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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe best transfer method depends on the computers, the amount of data, and whether you need ordinary files or a broader migration. An external drive is usually the simplest choice for a large one-time move. OneDrive works when both PCs can access the internet, while Nearby sharing is convenient for a few files. For computers on the same network, SMB avoids cloud storage. For a Windows-to-Mac move, Apple’s Migration Assistant can transfer selected user data and settings.
These methods move files or selected information; they do not all recreate installed applications, licenses, or the complete operating system.
Choose the right transfer method
| Method | Best for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| External USB drive, SD card, or hard drive | Large one-time transfers and offline copies | You must copy files manually; applications and settings do not migrate automatically |
| OneDrive | Windows PCs connected to the internet | Microsoft says a free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of storage |
| Nearby sharing | A small number of files between nearby Windows PCs | Both computers must support and enable Nearby sharing |
| SMB network sharing | Moving files between computers on the same local network | Sharing permissions and network discovery can require troubleshooting |
| Windows Migration Assistant | Moving selected data from a Windows PC to a Mac | It is not a disk clone and can take hours |
1. Use an external USB drive, SD card, or hard drive
This is a predictable option for a large transfer, especially if the old computer has unreliable internet or the files exceed your cloud storage allowance. Microsoft documents this approach for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update security fixes or technical assistance for it.
Copy files from the old computer
- Connect the USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive to the old computer.
- Open File Explorer and locate the files. Check at least Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Favorites, Music, Pictures, and Videos. Windows 10 guidance also lists Podcasts.
- Select the files or folders. In Windows 11, right-click or press and hold the selection, choose Show more options → Send to, and select the external drive.
- Alternatively, select the Home tab in File Explorer, choose Organize → Copy to, and select the drive.
- Wait for the copy to finish. Files stored in another folder, another drive, or an application-specific location may need to be copied separately.
Copy files to the new computer
- Connect the drive to the new computer.
- Open File Explorer → This PC, then double-click the external drive.
- Open the transfer folder, select More → Select all, and choose Copy or Cut.
- Open the matching destination folder on the new computer and select Paste.
- Open several documents, photos, and videos to confirm that the transfer worked.
After verifying the files, use Eject before disconnecting the drive. Microsoft warns that disconnecting without ejecting can cause file loss or corruption. This method transfers files and folders, not installed programs, application settings, product licenses, or Windows configuration.
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2. Sync the files with OneDrive
OneDrive is useful when both computers can access the internet and you want files available without carrying a drive. Microsoft says a Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage and a Microsoft 365 subscription includes 1 TB, subject to the subscription and account being used.
Set up the old computer
- Open File Explorer and open the OneDrive folder.
- Move or copy every file and folder you want to transfer into that folder.
- If OneDrive is not configured, type OneDrive in the taskbar search box, select it, sign in with a personal, work, or school account, and complete OneDrive Setup.
- Wait for synchronization to finish. Check OneDrive online; the files visible there are the files available to the new computer.
Files outside OneDrive are not included unless you add them manually or enable folder backup. To back up standard folders, select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area, then choose OneDrive Help & Settings → Settings → Sync and backup → Manage backup. Choose the folders and select Start backup.
Access the files on the new computer
- Sign in to OneDrive on the new PC with the same Microsoft account.
- Open File Explorer or select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar notification area.
- Open the synchronized folder and copy files to local folders if you need them stored on the computer rather than kept online.
Files larger than the available OneDrive quota cannot finish syncing. OneDrive synchronizes files, not a complete system image: some applications still need to be installed again, and their settings or licenses may require separate sign-in.
To add another account, select the OneDrive cloud icon → OneDrive Help & Settings → Settings → Account → Add an account → Sign in. OneDrive permits only one personal account to be configured.
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3. Transfer files with Windows Nearby sharing
Nearby sharing is a quick option for sending individual files between nearby Windows computers. Microsoft documents it for Windows 10 version 1803 or later and Windows 11.
Enable Nearby sharing
- On both PCs, open Start → Settings → System → Nearby sharing.
- Choose Everyone nearby or Your own devices.
- If you choose Your own devices, sharing is restricted to devices signed in with the same Microsoft account.
Send and receive a file
- On the sending PC, open File Explorer and select a file.
- Select Share on the toolbar, or right-click the file and choose Share.
- Select the receiving computer.
