Look for suggestions to transfer apps from pc to pc

When it comes to how to transfer apps from PC to PC. Be cautious about compatibility. Older applications may not work properly on newer Windows versions or hardware. Always verify that the applications are compatible with the target system.

Using Robocopy combined with Junction Points to transfer app from PC to PC is a technically possible. Robocopy is a powerful command-line tool for copying files and directories efficiently, and Junction Points are a type of reparse point that allows you to link folders or directories, making it seem like they are in different locations but actually point to the same data.

However, if you're aiming to transfer user data, documents, or certain folder structures, here's a general overview of how you might use Robocopy and junction points:

How to transfer Apps from PC to PC:

1. Backup Your Data with Robocopy

Use Robocopy to copy the relevant folders from the source PC to an external drive or network location.

Example command:

robocopy "C:\Users\YourName" "D:\Backup\YourName" /E /COPYALL /XJ

2. Create Junction Points on the Destination PC

• On the new PC, you can recreate the folder structure using junction points, which redirect folder paths to the data you've transferred.
• To create a junction point, first, ensure the target folder exists, then run:

mklink /J "C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\SomeApp" "D:\Backup\YourName\AppData\Roaming\SomeApp"

• This makes the folder "SomeApp" appear in the original location but actually points to the data stored elsewhere.

3. Limitations and Cautions

• This method does not transfer applications themselves—just data and folder structures.
• Many apps won't work correctly if only their data is moved, as they rely on registry entries and installed files.
• Reinstalling applications on the new PC is the safest way to ensure they work properly.

4. Best Practice

• Use Robocopy to back up user data.
• Reinstall applications on the new PC.
• Use junction points only for personal data or specific folders you want to redirect.

How to transfer apps from PC to PC? Using USMTGUI for transferring applications and user data between PCs is a feasible and free option, but with some important limitations.

USMT (User State Migration Tool) is a Microsoft utility designed for migrating user accounts, files, and settings during large deployments or OS upgrades. USMTGUI is a graphical user interface that simplifies the use of USMT, making it more accessible for users who prefer not to work directly with command-line tools.

However, it's important to note:

USMT primarily focuses on user data and settings, not applications. While it can transfer some types of application settings, it generally doesn’t transfer installed programs or apps, especially modern or complex ones like those from the Microsoft Store or UWP apps.

About how to transfer apps from PC to PC, you'd typically need dedicated tools or reinstallation, as USMT isn't designed for that purpose.

In practical terms:

USMTGUI is excellent for migrating user profiles, documents, and preferences from an old PC to a new one.

It’s a free tool and can be very useful if you want to preserve your user environment during a PC upgrade or migration.

If your goal is to transfer applications, you'll usually need to reinstall them manually on the new PC, or use specialized software designed for application migration.

Transferring apps from one PC to another via a backup and restore method typically involves using a system image tool, such as Windows Backup and Restore  or third-party cloning software. This process creates a complete snapshot of your entire drive, including the operating system, installed applications, settings, and files and allows you to restore that exact image onto another PC's drive.

Pros:

Complete Preservation: Transfers every app with all its settings, licenses, and registry entries intact, exactly as they were.

Saves Significant Time: Avoids the tedious process of manually reinstalling dozens of applications and reconfiguring them one by one.

Transfers Everything: Also moves the operating system, personal files, and custom settings in a single operation.

Cons:

Major Compatibility Risks: This method often fails or causes serious instability because the image contains all the original PC's drivers and system-specific configurations, which are incompatible with different hardware.

Requires a Clean Target Drive: The restore process typically erases the target PC's drive, removing any existing data or OS.

Complex and Risky: It is a technical process that, if done incorrectly, can render the new PC unbootable or lead to persistent system errors. It is generally only recommended for restoring a backup to the same computer.

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.

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.

What I need to tell you is that you cannot simply copy folders to transfer installed applications directly from one Windows computer to another. Installed applications are deeply integrated with the Windows registry, system files, and specific programme data locations. Copying the main Program Files folder will cause applications to become corrupted and inoperable on the new computer.

How to transfer apps from PC to PC

Stage 1: Old Computer Audit and Backup Preparation

• Record all software that must be installed on the new computer.

• Locate the installation package (.exe/.msi format) for each software, or bookmark the official download page.

• Navigate to C:\Users\[your username]\AppData and copy the entire folder to an external hard drive 

• Synchronise the old computer's ‘Documents’, “Desktop”, and ‘Downloads’ folders to the same external drive.

Stage 2: Installation and Configuration Restoration on New Computer

• Using the checklist, install all applications on the new computer via official installation packages / download pages. Do not directly copy the Program Files folder from the old computer.

• After installation, locate the configuration folders for each software from the AppData backup on the external drive (typically found in AppData\Roaming\[Software Name] or AppData\Local\[Software Name]). Copy these to the corresponding paths on the new computer .

• Copy the backed-up folders such as ‘Documents’ and ‘Desktop’ from the external hard drive to their corresponding locations on the new computer.

Stage 3: Verification and Finalisation

• Open each migrated application individually to confirm settings, personal configurations, and saved data are functioning correctly.

• Enter the previously collected product keys to complete activation.

• Run Windows Update and check for and install the latest versions within each application.

• Once verified, format the external hard drive for reuse or retain it as an archive.

For most users, installing applications fresh on the new computer and then manually copying their specific settings and data folders from the old computer's AppData and Documents locations is advisable. This avoids potential instability from cloning and ensures your new machine starts with a clean, properly configured system.