Microsoft accounts are easy to transfer; you’re able to move files manually.
Transwiz (free) and PCmover (paid) also do a good job.
Starting with Windows 8, you could choose to sign in with a Microsoft account.
Signing in with that same account on any equipment would transfer many of your prefs.
When Microsoft released Windows 10, itdid not bring forward Easy Transfer.
Instead, Microsoft chose to partner withLaplinkand for a short period offered free access to its PCmover software.
Unfortunately, that free offer is no longer available.
If you want to use PCmover, you’ll need to spend at least $30 now.
What’s the Best Way to Move a Windows User Profile?
We investigated several methods of manually moving Windows user profiles from one PC to another.
But, in each case, we couldn’t consistently move the profile without some further troubleshooting afterward.
We can’t recommend a process that requires so much manual fixing of file permissions and other complicated work.
Each has benefits and downsides.
Some features, like OneDrive anddevice encryption, won’t work without it.
Think of this as a quick way to bring over Windows prefs and get cloud sync going.
The conversion process is easy, especially if you already have a Microsoft account.
If you don’t, you’ll need to make one.
You’ll need to start this process on the PC with the account you want to transfer.
punch the Start button then the prefs gear.
Then choose Accounts, followed by “Sign in with a Microsoft account” instead.
Then follow the setup wizard.
Next, we’ll manually move over datausing Window 10’s File History tool.
After connecting a hard drive go to tweaks > Update & Security > Backup.
Select add a drive, then your external hard drive.
Windows will start making a backup automatically.
By default, the backup includes the Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos folders.
If you want additional folders, hit the “More options” text and choose the folders to add.
Take your external to your new machine and plug it in.
You will need to reinstall any programs to finish things up.
You’ll also need an external hard drive.
First, download and installTranswizon both the old and new machine.
The program is free.
On the old machine, if you only have one profile, create a new one with admin rights.
Then switch to it.
Transwiz can’t transfer a profile if you’re currently signed into it.
Start Transwiz and select “I want to transfer data to another computer” and click Next.
Then choose the profile you want to switch and click Next.
Choose your external drive as the location to save; click next.
Then enter a password if you want one.
Take it to your new machine, open Transwiz there, and choose the restore data option.
A machine restart is required to finish adding the profile.
Transwiz brings over user profiles, but not any data.
If you want your files and folders, use the file history process described above.
You’ll need to reinstall programs, too.
PCmover will not only migrate your user profile, but it will move files as well.
More expensive options also transfer applications.
You’ll need todownload and pay for PCmoverto get started.
Laplink offers ethernet and USB transfer cables you’ve got the option to purchase.
However, another benefit to this method if you’re able to skip the external drive.
If you purchased a transfer cable, connect it to both PCs.
On each PC, choose the other PC to connect.
go for the cable connection for both.
Then click “OK.”
PCmover will make a run at guess the direction to move data.
If it gets it wrong, you’re able to pick the words “Switch transfer direction.”
Eventually, you’ll see an amount of data to be transferred.
If you’d like more granular control, click “View details.”
when you land everything to your liking, click “Start Transfer.”
When PCmover finishes, it will prompt to reboot your system.
Once you the reboot completes, you’re done.
Transwiz can still do a decent job if you’re looking for a free solution.
If you gotta move everything in your PC, you should take a closer look at PCmover.
