How do I transfer everything from Windows 10 to a new Windows 11 PC

Windows 11 setup has a built-in migration path that lets you restore from a previous PC during the initial installation process, without needing third-party tools. This is how to transfer everything from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on a new PC or laptop.

1. Microsoft Account Restore (OOBE)

During the Out-of-Box Experience (the initial setup screens after a fresh Windows 11 install), Windows will offer to restore from a previous PC automatically.

Steps:

1. Boot into Windows 11 setup on the new PC
2. When prompted to sign in, use the same Microsoft account as your old PC
3. Windows detects previous PCs linked to that account and shows a screen: "Let's get you back to your recent self"
4. Choose your old PC from the list
5. Select what to restore — apps, settings, and preferences
6. Windows completes setup and begins restoring in the background

This works best when the old PC had Windows Backup enabled and OneDrive syncing active beforehand.

2. Transfer Local Files with OneDrive

OneDrive can act as a free intermediary to move local files from your old Windows 10 PC to your new Windows 11 PC without an external drive.

Limitations of Built-in Migration

• No app data transfer for Win32 apps — settings for apps like Photoshop, games, or specialist software don't carry over
• Local files only transfer if they were in OneDrive-backed folders
• Microsoft account required — doesn't work well with local accounts
• Older app licenses may need reactivation on new hardware

For a more complete migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 including app data and non-OneDrive files, combining the built-in restore with a tool like PCmover or a manual external drive backup gives the most complete result.