How to use Windows Easy Transfer in 2025 to migrate everything to your new PC

Transfer all content from an old computer to a new one It's one of the most common challenges when changing PCs. Personal files, music, pictures, important documents, user accounts, favorites, emails, and program settings are part of your daily routine, and losing them would be disastrous. Fortunately, there are tools like Easy Transfer to make the process easier.

In fact, it's about the reference solution for migrating data between Windows computersUnfortunately, the original Microsoft tool has been discontinued in newer versions, although it is still available.

What is Easy Transfer and how does it work?

Easy Transfer was the official Microsoft utility designed to copy files and settings between PCs running Windows operating systems. This application allowed users to move user accounts, documents, music, images, emails, videos, Internet favorites, and various customizations. Its main advantage was its ease of use: simply follow a wizard, select the items you wanted to transfer, and choose the connection method (special cable, network, or external device).

The usual flow consisted of Run Easy Transfer on your old computer and save your data to an external drive or USB, then use the same program on your new computer to restore all your information. The tool allowed users to choose whether the transfer would be performed using a dedicated cable (Easy Transfer Cable), a pre-configured local network, or a USB flash drive. After completing the process, the user would restore most of their data and settings to the new environment.

These are the elements that the tool allows us (allowed us) to transfer:

• Complete user accounts
• Documents, images, videos and music
• Emails, contacts and calendars (depending on the client)
• Internet Favorites and Bookmarks
• System settings and supported programs
• Miscellaneous additional data

Methods available with Easy Transfer: options and limitations

Easy Transfer offers three main methods to perform migration:

• Direct connection via Easy Transfer cable: A special USB cable that linked the two computers directly, facilitating a fast and stable transfer.
• Local network (Ethernet or WiFi): If both computers were on the same network, the copy could be performed without additional hardware. All that was required was a working connection.
• External device (USB or hard drive): Saving the data to a portable memory stick and downloading the package to the second PC was the simplest and most common option for most users.

Please note that Easy Transfer is not suitable for migrating installed applications; It only transferred personal data and program settings. If you wanted to copy programs as well, you had to manually reinstall them on the new system. The utility also had other restrictions:

• It did not support 64-bit to 32-bit transfers.
• It did not work on operating systems newer than Windows 8.1.
• It did not allow transferring files between different operating systems (Linux or Mac).

With the arrival of Windows 10 and Windows 11Microsoft has officially retired Easy Transfer, leaving users without a native tool to facilitate the migration process. However, there are very reliable and simple alternatives to make up for this deficiency.

Current alternatives to Easy Transfer for Windows 10 and 11

Although The original Easy Transfer is no longer available for newer systems., today there are several specialized tools that perform the same function or even surpass it. They stand out EaseUS All PCTrans y Zinstall (with its Easy Transfer and WinWin versions), which allow you to migrate data, settings, and entire programs from one machine to another, whether on the same network, with a normal cable, or through a backup copy on an external drive.

The operation of these utilities usually follows a very similar scheme:

• You install the program on both PCs (old and new).
• Both computers must be turned on and connected to each other (via network, cable, or sharing the external drive).
• You select the type of items to transfer: files, accounts, programs, or complete user settings.
• Launch the wizard and wait for the process to complete. Depending on the amount of data, this can take from minutes to several hours.
• There is no need to purchase specific cables or perform advanced configurations.

Advantages of these modern solutions:

• They also allow you to transfer installed applications (Office, Photoshop, browsers, etc.).
• They support current systems such as Windows 11 and Windows 10.
• They include additional features such as data recovery on damaged computers or custom migrations.

How to use alternative software step by step

The migration process using modern alternatives like EaseUS Todo PCTrans or Zinstall WinWin is very intuitive and requires little technical knowledge. Here are the general steps:

1. Download and install the program on both computers. It is essential that both are connected to the same network or at least have access to the same external drive.
2. Launch the program on the source computer and select “From PC to PC” or “Transfer to another PC.”
3. Enter the connection method: If it's via a network, the software will automatically detect the other PC or ask you to enter its IP address. If it's via an image file, you first create the copy and then import it to the destination computer.
4. Select the types of information you want to transfer: You can choose files only, include programs, or migrate entire accounts.
5. Click on “Transfer” and wait for the process to complete. You can track progress and see details on the screen.
6. Once the transfer is complete, your selected data, settings, and applications will be available on your new computer.

These programs offer additional benefits such as restoring data from computers that won't boot or recovering data from slow drives.

What type of data can you transfer? Detailed list

Current transfer solutions allow for the movement of a very wide range of information:

• Files and folders: Documents, images, videos, music, downloads, etc.
• Complete user profiles: Desktop, documents, favorites, saved passwords, browser settings.
• Programs and applications: From Microsoft Office or Adobe to browsers, games, and everyday utilities, depending on compatibility.
• Email accounts, contacts and calendars: If you use clients like Outlook or similar.
• Custom system settings: Wallpapers, themes, shortcuts, and various preferences.

The ability to migrate programs represents a significant advance over Microsoft's original utility.

Easy Transfer wired transfer: does it still make sense?

Easy Transfer cables were very popular in their time, but modern solutions have made their use practically unnecessary. These special USB cables, manufactured by brands such as Belkin or Laplink, allowed the two computers to be connected directly and transferred without the need for a network or intermediate storage.

Today, thanks to network connections (Ethernet or WiFi) and software improvements, you can migrate faster and more economically.without purchasing additional cables. Today's apps automatically detect the network and simplify the entire process. Plus, if you prefer the security of a physical device, you can use an external hard drive or USB.

If your home network is slow or has connectivity issues, a cable may still be useful, but in most cases it is NOT necessary.

Fundamental steps for efficient migration between PCs

For a successful and error-free migration, follow these key recommendations:

• Make a full backup before you begin. This way you'll avoid surprises and have a backup in case of failure.
• Verify that the new equipment meets the compatibility and program installation requirements.
• Use a stable and fast connection. If possible, opt for an Ethernet cable for speed and security.
• Carefully select the items to transfer. Take the opportunity to delete obsolete files, digital junk, and unnecessary programs.
• Have all necessary license and access keys on hand. Especially if you're transferring or reinstalling software like Office, Photoshop, or games with online activation.

The process usually ends with a report summarizing what was transferred, allowing you to verify that you have everything you need.

Ultimately, Migrating all your information to a new computer is now easier and safer than ever, thanks to new data transfer tools.There's no need to purchase special accessories or lose your favorite programs: you can transfer your files, profiles, and software with just a few clicks. Just choose the appropriate method, make a backup beforehand, and follow the steps indicated by the chosen utility. This way, you can start using your new PC without losing important data and with the peace of mind that everything is still in place, just like when you left your old computer.