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XanderHart's avatar
XanderHart
Iron Contributor
Jan 18, 2026

Look for suggestions to transfer apps from pc to pc

I decided to trade in my old Windows 10 PC for a new one. Before starting the switch, I have to transfer my important apps from old pc to new one. These are mostly design and game apps. The challengi...
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JettStone's avatar
JettStone
Iron Contributor
Jan 18, 2026

You've encountered a common truth about Windows: you cannot simply  transfer apps from PC to PC and expect them to function properly. The copy-paste method fails because applications are tightly integrated with the Windows registry, system libraries, and user profiles on the original computer.

Step 1: Preparing the Old Computer

  1. Compile Application List: Record all applications requiring migration, noting key details—application name and version, acquisition channel, activation key/account.

  2. Locate Core Data: Identify transferable personalised data, typically found in the following paths:

    Game saves: Typically found in C:\Users\[username]\Saved Games, Documents\My Games, or within the corresponding game folder under AppData

    Design application presets/workspaces: Usually located at C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\[application name]

    Project files: Stored in the ‘Documents’ folder or dedicated working folders.

  3. Back up data: Copy the identified settings, save files, and project folders to an external hard drive.

Step 2: New Computer Installation

  1. Platform-based gaming applications: Install the corresponding client, log into your account, access your library, and download all games with one click. Cloud saves will synchronise automatically.

  2. Design applications: Log into the official desktop client and install the relevant software from within the client.

  3. Project file applications: Use the original .exe/.msi installation packages backed up from the old computer, or download and install the latest versions from the official website.

  4. Activate applications: Use the previously recorded licence keys, or log in to the corresponding accounts to complete software activation.

Step 3: Migrate Personalised Environments

  1. Manually Copy Data: Retrieve the relevant backup folders from the external hard drive and paste them into the exact same directory path on the new computer.

  2. Utilise Cloud Synchronisation: For games on platforms like Steam and Epic, as well as certain office applications, logging into the same account will automatically synchronise saves and settings. Prioritise waiting for cloud synchronisation to complete. If any data exists exclusively locally, supplement this by manually copying it over.

This preparatory work constitutes 80% of the campaign. The actual reinstallation process, though time-consuming, is straightforward and ensures your new computer boots with a clean, fast, and stable system. While requiring upfront effort, this is the only method to guarantee all your 20+ critical applications function correctly on the new machine.

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