You bought a new computer and you want to make sure that all the files you had stored on your old PC are transferred to your new device. After all, even though many of our photos and other types of files are stored in the cloud, we still store the files physically on our computer.
To transfer files from your old computer to your new computer, you can restore a file backup, use a cloud storage service or perform the file transfer manually.
Below we provide you with different ways to transfer files from one computer to another.
1. Create and restore a file backup
We should all take routine backups of our data to prevent a sudden hard drive failure from causing an unwanted catastrophe.
If you haven’t yet gotten into the habit of backing up regularly, we recommend th at you check out our article on
With this method, you can create copies of your files and folders, which can then be restored to the new computer using the “File History” feature described in the article above.
Another option is to use a Software specific backup, such as Acronis TrueImage, which lets you specify what data you want to backup and restore, while also giving you the option to clone your entire system (including applications and operating system) so that it can be recovered in the event crash required.
These types of plans aren’t free, but we still think they’re a good investment because being able to back up all your files, photos, and stored information in the event of your computer crashing is priceless.
2. Copy files manually
It may be more laborious, but if you don’t care about different applications or programs on your PC, you can copy your documents, music, photos and video folders to an external hard drive by dragging and dropping them via the ‘ File manager’. ‘window’.
To do this, plug in the external drive and open the “File Manager” window. Hold “CTRL + N” keys to open a second “File Manager” window next to the first one.
Now select the external drive that appears in the left column of one of the windows and use it as the destination drive.
Right-click to open the quick menu, then select “New > Folder”. Name it something that makes it easy for you to know what’s inside (eg “Documents”), then repeat the process until you have as many folders as you need.
You won’t be able to transfer your preferences and settings this way, but all your files will be safe, and you can use your hard drive to create backups on your new PC.
If you don’t have an external drive, check this article to find out what they are best external hard drives
3. Use a data transfer cable
Another approach is to use a specialized data transfer cable that comes with a Software designed to transfer files. The UGREEN data transfer cable is the perfect solution in this case.
Currently you can find the UGREEN PC to PC data transfer cable on Amazon Europe.
Once you have the cable, simply connect it to your two computers and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen, your files will be moved from one PC to the other in the blink of an eye.
4. Configure a NAS
If you’ve never considered the option of using a NAS (Network Attached Storage) before, now might be the perfect time.
These act as local servers that can store all your media, documents, and other files, meaning you can access them from any of your devices.
An added benefit of this route is that you won’t have to go through the various methods mentioned above the next time you buy a new PC, since all your files are stored on the NAS.
We recommend that you consult our guide with the best NAS that you can find on the market right now. One of our favorite options is the Synology NAS which you can
5. Use cloud storage
In addition, we recommend cloud storage, as this system will allow you to access your files from anywhere, not just from a single PC.
If you have any doubts about which service to use to save your files in the cloud, see our article in which we explain what it is the best cloud storage systems.
In this article, we review such popular programs as drop box oh Google Drivetwo of our favorites without a doubt.
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