The best method to use to transfer files between multiple Windows PCs depends on the number of files you need to transfer. Start with the first method to transfer a small number of files from PC to PC and use the Windows Easy Transfer method to move entire hard drives.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Transfer Files Using Removable Device
Step 1. Get a removable hard drive compatible with your PC
In most electronics stores, you will be able to find small hard drives that are as small as hard drives on the order of 1 terabyte (1000Gb).
- If you don't have a cloud storage provider, it's best to have an extra hard drive to backup your files on.
- Avoid using the same drive for backup and file transfer.
- If you use cloud backup instead, make sure you can download the files to another computer. Some programs do not have this capability, while others need to verify the computer for security purposes.
Step 2. If you need to transfer files under 64 Gb, you could use a USB stick
Ideal if the computers are located at a great distance from each other.
- You can buy a flash drive at any computer store or online, prices vary from € 5 to € 50, depending on the size.
- Otherwise, you can burn the files to CD or DVD; however, unless you buy the more expensive rewritable CDs, backups on CDs and DVDs cannot be edited or removed. Instead, using removable mass storage devices such as hard drives and USB sticks you can edit the files to your liking.
Step 3. Connect the drive
Double-click on the removable drive when Windows warns you that a new driver has been connected.
Disable the software that came with the removable hard drive if you need to use the hard drive for this purpose. Some hard drives come with software to back up the system
Step 4. Click on the start menu on the desktop
Open the file path of the desired files.
If your files are not organized and are scattered around the hard drive, it's time to organize them by genre and type. This way you can transfer them to folders rather than individual files
Step 5. Tile the windows of the removable drive and the files you need to transfer
This way you can easily drag and drop files from one folder to another.
Step 6. Click on the folder you wish to transfer
Alternatively, you can click on the file name and drag and drop files individually.
Step 7. Drag the files to the removable drive window
A dialog box may appear informing you that the system is transferring files. If the files are very large, it will take some time to transfer them (the estimated time is indicated on the dialog box).
Step 8. Continue until all files have been copied to the removable hard drive
Step 9. Go to the removable disk window
Close it. Go to My Computer, right-click on the removable disk icon and click Eject.
If you don't click Eject before removing the drive from your computer, you could risk losing your files
Step 10. Connect the removable hard drive to the other PC using a USB cable
Double click on the drive icon as soon as the computer detects it.
Step 11. Drag the files from the drive to the desktop or another folder
You may want to place the two folders side by side before dragging the files. Just like you did before.
Or you can choose to drag and drop files to your desktop and organize them later
Method 2 of 3: Transfer Files over the Network
Step 1. Verify that the 2 PCs are connected to the same network
If you are using a wireless network, make sure the signal is strong and the network is at high speed.
This is the best option for regularly transferring files between two PCs, even if you can't access the two PCs at the same time
Step 2. Connect the two PCs to the network
Step 3. Click on the Start Menu
Go to My Computer. Select drive C from the list.
Step 4. Right click on the drive and select Properties
You should also be able to access the properties from the File menu at the top of the window.
Step 5. Click on the Sharing tab in the Properties window
Select the "Advanced Sharing" button.
Step 6. Check the box that says “Share This Folder” or “Change Advanced Sharing Settings”
This option may change depending on your version of Windows.
Step 7. Click on “Apply” when done
Step 8. Log in on the other PC
Go to the Start menu and select "Network".
Step 9. Search for the other PC on the list of connected computers
Enter the password to access the network.
The password is the same as the one you use to access the other computer
Step 10. Search for the files on the other computer that you have decided to share with this computer
Drag them to the new PC.
Method 3 of 3: Use Windows Easy Share
Step 1. Buy an easy transfer cable online or at an electronics store
These are special male-to-male USB cables for transferring files directly between two PCs.
- This method is good for anyone who has bought a new PC and wants to transfer all files from one system to another.
- On newer PCs, you can use Local Area Network (LAN) to transfer files via Windows Easy Transfer. You will be provided with a transfer key to be entered in the application on both computers. Newer PCs can connect to the internet faster, while older PCs should be connected directly to make sure the process doesn't time out.
Step 2. Download Windows Easy Transfer from the Microsoft Download Center
Required on Windows XP or Vista.
Go to microsoft.com/en/download
Step 3. Install the program
Create an administrator account to use on both PCs. You will need to use the same account for both computers.
Step 4. Open the Windows Easy Transfer program on the new PC
The program is natively present on Windows 7 and 8.
You should be able to find this program among the applications. If you can't find it, search for Windows Easy Transfer in the Start menu search bar
Step 5. Enter the administrator password or the transfer password, respectively for use with transfer cable or via LAN
Step 6. The first screen will appear
Click on Next. Choose the transfer method, such as cable or network.
Step 7. Select “This is my PC”
Select the version of the operating system used on the old computer.
Step 8. Open Windows Easy Transfer on your old computer, if you haven't already opened it
The first screen will appear, click on Next.
Step 9. Begin the transfer process
The program will scan your PC looking for all transferable files, programs and accounts. Click on Customize and uncheck the boxes of all the items you don't want to transfer.
