How to Transfer Files from PC to PC

Nothing is more exciting than getting a brand new PC. Typically, a new computer means receiving a host of new features, more power, better graphics, and more storage. However, some of that excitement might be tempered if you need to transfer files from your old computer to your new one. Wondering how to transfer files from PC to PC? We’ll help you determine the best way to do it. There are a few factors that will influence the process such as how many files you need to transfer, the size of the files, and the operating systems of the two computers. Transferring files isn’t an overly complex process but it may take up to several hours depending on the amount of data you need to transfer. There are several ways to transfer your old files from PC to PC. Here are the six most common methods you can try for yourself.

1. Cloud Storage or Web Data Transfers

There are several cloud storage providers such as Google Drive or OneDrive you may utilize to send and download files. Whichever storage provider you use depends on your individual preference. Why are cloud drives so useful when it comes to file transfers? Because these cloud based services allow you to download and transfer files of virtually unlimited sizes storage space permitting. If you don’t have cloud storage or would rather not use it you can also use web software to upload bigger files. PlusTransfer, for example, is free and you can upload files as big as 5GB in one swoop. Hate signing up for services? Don’t worry, you don’t even need to register for an account and there’s no software to download. It’s a streamlined answer to file sharing needs. If you want a downloadable software option, BitTorrent Sync is another easy way to share large files without depending on cloud services. You can also use FilePizza, which is a peer to peer file sharing app. As one computer uploads the file the other can download it immediately so you won’t be waiting around. In addition, because FilePizza is browser based, you don’t need both computers linked to the same cloud drive.

2. SSD and HDD Drives Via SATA Cables

Trying to transfer data from an old laptop to a new one? If your old computer isn’t working you might think you’re out of options as far as recovering your data goes but thankfully you’re wrong. Both solid state drives (SSD) and hard disk drives (HDD) use SATA cables to link them to the main circuit board, also known as the motherboard. You can connect your old hard drive to an extra SATA or eSATA (an external SATA) port in your new computer. After you install the old drive the operating system in your new PC will read the drive and begin transferring the data over. One issue you may run into with this method is finding an extra SATA port. To get around this problem, you may want to use a SATA to USB converter. Once you get all the files off your old hard drive you have the option to use it as an external storage device. This is a great tool to use if you want to back up any important files.

3. Basic Cable Transfer

Instead of relying on a cloud based service or an external hard drive you can also use a variety of cables to transfer data. This method is typically speedier than using drives because files are being copied and pasted in tandem, PC to PC. As soon as you connect your devices USB port, the transfer software included with the cable will guide you through the migration of your files and settings. If both PCs have USB 3.0 ports you’ll be able to transfer data a lot faster so keep that in mind as you begin the file migration process.

4. Use Software to Speed Up Our Data Transfer

If you’re looking for a simple solution to transfer files from PC to PC, the LapLink PC Mover v.11.0 Ultimate with Ethernet cable might be what you’ve been searching for. This software makes it effortless to move files from your old PC to your new Windows 10 computer. To use the PCmover software you simply start by installing the software on both your new and old PC. Most of the applications and files will be installed so they’re immediately functioning on the new PC without needing to dig out license numbers or installation discs. Microsoft's Windows Easy Transfer was scrapped so PCmover is the lightning fast, necessary solution that saves you from data transfer frustration.

5. Transfer your data over WiFi or LAN

If both your computers are on the same network and within range, you can set up a local area network (LAN) so you can use one PC to search through the other PC’s hard drives to choose which files you want to be transferred over. Windows 10 and other operating systems have a built in setting that allows users to set up a home network so devices on that same network can recognize each other. What does that mean for the user? Well, each time you transfer files PC to PC, you won’t need to go through the process of setting up a new connection. The connection will always be accessible as long as both devices are powered on.

6. Using An External Storage Device Or Flash Drives

This is probably the most popular way to transfer files PC to PC, besides sending files over email which has fairly severe file size limits of up to around 25MB. For this data sharing method you only have to complete a few steps: 1. Plug in USB flash drive to the old computer 2. Once the flash drive is recognized copy desired files and applications to it 3. Unplug the flash drive using appropriate procedures (do not remove until files have finishing copying) 4. Plug in the flash drive to your new computer and transfer data. This copy and paste method is user friendly but it is limited by the storage capacity of the external device. If both computers that you’re transferring data between have USB 3.0 ports you may want to invest in a USB 3.0 flash drive, which has a very speedy data transfer rate.The more data you have to migrate over to a new device the more important the speed of the transfer rate will become. Even small differences in speed can make a difference of hours if you plan to move a high volume of files. Because flash drives usually have more limited storage availability many users may want to consider upgrading to an external hard drive to move files.

After You’re Done Transferring Files

Wipe The Old Drive Before Disposing Of It

Finally done transferring all those files? Your first plan of action should be to wipe your old drive and computer if you plan on selling, giving away, or throwing away your old PC. Transferring your personal files doesn’t protect you alone because your old emails and other sensitive information can still fall into the wrong hands.

Back Up Your New Drive

The next step is to protect the files you transferred to your new device from possible catastrophe. After the file migration is complete, you should back up all important files. If you’ve ever lost an important work assignment before a deadline or seen the blue screen of death take over as you’re trying to submit an essay you know that familiar panic. The scenarios below are more common than you think: A tablet is stolen and years of research is lost, a natural disaster destroys a computer with irreplaceable family photos, losing a phone or computer while traveling, or viruses or ransomware makes your files completely inaccessible, without a backup of those files, that data is lost forever. Take time to back up your files away from your main computer. For legal documents you should also think about keeping a hard copy on file in a safe. Most people only start backing up their data after their first big data loss but you can stay ahead of disaster by having multiple copies of your data and files in another external hard drive.

At Dallas Network Services, we work with a large variety of businesses based in Dallas and Fort Worth (DFW) and the surrounding area such as Addison, Plano, Carrollton, Denton, Richardson, Garland and beyond. We also extend our reach outside the area to include all Texas and other states. We provide on premise server support including Microsoft Exchange as well as Cloud computing services and hosted solutions. We specialize project services, network support, desktop support and voice over IP (VoIP) business phones. Our fully managed IT services will improve your business reliability as well as your bottom line. Contact us today at www.dallasnetworkservices.com chat or call 214-696-6630.  #DNS# #dallasnetworkservices #techsupport #hacker #cybersecurity #ITconsulting #MSP