recognizing this, Microsoft’s new local-network-based file and settings transfer tool promises to radically simplify onboarding. Instead of disparate, often incompatible backup and migration systems, the new approach brings everything under the familiar umbrella of the Windows out-of-box experience (OOBE) and Windows Backup app.
This echoes longstanding limitations found in earlier migration tools, but with a more transparent and guided presentation. Users required to reinstall their software can take advantage of Microsoft Store’s “Restore Apps” feature, which is also integrated into newer versions of Windows 11, to speed up the process.
Windows 11’s built-in migration takes several key lessons from those earlier attempts but adds vital quality-of-life improvements:
Third-party alternatives—ranging from PCmover Professional, EaseUS Todo PCTrans, to basic drag-and-drop file copies—will remain necessary for users needing more advanced migrations, such as automatic program transfers, custom file exclusions, or migrations between different architectures (e.g., x86 to ARM).
This is in keeping with broader trends in Windows 11, where Microsoft increasingly leverages cloud identity (Microsoft Accounts, OneDrive, Store tying, Copilot) as vehicles for personalization and security—but still recognizes many users’ need to control sensitive data locally.
However, users with older or non-compliant PCs—those unable to run Windows 11 due to hardware limitations—will need to weigh options carefully. The migration tool requires both old and new machines to be on supported operating systems with all recent updates. Those using legacy builds, custom images, or non-standard device architectures (e.g., Linux partitions, advanced bootloaders) will need to consider manual migration, external drives, or third-party software.
The staged rollout to Windows Insiders gives Microsoft valuable feedback, and based on that input, we can anticipate improvements and broader compatibility (especially for ARM and enterprise environments) in future updates.
Experienced users may continue to use more advanced, granular third-party migration solutions as needed, but for the mainstream audience—especially home users and small businesses—the native tool will save time, reduce errors, and demystify the migration process. As Windows 11 continues to mature and expand its reach, seamless onboarding will be critical not only to user satisfaction but to Microsoft’s long-term vision for the platform.
For anyone planning a new PC purchase this year, familiarizing yourself with the new migration options is not just advisable—it’s essential to ensure a smooth, stress-free transition to the next generation of Windows computing.
Source: Neowin Windows 11 will soon let you transfer files from your old PC during setup, here is how
For years, moving from one computer to another has been a perennial challenge for Windows users, especially for those less tech-savvy or migrating large amounts of personal data. Existing solutions, such as cloud sync (e.g., OneDrive) or third-party tools, have helped alleviate this process but haven’t fully solved it for everyone—often missing certain user preferences, file types, or requiring cumbersome manual steps. With Windows 10 support set to end, these pain points take on a new urgency for individuals and businesses alike.Recognizing this, Microsoft’s new local-network-based file and settings transfer tool promises to radically simplify onboarding. Instead of disparate, often incompatible backup and migration systems, the new approach brings everything under the familiar umbrella of the Windows out-of-box experience (OOBE) and Windows Backup app.
How the New Migration Process Works
The new migration workflow is built into the Windows Backup app, a utility that has seen increased prominence in recent Windows 11 builds. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the process unfolds—verified through Microsoft’s own recently published support documents and hands-on accounts from early testers in the Windows Insider program:- Preparation on the Old PC: Users start by launching the Windows Backup app on their old device, which must be running Windows 10 or 11 with the latest cumulative updates. From here, they select the new option to “transfer information to a new PC.”
- Establishing a Secure Pair: The app generates a unique code, which the user then enters on the new Windows 11 computer. This acts as a pairing mechanism to ensure files are transferred only between devices the user controls.
- Selecting What to Transfer: Once both computers are connected on the same local network, Windows 11 prompts the user to choose what they’d like to move. This can include any user folder—such as Documents, Pictures, Videos—or even entire drives. Users must ensure that any BitLocker-encrypted drives are decrypted beforehand, as the system cannot transfer encrypted data for security reasons.
- Initiating the Transfer: With selections made, the user clicks “Start transfer.” The system then securely copies the chosen files, settings, and preferences across the network to the new device. Throughout the process, users can monitor progress via a dedicated summary page.
- Completion and Confirmation: At the end of the transfer, Windows 11 provides a detailed summary of everything moved. Setup can then proceed as usual, with applications and other customizations now ready for manual reinstallation or adjustment.
