How to Transfer Files from Old Laptop to New (2026)

The easiest way to transfer files from an old laptop to a new one is to copy them to an external USB drive or sync them through OneDrive, then open them on the new laptop. For a fuller move that includes settings, Windows Backup can help, and for large amounts of data on the same network you can share files wirelessly. Here are the best methods and exactly how to use each one.

Key Takeaways

An external USB drive is the simplest method, needs no internet and doubles as a backup.
OneDrive moves files wirelessly and keeps them synced, but you need enough cloud storage and a good connection.
Windows Backup can carry over files and some settings, but it does not move your saved passwords.
Move your personal files, not old programs, and reinstall apps fresh on the new laptop.
Do not wipe the old laptop until you have confirmed that everything opens on the new one.

What Can You Transfer to a New Laptop?

You can move personal files such as documents, photos, videos, music and downloads, and with some methods you can also carry over settings. Installed programs usually cannot be copied across, so plan to download and install your apps again on the new laptop. This is also a good chance to leave old clutter behind.

Before you start, make a quick list of what matters: your Documents, Desktop, Pictures and Downloads folders, browser bookmarks, email data, and any work files stored in unusual folders.

Which Transfer Method Is Best?

Method	Best for	Needs internet?	Transfers settings?
External USB drive	Most people, large file collections	No	No, files only
OneDrive or other cloud storage	Wireless, ongoing sync	Yes	Files, plus some settings through your Microsoft account
Windows Backup	Files and some settings in one step	Yes (Microsoft account)	Some
Nearby sharing or network sharing	Two PCs on the same Wi-Fi	Local network only	No
USB transfer cable (about $60)	Fast direct PC to PC copying	No	No

How to Transfer Files Using an External Drive

Using an external drive is the simplest method. It needs no internet connection, works on almost any laptop and leaves you with a backup copy of your data.

Plug in the drive to your old laptop and open File Explorer.
Copy your folders, such as Documents, Pictures, Videos and Downloads, onto the drive.
Eject the drive safely from the old laptop.
Plug it into the new laptop and copy the folders into your user folders.

Remember that this method moves files and folders only, so it does not carry over Windows settings or installed apps. Choose a drive with enough space, and read our guide to the best external hard drive in 2026 if you need one.

How to Transfer Files Using OneDrive

OneDrive syncs your files through the cloud, so they are waiting on your new laptop as soon as you sign in.

Sign in to OneDrive on the old laptop with your Microsoft account.
Back up your folders, such as Desktop, Documents and Pictures, using the OneDrive backup option.
Wait for the upload to finish and check that the files show as synced.
Sign in with the same account on the new laptop and let the files download.

This works well, but the free OneDrive plan is small, so large collections may need a paid plan. See our comparison of Google Drive vs OneDrive vs Dropbox to pick a service.

How to Transfer Files Using Windows Backup

Windows Backup can move files and some settings, and it can restore them while you set up the new laptop. Microsoft’s support guidance says to open the Windows Backup app on the old PC while signed in with your Microsoft account, turn on backup for folders and settings, and then sign in with the same account on the new PC to restore them. Note that Windows Backup and file-copy methods do not transfer your saved passwords or sign-in credentials.

How to Transfer Files Over Wi-Fi or a Network

If both laptops are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can use Nearby Sharing, which sends files between nearby PCs using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Ethernet. You can also share a folder on the old laptop and open it from the new laptop through the network, then drag and drop the files. Transfer speed depends on your network speed, so a wired Ethernet connection is faster for big folders.

Should You Use a USB Transfer Cable?

A transfer cable, which costs around $60, connects two PCs directly and is usually much faster than most other methods. It does not create a backup of your files and does not move settings, so many people prefer an external drive that serves both purposes.

What Should You Do About Passwords and Apps?

Passwords: file copying does not move saved logins, so use a password manager that syncs across devices. Our guide to the top password managers helps you choose.
Browser data: sign in to your browser account to sync bookmarks and extensions.
Apps: reinstall your programs from official websites instead of copying old installers.
Licences: note down product keys or account logins for paid software before you leave the old laptop.

How to Transfer Files Safely: Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Back up everything first

Before you move anything, create a full backup so you never risk losing data. Follow our guide to backing up your computer data safely.

Step 2 — Clean up and scan the old laptop

Delete files you no longer need, and scan for malware so you do not copy problems to the new machine. If you suspect an infection, see our guide to removing malware from your PC.

Step 3 — Choose a method and copy your files

Pick the method from the table above and move your folders across.

Step 4 — Check the files on the new laptop

Open a few documents, photos and videos to confirm everything copied correctly and opens normally.

Step 5 — Set up the new laptop for speed and security

Install updates, set up your security and remove bloatware. Our guide to speeding up your Windows 11 PC helps keep it fast.

Step 6 — Wipe the old laptop only when you are sure

Once you are certain everything is safe on the new device, sign out of your accounts and reset the old laptop before you sell, recycle or give it away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to transfer files to a new laptop?

The easiest way is to copy your files to an external USB drive and then plug it into the new laptop. It needs no internet and doubles as a backup.

Can I transfer files with OneDrive?

Yes. Sign in to OneDrive on the old laptop, let your folders upload and then sign in with the same account on the new laptop to download them. You need enough cloud storage and a stable connection.

Does Windows Backup transfer everything?

No. Windows Backup can carry files and some settings, but it does not transfer saved passwords or sign-in credentials, and you need to reinstall most apps.

Can I transfer files without the internet?

Yes. Use an external drive, a USB transfer cable or a local network connection between the two laptops.

Can I move installed programs to a new laptop?

Usually not. Programs need to be installed again on the new laptop, so download them from the official websites and sign in with your accounts.

How long does it take to transfer files?

It depends on the amount of data and the method. A USB 3 drive or transfer cable is much faster than uploading large folders over a slow internet connection.

Conclusion

Moving to a new laptop is easy if you plan it. Use an external drive for a simple, offline transfer, OneDrive for wireless syncing, and Windows Backup if you want settings too. Back up first, move your personal files, reinstall apps fresh, check everything on the new machine and only then wipe the old one.