Forum Discussion
Look for suggestions to transfer apps from pc to pc
You can't directly transfer installed apps between PCs because most applications integrate deeply into the Windows system. They place files in system folders, write specific registry entries, and create dependencies unique to that initial installation. Simply copying the program folder misses these critical components, which means the app won't run properly on the new machine.
The primary method for transferring apps from pc to pc is to reinstall it using the original installer or setup file on the new PC. This ensures all necessary system files and registry settings are correctly established for that specific computer's configuration. For purchased apps, you'll need your license key to reactivate them on the new device.
However, you can transfer the installation files or downloaders themselves. You can copy downloaded .exe or .msi installer files to a USB drive, or use the same app store account (like the Microsoft Store). For your personal data, you can manually transfer the associated documents and save files, which are often stored in the "Documents" or "AppData" folders.