What the Tool Can—and Cannot—Migrate
While the tool marks a significant step forward in migration convenience, it comes with important limitations. Microsoft clearly states in its documentation that the following items cannot be transferred:- Core system files and folders (e.g., Program Files, Program Data, Windows, Temp)
- Installed applications
- Credentials and passwords
- OneDrive contents (users must set up OneDrive anew on the destination device)
- Data on BitLocker-encrypted volumes (unless decrypted before transfer)
This echoes longstanding limitations found in earlier migration tools, but with a more transparent and guided presentation. Users required to reinstall their software can take advantage of Microsoft Store’s “Restore Apps” feature, which is also integrated into newer versions of Windows 11, to speed up the process.
Technical Requirements and Limitations
As of now, the enhanced transfer experience is accessible to Windows Insiders and requires specific software builds and configurations:- Old PC requirements: Windows 10 or Windows 11, fully updated
- New PC requirements: Windows 11, version 24H2 or newer
- Network: Both devices must reside on the same local network for direct file transfer
- Architecture support: Notably, ARM-based PCs—including Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop 7 and other Copilot+ AI devices using Snapdragon X chips—are currently not supported. Microsoft has acknowledged this gap and suggested that support is forthcoming, but for now, such users must resort to traditional manual copy methods, external drives, cloud sync, or third-party migration utilities.
Critical Analysis: Strengths and Shortcomings
Strengths
- User-Friendly Experience: By integrating migration directly into the Windows setup, Microsoft reduces friction for both novice and power users. The pairing process, code-based verification, and clear prompts make it difficult to err, and automating network-based file transfer saves time.
- Privacy and Control: The exclusive use of the local network for transfers reduces the risk of sensitive data exposure during migration, compared to cloud-only methods.
- Customizability: The granular selection of folders and drives to migrate—coupled with clear visibility into what will and won’t move—offers more control than many prior tools.
- Future-Proofing: Building the migration feature into the core Windows setup (rather than relying on downloadable third-party software) ensures ongoing updates and tight integration with other Microsoft services, like the Windows Backup app and Microsoft Store app restoration.
Potential Risks and Weaknesses
- Incomplete Migration: For users with complex software environments or bespoke app settings, the omission of application data, credentials, and some deep system settings could mean several hours—or days—of manual reconfiguration. This risk particularly impacts small business owners or creators using high-value software tied to machine IDs or using complex licensing systems.
- BitLocker and Encrypted Data: The requirement to decrypt BitLocker drives before transfer introduces an additional step that may confuse some users or encourage them to lower their security temporarily, potentially exposing data to risk if not quickly resecured.
- No ARM Support (as of launch): With ARM-PCs quickly gaining market share due to their performance and efficiency gains, the lack of official support for these devices leaves early adopters in the lurch and somewhat contradicts Microsoft’s aggressive ARM push in other areas.
- OneDrive Setup Separation: Since OneDrive contents aren’t migrated automatically, users relying on it as their primary data repository must separately configure and re-sync their cloud storage, which may not be intuitive or quick for all.
Usability and Network Considerations
- Network Speed Bottlenecks: Because transfers occur over a local network, speeds are constrained by the slowest link between the two devices. In environments with older routers, Wi-Fi congestion, or unreliable home networking, the process can be slow or potentially fail mid-transfer.
- Code Pairing Reliability: While pairing codes add a security layer, they introduce a slight potential for user confusion (e.g., mistyping the code, unclear error messages in case of pairing failure).
- Summary Transparency: The final summary page, showing what was moved and what wasn’t, helps close the information gap that has plagued previous migration tools. However, clarity in reporting is paramount—users need to easily tell if entire categories of data (including possibly-hidden folders) were skipped.
Comparisons to Legacy Tools and Third-Party Alternatives
Historically, PC migration has been a cornerstone of Windows upgrades. Tools like Windows Easy Transfer, later deprecated, and the more recent PCmover Express (developed by Laplink in partnership with Microsoft), have attempted to fill this niche. Both have strengths—but often suffer from limited compatibility, the need for external drives or special cables, or confusing interfaces.Windows 11’s built-in migration takes several key lessons from those earlier attempts but adds vital quality-of-life improvements:
- Deep OS integration (rather than a downloadable tool),
- Unified user experience,
- Support for the latest Windows security features,
- Automatic prompts during out-of-box setup.
