Microsoft built a local PC-to-PC transfer tool for Windows 11, now it’s killing it to push OneDrive-based solution

Microsoft has officially announced the discontinuation of its PC-to-PC transfer tool, a feature that quietly emerged for Windows 11 users. This tool, which facilitated file transfers over Wi-Fi or LAN, provided an alternative to the OneDrive sync method employed by the Windows Backup application. For many users, this feature may have flown under the radar, given its phased rollout.

In a recent update to its support documentation, Microsoft confirmed that the PC-to-PC migration feature is no longer available and has shifted its focus to recommending the Windows Backup solution, which relies on OneDrive for file storage. Consequently, users looking to set up a new PC with files and settings from an existing device will now need to restore a backup linked to their Microsoft account and retrieve synced files via OneDrive.

This transition raises questions about the impact on users who appreciated the simplicity of the PC-to-PC transfer tool, particularly those familiar with the Easy Transfer tool from Windows 7. The former allowed for a seamless connection between two PCs on the same network, enabling direct file transfers without the need for cloud uploads.

<figure id="attachment78801″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-78801″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter”><figcaption id="caption-attachment78801″ class=”wp-caption-text”>Restoring Windows 11 24H2 backup on 23H2 using OneDrive-powered Windows Backup

In contrast, the OneDrive-based Windows Backup method requires users to contend with storage limitations. Files stored in OneDrive count against the user’s available storage space, which is capped at 5GB for free accounts. This means that only files that have been synced can be restored, potentially complicating the setup process for users with larger data needs.

Microsoft previously described the PC-to-PC transfer tool as a means to ensure that users could easily migrate their important data to a new PC, preserving files, settings, and preferences. The tool explicitly stated that it did not interact with OneDrive, meaning that any files stored in the cloud would require separate login credentials to access on the new device.

Microsoft tried bringing back Windows 7-style Easy Transfer with Windows 11’s PC-to-PC transfer, and is now killing it in favor of OneDrive. What happened?

The PC-to-PC transfer tool was first tested by Windows Latest in July 2025, appearing as part of monthly cumulative updates. It was integrated within the Windows Backup app, allowing users to choose between the local transfer option and the OneDrive solution. To initiate the transfer, users would select “Transfer information to a new PC,” pairing the devices with a one-time code, and then choose specific files and folders to move, rather than performing a blanket transfer.

During testing, it became evident that the PC-to-PC migration tool not only transferred documents, photos, and videos but also retained user settings such as wallpaper and themes—all accomplished locally without the need for cloud storage. However, certain limitations persisted, as saved passwords, credentials, and installed applications could not be transferred and had to be managed separately.

Despite its limitations, the PC-to-PC migration tool offered a more efficient solution for users transitioning to new devices compared to the OneDrive-based backup system. With the removal of this local option, Microsoft is now steering users toward its OneDrive-centric approach for file synchronization and device setup.