When you get a new laptop, you will probably want to move your files from your old laptop to your new one. The data you would want to transfer will probably not be everything on your old drive though.
As your new laptop comes with its operating system, it is not advisable to transfer files such as applications and operating systems, which means that you will need to redownload some apps like Photoshop, Microsoft Word, and games.
If you decide to transfer these files from a PC to another, they will not work properly as you need to modify the system files first for them to run normally. This leaves you with files such as media to transfer.
Check out the steps below to safely transfer your files to another laptop. Also, you will want to follow Laptop Verge to stay updated with all the latest guides we publish frequently.
What to Consider Before Moving My Files?
Before you start moving your files, open your file explorer and check how the files are organized and where they are. Some files need to be moved from your Desktop, your Music, Pictures, Documents, and Downloads.
Some of the applications you use on your laptop save their files in different places on the laptop than the ones listed above. Therefore, try to keep your old laptop with you within the first few days of using the new laptop.
When it comes to emails, bookmarks on your browser, and Contacts, they are all saved online and should move normally to the new laptop once you’ve signed in. Here are the easiest and simplest ways to transfer your files from your laptop to another.
Using Cloud Storage
This is the most common way used to transfer data from a device to another. If your internet connection is good, you will be able to use the services of cloud storage to transfer your files quickly. You can easily drag the files into the cloud, or you can upload them.
When you are done uploading the files, you will be able to access and download them through the new device. You can also opt to sync the cloud with your new laptop to save yourself some effort,
You can use online storage services such as OneDrive, which allows you free storage, especially if you have an account with Microsoft. You can also get extra storage space for a few dollars monthly. OneDrive can also be used as a virtual drive, saving your files automatically into the cloud.
If you have a google account, including YouTube or Gmail, then you can use Google Drive. You will be able to access Google Drive to upload the files on the old laptop and download them on the new one. If you want additional storage, you can purchase it for a monthly fee.
Use an External Storage Device
This method works for basically any type of external drive, such as an SD card or USB thumb drive. You only need to connect the drive to your laptop, transfer the files from the laptop to the drive, disconnect it when you are done.
Then connect the external drive to your new laptop and start downloading your files. Keep in mind that an external storage device that can take the entire files at once is your best choice as you can save an extra copy from your files in case the laptop broke down, and you need to access those files.
Try an Ethernet Cable
If the external storage device option is too expensive for you, this is the best option for you. You can use a simple and cheap ethernet cable to transfer your files. Even though this step might seem a bit complicated, it can be easily done.
The first step is connecting the two laptops with an ethernet cable. The second step is opening the control panel and choose “Network and Internet”. Next, choose “Network and Sharing Center”.
You should find “Change Advanced Sharing Settings” on the window’s left side you have open. The third step is turning on the public file sharing, network discovery, printer sharing, and file. You can also turn off sharing by password to save yourself the extra steps.
The fourth step is to find the files you wish to transfer and right-click on them. Choose “Give Access to” then choose “Specific People”. Now you can choose to share those files with anyone.
When the file has been shared, open it by jumping to “Network” then selecting the computer you want. Finally, the files are now accessible to transfer to the new laptop.
This method is perfect for those who do not have WIFI or an internet connection. Using this method ensures that your files are transferred quickly and safely once they’ve been linked by a LAN network.
Transfer Files Via WIFI
Using WIFI to transfer data is simple and free of charge method. It works perfectly, but an ethernet cable is considered faster. To transfer your data using WIFI connections, you need to connect both of your laptops to one WIFI network.
Then you need to disable the sleep mode in both of your laptops as it might affect the files transfer. Right-click on the file you wish to share on your old laptop and go to properties. Choose “Sharing” in the new window and then choose “Advanced Sharing”.
Once you choose “Advanced Sharing”, you should see “Share this folder”, select it and choose OK. Now the folder that’s been shared should be accessible by the new laptop, and you only need to copy and paste it.
Note that this method is not the most reliable due to the instability of the connections. Therefore, try being as close as you can to the router while transferring your data, and move small files to minimize the damage of unexpected network interruption.
Moreover, this method takes a long time to transfer data, so make sure to connect both laptops to a power supply to make sure they don’t turn off while uploading and downloading.
Clone Your Hard Drive
Cloning your hard drive allows you to create a copy of your old hard drive, including the saved settings and all the files it includes. This method will make you feel like you are using your old PC but with much better specs.
To clone your hard drive, you need a good cloning app such as SuperDuper, Macrium Reflect, or Paragon Drive Copy. You also need to have another hard drive with a larger storage space than the old one.
Try PCmover
PCmover is a replacement for the Windows 10 OS “Windows Easy Transfer”. This method is quite the same as cloning your hard drive but costs less as you do not need to buy expensive cloning software.
To use PCmover, you need to download and launch the PCmover software, and once done, choose “PC to PC Transfer. Now all you need to do is follow the steps required by the app, and you will be ready.
This method is highly recommended as it is quite easy and simple. It also offers you customer support around the clock to answer all of your questions.
Try an FTP Server
Trying an FTP server is an old-fashioned way still in use until this day due to its great performance. You can try an FTP server like FileZilla to transfer your files quickly from the old computer to the new one.
However, note that this method is slower than the other ways listed above, but you can use it for transferring a file between a server and a client, and you can do it for long periods.
Transferring files from a laptop to another could be a bit overwhelming as you do not want to lose any of your files, choose the method that works best for you and start moving your files and enjoy them on your new laptop.
