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How to use Windows Windows Easy Transfer for migration.

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How to Use Windows Easy Transfer for Migration

Introduction

When setting up a new computer or upgrading to a new version of Windows, it can be a tedious task to transfer all your files, settings, and programs from the old computer to the new one. However, with the help of Windows Easy Transfer, this process can be simplified and made much more efficient. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps of using Windows Easy Transfer for migration.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

  • Both the old and new computers running a supported version of Windows (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10).
  • Sufficient storage space on an external hard drive or USB flash drive to store the data for transfer.
  • A reliable network connection (if you prefer to transfer data over the network).

Step 1: Launch Windows Easy Transfer

  1. Turn on both the old and new computers.
  2. Connect the external hard drive or USB flash drive with enough storage space to store the data from the old computer.
  3. On the new computer, navigate to the Windows Start menu and search for "Windows Easy Transfer." Click on the application when it appears in the search results.

Step 2: Choose a Transfer Method

  1. In the Windows Easy Transfer window, you will be presented with two transfer options: "An Easy Transfer cable" and "A network." Choose the option that suits your situation.
    • If you have an Easy Transfer cable, connect it to both the old and new computers.
    • If you prefer to transfer data over the network, select the "A network" option.

Step 3: Select the Transfer Type

  1. On the old computer, click on the "This is my old computer" option in the Windows Easy Transfer window.
  2. Choose whether you want to transfer your data by selecting the appropriate transfer method:
    • If using an Easy Transfer cable, choose "Use a cable to transfer files and settings."
    • If using a network, select "Transfer directly from one computer to another."
  3. Click on the "Next" button to proceed.

Step 4: Choose what to Transfer

  1. Windows Easy Transfer will now perform a scan on the old computer to identify the data and settings available for transfer.
  2. Once the scan is complete, you will be presented with a list of options to choose from. Select the data and settings you want to transfer to the new computer.
    • By default, Windows Easy Transfer selects the most common items, including user accounts, documents, music, pictures, videos, and email settings.
    • You can also click on the "Advanced options" link to specify additional items for transfer.
  3. After selecting the desired items, click on the "Next" button.

Step 5: Save the Transfer File

  1. Choose whether you want to save the transfer file directly on an external hard drive or USB flash drive or create a network location to save it for later access.
  2. Click on the "Save" button to begin the transfer process. This may take some time depending on the amount of data being transferred.

Step 6: Connect the Transfer Storage Device to the New Computer

  1. Disconnect the transfer storage device (external hard drive or USB flash drive) from the old computer.
  2. Connect the transfer storage device to the new computer.

Step 7: Import the Transferred Data

  1. On the new computer, launch Windows Easy Transfer as described in Step 1.
  2. In the "Windows Easy Transfer" window, select the "This is my new computer" option.
  3. Choose whether you want to transfer data from the external storage device or network location, depending on the method you used in Step 5.
  4. Click on the "Transfer" button to start importing the transferred data to the new computer.

Step 8: Review the Imported Data and Settings

  1. Once the transfer process is complete, Windows Easy Transfer will display a summary of the imported data and settings.
  2. Review the summary and click on the "Close" button.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully used Windows Easy Transfer to migrate your data, settings, and programs from your old computer to a new one. This tool significantly simplifies the migration process, saving you both time and effort. Now you can enjoy your new computer with all your familiar files and settings in place.

Remember to properly organize and verify your transferred data to ensure everything is as expected before fully relying on the new system.