A new computer is exciting, until you realize everything you need is still on the old one. Moving across doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to work through it in order, and not wipe the old computer until you’re sure everything made it.
Step 1: Make a list of what matters
Before you start, note down:
- Files: Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Pictures, Music, Videos
- Browser: bookmarks and saved passwords
- Email: accounts, and any email stored only on the computer
- Programs: what you use, and any licence keys or logins
- Extras: printer, fonts, accounting data, game saves
Step 2: Choose how to move your files
Option A: Cloud sync (easiest)
If your files are already in OneDrive, iCloud Drive, Google Drive or Dropbox, sign in to the same account on the new computer and they appear. Check that the Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders are included in the sync, and that syncing has finished on the old computer first.
Option B: Built-in transfer tools
- Windows: the Windows Backup app saves your files, settings and list of apps to your Microsoft account. Sign in with the same account when setting up the new PC and choose to restore from the backup. Recent versions of Windows 11 can also transfer files directly from your old PC over your home network.
- Mac to Mac: Migration Assistant (in Applications → Utilities) copies your files, apps, accounts and settings. Run it during setup or afterward.
- Windows PC to Mac: Apple’s free Windows Migration Assistant moves your files, email and bookmarks.
Option C: External drive (reliable and simple)
Copy your folders to an external drive or large USB stick, then copy them onto the new computer. As a bonus, you now have a backup.
Step 3: Bring your browser with you
Turn on sync in your browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari with iCloud) on the old computer, then sign in to the same account on the new one. Bookmarks, saved passwords and extensions follow you.
Using a password manager? Just install it and sign in.
Step 4: Set up email
Most email (Gmail, Outlook.com, iCloud, and most work accounts) lives online, so just sign in again. If you use an older POP account that stores mail only on your computer, export your mail first, or ask for help. That’s the one case where email can be lost.
Step 5: Reinstall your programs
Programs generally can’t be copied across. They need installing fresh.
- Download the latest versions from the official websites or app stores.
- Sign out of or deactivate licensed software such as Microsoft 365 or Adobe on the old computer if the licence limits the number of devices.
- Find licence keys for older paid software before you wipe anything.
Step 6: Check everything before wiping the old one
Use the new computer for a week or two with the old one still intact. You’ll soon notice anything missing, like a forgotten folder or a program you only use once a month.
Then: 1. Set up backups on the new computer (see our backup guide). 2. Wipe the old computer properly before selling, donating or recycling it (see our wiping guide).
Commonly forgotten things
- Files saved on the Desktop or in Downloads
- Photos stored outside the Pictures folder
- Browser profiles for a second user
- Two-factor authentication apps or passkeys that live on the old computer
- Wi-Fi passwords and printer setup
- Files in apps with their own storage, such as accounting software or note-taking apps
The bottom line
List what matters, move your files by cloud, transfer tool or external drive, sync your browser, and reinstall your programs fresh. Keep the old computer untouched until you’ve used the new one for a while. That makes the move very hard to get wrong.
