How to Transfer Files from PC to PC
There is nothing more thrilling than purchasing a brand-new personal computer. Purchasing a new computer typically results in the acquisition of a plethora of new features, as well as increased power, improved graphics, and additional storage space. However, if you need to transfer files from your old computer to your new one, some of that excitement might be dampened. Do you need to know how to move files from one computer to another? We will assist you in determining the most effective way to carry it out.
There are a few different aspects that will have an impact on the procedure, including the total number of files that need to be transferred, the total size of those files, and the operating systems that are installed on both of the computers.
The process of transferring files isn’t overly complicated, but depending on how much information you need to move, it could take several hours. There are a few different routes you can take to move older files from one computer to another. The following is a list of the five most common methods that you can test out on your own.
1. Data storage in the cloud or web-based file transfers
When it comes to cloud storage, there are a number of different providers, such as Google Drive and OneDrive, that you can use to upload and download files. Whomever you choose as your storage provider depends entirely on your own personal preferences. When it comes to transferring files, why are cloud drives such a convenient option? because cloud-based services enable you to download and transfer files of virtually unlimited sizes, provided that there is sufficient space for the files to be stored.
You also have the option of using web software to upload larger files if you do not have access to cloud storage or would prefer not to use it. For example, you can upload files of up to 5 GB in size all at once using PlusTransfer, which is a totally free service. Do you despise having to sign up for services? You don’t even need to sign up for an account, and there’s no software for you to download. Don’t be concerned about that. It provides a streamlined solution to the requirements of file sharing.
BitTorrent Sync is an additional simple option for sharing large files that does not rely on cloud services. If you prefer to use downloadable software, you can use this method instead. Another app that allows users to share files directly with one another is called FilePizza. You won’t have to wait around because the file can be downloaded instantly from the other computer as soon as it is uploaded to the first computer. Due to the fact that FilePizza operates within a web browser, it is not necessary for both computers to be connected to the same cloud drive [1].
2. Hard disc drives (SSD and HDD) connected using SATA cables
Are you attempting to move data from an older laptop to a more recent model? You might believe that you are out of options when it comes to recovering your data if your outdated computer is not functioning properly, but thankfully, this is not the case. SATA cables are used to connect hard disc drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) to the main circuit board, also known as the motherboard. SATA stands for Serial ATA.
Your new computer should come equipped with either a SATA solid-state drive (SSD) or an eSATA port, which will allow you to connect your older hard drive. After you have installed the previous drive in the new computer, the operating system will read the drive and then start the process of transferring the data over [2].
Using this method could present some challenges, one of which is locating an additional SATA port. It is possible that you will need to make use of a SATA to USB converter in order to solve this issue.
After you have removed all of the data from your previous hard drive, you will have the option of employing it as an additional storage device that is connected to your computer. If you want to make sure that you don’t lose any important files, this is an excellent tool to use.
3. Basic cable transfer
You don’t need to rely on a cloud-based service or an external hard drive to transfer data; instead, you can use a number of different cables instead. Because files are copied and pasted in tandem from one personal computer to another using this method, it is typically much faster than using drives.
The transfer software that is included with the cable will begin guiding you through the process of migrating your files and settings as soon as you connect your devices to each other via the USB ports. You will be able to transfer data a lot faster if both computers have USB 3.0 ports, so keep this in mind as you begin the process of migrating files from one computer to another [3].
In the event that you require any cables or accessories to initiate your data transfer, HP provides a wide selection of cables to give you the ability to get the most out of the experience.
4. To expedite the transfer of your data, use the appropriate software.
It’s possible that the LapLink PCmover v.11.0 Ultimate with an Ethernet cable is exactly what you’ve been looking for if you’ve been trying to find an easy way to move files from one personal computer to another. Using this software, you’ll have an easy time transferring files from your previous computer to the one running Windows 10.
To begin utilising the PCmover software, you will first need to instal the programme on both your new and old personal computers. The majority of the applications and files will have been installed so that they can begin operating on the new computer right away. This means that you won’t need to hunt down licence numbers or installation discs. Since Microsoft decided to discontinue Windows Easy Transfer, the only viable alternative for transferring data now available is PCmover, which is both incredibly quick and absolutely essential.
PCmover benefits:
Provides the capability to select precisely which users, files, settings, and applications are to be moved to your new computer.
If the device is used by more than one person at a time, it will only transfer certain files and applications to the users who request them.
Each individual user has their own unique set of security information and access controls for each and every file.
The one and only method of information transfer that Microsoft recommends.
