Moving to a new computer and want your user accounts, documents and settings to come along? Windows Easy Transfer was Microsoft's built-in migration wizard from Vista through Windows 8.1, copying data over a cable, network or external drive.
How do you choose what to move?
The transfer wizard detects the user profiles on the source PC and shows the size of each one. Choose the profiles to include, then inspect the selected files and deselect individual items you want to leave behind. The same file-by-file selection is available when restoring the transfer on the new PC.
This control over profiles and files can also support splitting a shared computer's data across more than one destination.
How does the transfer reach the new PC?
Windows 7 Easy Transfer supports a direct connection with an Easy Transfer cable, a computer network, or an external hard drive. With external storage, the tool saves an archive of the selected files and settings to a location you choose; the destination PC then reads that archive.
- Use a cable for a direct PC-to-PC connection.
- Choose a network to move data between connected computers.
- Use external storage to carry the saved transfer archive to the destination.
What does the transfer report show?
After a migration, Windows Easy Transfer can display a report of what moved and where it went. The report also lists programs found on the old computer, with links to get them again where available. Programs themselves are not moved and must be reinstalled. Microsoft removed Easy Transfer from Windows 10 and 11; for those systems use OneDrive, Windows Backup or a tool such as Laplink PCmover.
Pros
- Select individual user profiles and see each profile's size
- Choose specific files for transfer or restoration
- Offers cable, network, and external-drive transfer methods
- Creates a report of transferred items and their destinations
Cons
- Does not transfer installed applications
- Not available on Windows 10 or 11
- Cannot migrate from 64-bit to 32-bit Windows
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1
Does Windows 7 Easy Transfer move installed programs?
No. It transfers personal files and settings, but installed applications need to be installed separately on the new PC.
Can I choose which user profiles and files to transfer?
Yes. Select profiles on the source PC, then review and deselect individual files before transferring or restoring.
What transfer methods does it support?
It supports an Easy Transfer cable, a computer network, and an external hard drive.