PC-to-PC migration Archives

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Microsoft’s trying to force OneDrive on us yet again – this time for moving from a Windows 10 PC to a Windows 11 one

Microsoft has released a promotional video demonstrating the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using its Backup app, which simplifies data and settings transfer from an existing PC to a new one. The video emphasizes the need for OneDrive subscriptions, as the free account offers only 5GB of storage, which may not be sufficient for many users. Users can avoid subscription fees by selectively transferring larger files, such as photos and videos, to an external drive. A future feature in the Windows Backup app will allow direct PC-to-PC migration via a local network, but it is not yet operational and requires a Microsoft account. The promotional video does not mention this feature.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Windows 11 officially kills the Blue Screen of Death in latest update

Microsoft has replaced the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with a Black Screen of Death in Windows 11 update KB5062660, which is available for manual installation. The update is part of the optional cumulative updates for Windows 11 version 24H2 and will upgrade the system to Build 26100.4770. The new BSOD features a black background, omits the sad emoticon and QR code, and displays for about two seconds. The update also introduces enhancements for AI-capable PCs, the Recall feature for selective blocking of applications and websites in the EU, and the Quick Machine Recovery feature for faster system recovery.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft Unveils PC-to-PC Migration Tool for Local Transfers as Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing new devices. To address concerns about cloud dependency, Microsoft has introduced a PC-to-PC migration tool that allows users to transfer files, settings, and applications directly from a Windows 10 machine to a Windows 11 device over a local network, without using OneDrive. This tool requires both PCs to be on the same Wi-Fi network and powered on simultaneously. However, it necessitates a Microsoft account for authentication and lacks full support for Arm-based devices. The introduction of this tool appears to be a strategic response to competition and user demand for alternatives to cloud-based solutions.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Microsoft’s new option to switch from Windows 10 to a new Windows 11 device could be ideal for people who hate OneDrive

Microsoft is developing a PC-to-PC migration feature for Windows 11 to assist users transitioning from Windows 10, contingent on hardware compatibility. This feature is partially integrated but non-functional until further updates. To migrate, both PCs must be on the same network and logged in with a Microsoft account. Users can transfer selected files and settings, excluding temporary/system files, applications, and saved passwords. A timer will display the estimated migration duration, and if the network drops, Windows will attempt to resume the transfer automatically. The migration feature is an alternative to using OneDrive for backups, but still requires a Microsoft account. Users configuring a backup via the Windows Backup app receive an additional year of Windows 10 support. The migration does not transfer applications directly, similar to the Backup app, which provides download links instead. Drives encrypted with BitLocker must be decrypted before migration, and Arm CPU devices are currently unsupported. The full functionality of this feature is expected to roll out soon in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Microsoft Revives Windows 7-Style PC Migration Tool for Windows 11

Microsoft has launched a new PC-to-PC migration tool for Windows 10 and 11, integrated into the Windows Backup app, allowing users to transfer files and personal settings between two computers over a local network. This tool revives the functionality of "Windows Easy Transfer" from earlier Windows versions. The migration process requires both PCs to be on the same network and connected to power, with a secure pairing process using a six-digit code. The tool transfers user files, documents, photos, videos, and personalization settings but does not transfer installed applications, saved passwords, system files, or files already in OneDrive. It also requires the old PC to run Windows 10 or 11 and the new PC to run Windows 11 version 2024 or later, with both computers signed into a Microsoft Account. The tool currently does not support ARM-based devices.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

New Windows 11 update delivers a host of new features and fixes – here are 4 things I’m looking forward to

