Forum Discussion
Help with "transfer your files and settings to new PC"
We just got a new Windows 11 PC and we want to transfer the files and settings from a Windows 10 PC.
I didn't notice that upon setup of the new PC I had to select the fact that I wanted to transfer files and settings before actually tried to make the transfer from the backup app. So now when I select "transfer to new PC" it gives me the name of the old computer and tells me to enter that into the new computer. However, I can't see how or where to enter it. It seems like I might need to start the setup process again on the new computer and enter the fact that I was going to transfer files to that computer. How can I do that?
1 Reply
hi brewerpaul You don’t need to reset your new Windows 11 PC just because you missed the transfer step during setup. You can still move your files and settings over from your Windows 10 PC in a couple of different ways:
Windows Backup app (recommended):
On your Windows 10 PC, open the Windows Backup app (you can install it from the Microsoft Store if it’s not already there).
Sign in with your Microsoft account and run a backup.
On your Windows 11 PC, sign in with the same Microsoft account, open the Windows Backup app, and you’ll see your old backup available to restore.
Manual transfer:
Copy your important folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop, etc.) to OneDrive or to an external USB drive, then move them onto the new PC.
Reset & redo setup (only if you want the original out-of-box transfer experience):
You can reset your new PC from Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
When the setup restarts, you’ll be offered the transfer option again.
This step isn’t usually necessary unless you want the exact same guided setup experience.
The quickest and easiest way forward is usually option 1 (Windows Backup). It’s built to handle migration between Windows 10 and Windows 11 and will carry over more than just your files.
Hope this helps you get your new PC up and running smoothly!
