Microsoft has been in discussions for several months regarding the introduction of a new feature dubbed “Transfer information to a new PC” within the Windows Backup utility for both Windows 10 and 11. Recently, a portion of this functionality made its debut in the latest Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11. While the complete experience is still pending, a newly released Microsoft Support document sheds light on how this feature will operate and what users can expect.
The Microsoft Support document poses a question to users: “Are you planning to upgrade to a new PC?” It then offers a guide designed to facilitate an automatic transfer of files, settings, and preferences from an old PC to a new one.
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Currently, the Windows Backup app provides a means to back up documents—essentially syncing them through OneDrive Folder backup—along with certain applications (primarily Store apps), and various settings related to accessibility, personalization, and language. Additionally, it manages Wi-Fi credentials and other information via the user’s Microsoft account. When setting up a new PC, users are prompted to restore from this backup during the Windows installation process.
However, a significant update is on the horizon for Windows Backup, introducing the “Transfer information to a new PC” feature alongside the existing “Back up this PC” option. While part of this functionality was rolled out in the recent Patch Tuesday update, some elements remain unavailable.
According to the Microsoft Support documentation, this transfer process is exclusive to users who sign in with a Microsoft account and will not support Windows 11 on Arm devices. The procedure involves connecting both PCs to the same Wi-Fi network, launching Windows Backup on the old PC, selecting the “Transfer information to a new PC” option, choosing the destination PC when prompted, entering a one-time code on the new PC, and finally selecting the data to be transferred.
The “Transfer information to a new PC” feature supports the transfer of the following:
- All files. This includes documents, photos, videos, and any other files saved across folders or drives.
- Settings and preferences. Users can expect their wallpaper, themes, and other personalization settings to be transferred seamlessly.
However, there are certain limitations to be aware of, as the transfer does not include:
- System and OS files located in Program Files, Program Data, Temp, and similar directories.
- Files stored in OneDrive.
- Applications that were installed on the old PC.
- Saved passwords and sign-in credentials.
- Data on drives encrypted with BitLocker; users must decrypt these drives prior to initiating the transfer, a requirement that may seem inconvenient to some.