Windows 11's July update includes several new features and fixes, particularly benefiting gamers by resolving issues with mouse cursor behavior when Alt-Tabbing and addressing app freezes and display resets during full-screen gameplay. The update automatically resizes taskbar icons to fit more applications, with an option to disable this feature. Accessibility improvements include the ability to add custom words to the Voice Access dictionary and a new privacy feature for the Narrator tool that blackens the display while reading aloud. For European users, the update allows the chosen default browser to be linked to all file types, reducing unexpected launches of Microsoft Edge. Additionally, a new PC-to-PC migration feature is being introduced in the Windows Backup app to facilitate file and installation transfers over a shared network, with a full rollout expected before the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 11 KB5062553 & KB5062552 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5062553 for version 24H2 and KB5062552 for version 23H2, addressing security vulnerabilities and various issues. Users can install these updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. After installation, Windows 11 24H2 will have a build number of 26100.4652, and version 23H2 will be updated to 226x1.5624. The updates include enhancements such as smaller taskbar icons, a Microsoft 365 Copilot button in the Click to Do feature, and new features for Narrator and voice access. The PC-to-PC migration experience is being rolled out, and the Settings homepage is being updated for commercial customers. The taskbar will now dynamically resize icons, and the Accessibility menu has been reorganized. Ongoing issues with certain fonts in regions like China, Japan, and Korea have been noted, but no new issues have been identified.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Windows 11 KB5060829 update released with 38 new changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5060829 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, featuring 38 enhancements, including an improved taskbar and a new PC-to-PC migration experience. This optional update allows Windows administrators to test bug fixes and features before the next Patch Tuesday release. The update focuses on non-security improvements, with the PC-to-PC migration feature expected to roll out in a future update. Adjustments to the taskbar allow for more app icons to be displayed when space is limited. Users can install the update via Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.4484 and includes fixes for various issues, such as script delays on SMB shares, unresponsive applications when exiting full-screen games, and problems with Windows Hello certificate renewal. A known issue affects CJK text clarity at 96 DPI in Chromium-based browsers. Windows 11 24H2 is broadly deployed, and the Windows 11 2024 Update is being rolled out to eligible Windows 10 22H2 PCs.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft readies new Windows 11 feature drop for next month — here’s what’s coming, and when

Microsoft is set to release a new update for Windows 11 on July 8, coinciding with Patch Tuesday updates. Key enhancements include: - Taskbar improvements with dynamically resizing icons and a wider indicator pill for open applications. - A visual preview feature for sharing links and web content, along with adjustable image compression levels. - A new PC-to-PC migration experience for transferring files and settings during new device setup. - Performance enhancements in File Explorer for extracting archive files. - The Screen Curtain feature in Narrator for enhanced privacy by blacking out the screen while content is read aloud. - An improved Narrator experience with guided prompts for discovering features. - Voice access now supports navigation and dictation in Simplified and Traditional Chinese and allows adding custom words to the dictionary. - Tailored enterprise-focused settings for IT-managed PCs. - Region settings will display the selected country or region during device setup. These features are currently in testing through the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, with general availability expected on July 8. Users who opt for early updates may experience some features as a non-security preview update in late June.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

Microsoft Drops New Windows 11 Builds for Canary and Release Preview Testers

Microsoft has released two new Windows 11 preview builds for Insiders on the Canary and Release Preview Channels. The Canary build 27881 includes features such as: - Speech recap in Narrator for monitoring spoken content and live transcriptions. - A profanity filter setting for voice typing that can be disabled. - A redesigned needy state pill UI for taskbar icons. - An accessibility flyout in quick settings categorized by assistive technology types. - Enhanced Windows Share allowing image editing and sharing through the context menu. - A new FAQs section in Settings addressing common system questions. - Updated touch input visual design with "animating bubbles." ISOs for the Canary build 27881 are available for clean installs, and an updated Snipping Tool with GIF export is accessible for Insiders. The Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.4482 for the Release Preview Channel includes: - An option for the taskbar to automatically resize icons. - Enhanced Windows Share with visual previews and three image compression levels. - A Screen Curtain feature in Narrator for privacy. - A settings homepage tailored for managed PCs with enterprise features. - Updated app defaults in the EEA for selecting new default browsers. - A new PC-to-PC migration experience for transferring files and settings during setup. Additionally, Microsoft has released the Windows 11 23H2 Build 22631.5548, which addresses issues from a previous build, and Windows 10 Insiders can access build 19045.6033 to rectify issues from an earlier release.