Third-party alternatives—ranging from PCmover Professional, EaseUS Todo PCTrans, to basic drag-and-drop file copies—will remain necessary for users needing more advanced migrations, such as automatic program transfers, custom file exclusions, or migrations between different architectures (e.g., x86 to ARM).
Migration in the Cloud Era: Balancing Local and Online Needs
As cloud adoption accelerates across both personal and business usage, migration tools must strike a balance between local and cloud-based data. Microsoft’s approach here sidesteps both extremes—with neither an all-in cloud sync nor a solely offline USB/drive method. By favoring local network transfer but requiring cloud-based reconfiguration (Microsoft Store, OneDrive), the company implicitly guides users toward hybrid models.This is in keeping with broader trends in Windows 11, where Microsoft increasingly leverages cloud identity (Microsoft Accounts, OneDrive, Store tying, Copilot) as vehicles for personalization and security—but still recognizes many users’ need to control sensitive data locally.
What This Means for Upgrading from Windows 10
With official Windows 10 support set to expire, users can expect a strong push from Microsoft and the broader PC industry to upgrade to modern Windows 11 machines—many of which require relatively recent hardware (e.g., compatible CPUs, TPM 2.0, sufficient RAM). The new migration tool lowers one of the biggest barriers to that process.However, users with older or non-compliant PCs—those unable to run Windows 11 due to hardware limitations—will need to weigh options carefully. The migration tool requires both old and new machines to be on supported operating systems with all recent updates. Those using legacy builds, custom images, or non-standard device architectures (e.g., Linux partitions, advanced bootloaders) will need to consider manual migration, external drives, or third-party software.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Migration Experience
For those preparing to switch to a new Windows 11 PC, here are several best practices based on verified guidance:- Update Both Machines: Ensure your old PC is fully updated (Windows 10/11 latest cumulative updates); the feature may not appear otherwise.
- Prepare the Network: Use a wired connection where possible for stability and speed. If using Wi-Fi, ensure both devices are on the same network and have strong signal strength.
- Decrypt BitLocker Drives: If any desired data is on encrypted drives, decrypt them before starting the process.
- Backup Critical Data Separately: As a best practice, create a redundant copy of your most important files (external drive, cloud, or both) before initiating any migration. This guards against accidental overwrites or transfer errors.
- Check Special Folders: If you store unique or non-standard files outside typical user directories, verify they are included in your selections.
- Plan for Apps and Settings: Make a list of installed applications (or export it using PowerShell or other utilities) since these won’t migrate. Prepare license keys, install files, and settings ahead of time.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Windows Migration?
Microsoft’s emphasis on a smoother migration process reflects not only the immediate urgency of retiring Windows 10 but a larger strategic shift. As Windows 11 evolves, expect stronger synergies with Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem, more AI-driven recommendations during setup (potentially through Copilot integration), and broader support for diverse device architectures—including ARM and hybrid Windows devices.The staged rollout to Windows Insiders gives Microsoft valuable feedback, and based on that input, we can anticipate improvements and broader compatibility (especially for ARM and enterprise environments) in future updates.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s upgraded file and settings transfer experience for Windows 11 is a significant leap forward that should ease the anxiety and confusion typically associated with moving to a new PC—an especially welcome intervention as millions prepare to leave Windows 10 behind. Despite some notable restrictions (chiefly, no app migration, ARM support absent at launch, BitLocker decrypt requirements), the tool represents a thoughtful marriage of user-centric design, privacy, and broad compatibility.Experienced users may continue to use more advanced, granular third-party migration solutions as needed, but for the mainstream audience—especially home users and small businesses—the native tool will save time, reduce errors, and demystify the migration process. As Windows 11 continues to mature and expand its reach, seamless onboarding will be critical not only to user satisfaction but to Microsoft’s long-term vision for the platform.
For anyone planning a new PC purchase this year, familiarizing yourself with the new migration options is not just advisable—it’s essential to ensure a smooth, stress-free transition to the next generation of Windows computing.
Source: Neowin Windows 11 will soon let you transfer files from your old PC during setup, here is how