How to Move Files from One Computer to Another Windows 10

Can I move files from one computer to another?

People are sometimes trapped in harassment when they find they can't access to the original files on their old PC if they are using a new computer. And even worse, what irritates them all the time is they don't know how to move files from one computer to another. Obviously, it's not the same issue as moving files from one drive to another in one computer. To keep the files safe while transferring, this article will help you realize it.

How to move files from one computer to another?

When it comes to file transfer between two computers, you can see various methods on the Internet. However, you may find most of them are complicated and even don't present a detailed tutorial, which may puzzle you a lot. To this end, the latter content will show you the two most common and workable methods to help you move files from one computer to another step by step.

▶ Method 1. Move files via OneDrive

OneDrive (app version and web version) is a cloud storage service released by Microsoft. With internet access and a few clicks, you can copy your files and folders to a secure location in the cloud. Then when you're ready, sync them onto a new PC—or you can just leave them in the cloud. This saves space of the hard drive on your new PC and makes your files easily accessible from any of your devices, anywhere. Let's see how it works.

Step 1. Log in to your OneDrive account. (If you don't have a Microsoft account, go to the official website to sign up for one.) Here we take OneDrive web as an example. Right-click the blank and select "Upload" > "Files" to sync the files you want to transfer to the cloud.

Another way to upload files is to directly right click your files, and choose "Share" to move them to OneDrive.

Step 2. Sign in to your account in the OneDrive app or website on the target PC.

Step 3. Then download them from OneDrive to the destination place on this PC.

▶ Method 2. Transfer files via a removable drive

Files can also be transferred through a removable drive such as a flash USB, portable SSD, etc. No matter which one you like to use, the process includes four stages:

Firstly, connect the removable drive to your first computer.

Secondly, copy the files you wish to change into the device.

Thirdly, unplug the drive and connect it with your second computer.

Finally, move the files out to the target PC.

It seems easy, right? But as for the second and four stage, they prone to be more difficult. And usually, the efficiency of transfer is determined by the copy methods you use in the two steps. Here are two options for you to choose according to your own needs.

Option 1. Using Copy & Paste

To move files to a new location, the most simple way is to use "Copy & Paste", which is familiar to everyone in computer use. And of course, the operation is very simple.

Step 1. Right-click the files you want to transfer, choose "copy" or click the files and press "Ctrl + C".

Step 2. Navigate to the target location, right-click the blank and choose "paste" or directly press "Ctrl + V".

Note: However, this method can be only used on personal files like videos, photos, music and a few apps. If you transfer other Windows files or large files which contain a number of subfolders, there is the risk of not being booted or running normally as before after movement and even having the chance of missing during the process.

Option 2. Using third-party utility

As we can see the copy-paste method has some limits in copying files and programs, so it's necessary to find an alternative to avoid it. In such a case, a third-party partition manager named AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional should be your first choice. With the "App Mover" feature provided by this impressive tool, you can easily move your files in a secure way. Let's have a look at its highlights.

Only in several clicks, you can easily realize the movements of all kinds of files (including files, folders, programs, applications, videos, pictures, etc) from one drive to another without data loss.

You can tick all the files you want to transfer at one time and move them within a few seconds.

If you find you move some unwanted files by accident, you can restore them as soon as possible via its "Restore" feature.

If you think choosing files is laborious, you can directly clone the old hard drive to the target drive without missing any one file.

Now, download the demo version of this software and learn how it can help to move files from one computer to another.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Select "App Mover" under the "Free up" section.

Step 2. Select the partition where the files you want to transfer are and hit "Next“ to proceed.

Step 4. Tick the apps and programs you wish to move and then, choose a destination for them.

Step 5. Hit "Move" and then, "OK" to start the transfer. 

Step 6. Just for a while, it will be done, then click "Finish".

Conclusion

Now, you have figured out how to move files from one computer to another. You can choose any one of the two recommended methods as you like. If you intend to use a removable drive, we highly recommend you employ AOEMI Partition Assistant Professional to help you move files safely and effectively. With it, you can also experience more useful functions such as migrating OS to SSD, converting system disk between MBR and GPT, allocating free space from one partition to another, deleting large files, and so on.