You have a number of options available to you when using Laplink’s PCmover to move the data on your personal computer. PCmover’s auto connection technology will determine for you the method of migration that is both the quickest and most efficient:
Using either a wireless or a wired network.
utilising a cable for Ethernet provided by Laplink
Via a Laplink USB 2.0 cable
Cable for SuperSpeed USB 3.0 from Laplink
Transferring data directly from an outdated hard drive or another device.
Again, the speed of the data migration will vary depending on factors such as the number of files, the size of the files, the connection speed, the connection reliability, and the size of the hard drive. This is true regardless of the method used to move the data (s).
The primary advantage of utilising software like PCmover is that it gives you the ability to personalise your new personal computer based on the settings of the previous device. Your new computer will have a similar look and feel once you have applied the settings from your previous machine to the new one. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the configuration of your new computer might not be exactly the same depending on the upgrades that you choose to instal.
5. Transfer your data over WiFi or LAN
You can set up a local area network (LAN) between your two computers if they are both connected to the same network and are within range of one another. This will allow you to use one computer to browse the hard drives of the other computer and select the files that you want to be copied over to the first computer.
A setting that is built into Windows 10 and other operating systems enables users to configure their own local networks in such a way that devices connected to the same network are able to identify and communicate with one another. What exactly does this entail for the end user? You will not need to go through the process of establishing a new connection each time you transfer files from one personal computer to another personal computer. As long as both devices continue to have power supplied to them, the connection will always be available [4].
6. Storing information on flash drives or an external storage device
This is probably the most common method for transferring files from one personal computer to another, as opposed to sending files via email, which can only accommodate files of a maximum size of approximately 25 megabytes [5]. For this method of data sharing, you only need to complete a few steps, which are as follows:
Insert the flash drive via USB into the older computer.
After the flash drive has been identified, copy the files and applications of your choice onto it.
Remove the plug from the flash drive following the necessary steps (do not remove until files have finishing copying)
You can move your files over to your new computer by plugging in the flash drive.
This copy-and-paste method is user-friendly, but it has restrictions because it is constrained by the amount of storage space available on the external device [6]. You should consider purchasing a USB 3.0 flash drive if the computers that you are transferring data between both have ports that are compatible with USB 3.0. These drives have a very high capacity and can transfer data very quickly.
The greater the quantity of information that must be transferred to a new device, the higher the priority should be placed on the speed of the data transfer rate. If you intend to move a large number of files, even minute differences in speed can result in a time savings of several hours.
Because flash drives typically have a lower capacity for storage, many users may want to consider upgrading to an external hard drive in order to transfer files.
After you’re done transferring files
Before you get rid of the old drive, make sure you wipe it clean.
Have you finally completed the transfer of all those files? If you are planning on selling, giving away, or getting rid of your old personal computer, your first step should be to delete all of the data from your old drive and computer. Even if you transfer all of your personal files, there is still a risk that someone could obtain access to your old emails and other sensitive information. This could happen even if your files are encrypted.
Create a backup of your new drive.
The next thing you need to do is take precautions to safeguard any important data that may have been transferred to your new device. After the completion of the file migration, you need to make sure that all important files are backed up.
If you’ve ever misplaced an important work assignment just before the due date, or if you’ve ever tried to turn in an essay only to see the “blue screen of death,” then you are familiar with the feeling of panic that follows.
The following situations are much more common than you might think:
The theft of a tablet results in the loss of years of research.
A computer containing irreplaceable family photographs is wiped out by a natural disaster.
During your travels, you might lose your phone or computer.
Your files become completely inaccessible if they are infected with a virus or ransomware.
If you do not have a backup of those files, the data will be lost permanently. Take the time to back up your files on a device that is separate from your primary computer. When it comes to important legal documents, you should also consider storing a hard copy of them in a secure location. You can prevent a catastrophe from occurring if you have multiple copies of your data and files stored on an additional external hard drive. The majority of people don’t begin backing up their data until they experience their first significant data loss.
The process of data transfer does not have to be a source of frustration.
There are many different ways to accomplish what you want to do, even though it might appear complicated at first to know how to move files from one personal computer to another. You have the option of using software like PCmover, which walks you through the process of transferring data in a series of step-by-step instructions. You also have the choice of making use of an external hard drive in conjunction with the cut-and-paste method.
By utilising the various tools and software offered by HP, you will be one step closer to collecting all of the necessary files in a single, easily accessible location.
[1] Make Use Of; 5 ways to transfer files from one computer to another [2] Techwalla; How to use a USB data transfer cable [3] Windows Central; How to transfer data from an old PC to a new one [4]
[4] Windows Central: The Nearby Sharing feature in the Windows 10 April 2018 Update and how to use it to transfer files between computers
[5] JScape; four common methods for the transfer of large files that each have significant drawbacks
[6] AE Tech Group; Offering the most reliable means to move data from one computer to another