- On the other PC, select Save & open or Save when the notification appears.
To change where received files go, open Start → Settings → System → Nearby sharing. Under Save files I receive to, select Change, choose a folder, and select Select folder.
You can also send a picture from Photos with See more → Share, or send a Microsoft Edge link with Settings and more → Share → Windows share options. The recipient selects Open for a link.
If the receiving PC does not appear, confirm Nearby sharing is enabled on both computers and that the receiving computer is configured to receive files. Microsoft notes that choosing Everyone nearby exposes the PC name and Bluetooth MAC address to nearby devices, so use Your own devices when practical.
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4. Share a folder over the local network with SMB
SMB lets one computer expose selected folders to another computer on the same network. It is practical for a large transfer when both machines are connected to the same router and is Apple’s documented cross-platform network method for Mac and Windows. A normal USB-C charging or data cable does not automatically turn two computers into a shared drive.
Mac source to Windows destination
- On the Mac, open Apple menu → System Settings → General → Sharing.
- Select the Info button beside File Sharing, turn on File Sharing, and choose Options.
- Enable Share files and folders using SMB.
- In the Windows File Sharing list, select the account allowed to connect, enter that account’s password, and select OK → Done → Done.
- Return to the File Sharing information panel and note the address, which resembles smb://17.212.167.33/ or smb://computername.example.com.
- On Windows, open File Explorer → Network, find the Mac, and double-click it. Enter the permitted Mac account name and password.
- Copy the required files from the Mac Home folder or another explicitly shared folder to the Windows computer.
The Windows account can access the Mac user’s Home folder and any additional folders or volumes that were explicitly permitted. Windows may take time to display the Mac under Network. If the account will not connect, Apple recommends resetting its password in System Settings → Users & Groups.
Windows source to Mac destination
Apple provides a separate Windows file-sharing setup for Mac users. Configure the Windows computer to share the source folder using SMB, then connect from the Mac through Finder’s network connection tools and authenticate with the Windows account. Copy the files into the desired Mac folder.
When sharing from a Mac, Apple warns that passwords for accounts enabled for Windows sharing may be stored less securely. Disable the enabled accounts, then turn off Windows sharing when the transfer is complete.
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5. Use Windows Migration Assistant to move data to a Mac
For a Windows-PC-to-Mac move, Apple’s Windows Migration Assistant is more suitable than copying random folders. It can transfer selected user information such as documents, photos, music, podcasts, audiobooks, email and settings, contacts, calendars, browser bookmarks, movies and TV shows, language and location settings, and—on macOS 13 or later—known Wi-Fi networks.
Check the correct Migration Assistant version
| Windows Migration Assistant | Destination macOS | Windows requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0.2.1 | Tahoe 26, Sequoia 15, or Sonoma 14 | Windows 10 or later |
| 2.4.5.0 | Ventura 13 or Monterey 12 | Windows 7 or later |
| 2.3.1.0 | Big Sur 11 | Windows 7 or later |
Apple also lists older installers for earlier macOS versions. Download the version matching the Mac’s operating system from Apple’s Windows Migration Assistant page.
Run the migration
- Update Windows and macOS. Quit open applications and temporarily turn off antivirus, firewall, and VPN software on either computer if they interfere with the connection.
- Keep the computers near each other with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. If the PC lacks Bluetooth Low Energy, Migration Assistant may request a Bluetooth adapter. For macOS 13 or earlier, Apple says to connect both computers to the same network or directly with Ethernet.
- On the Mac, open Applications → Utilities → Migration Assistant, or find it with Spotlight.
- When asked how to transfer information, select From a Windows PC → Continue.
- Open Windows Migration Assistant on the PC, follow its prompts, enter the code shown on the Mac, and select Continue.
- After the Mac calculates the available source data, select categories or expand the disclosure arrow to choose individual items. Select Continue.
Migration Assistant does not delete the Windows files or replace macOS. It transfers selected information rather than cloning the disk. Migrating an administrator account prompts you to use Set Password. A migrated standard account receives a temporary password that must be replaced at first login. Access to non-system files on the Windows system disk and other available disks requires running the assistant while logged in to Windows as an administrator.
Large transfers can take hours and may appear to pause. If the migration reports disk errors, open Run by right-clicking Start → Run, type cmd, and press Enter. Run chkdsk. If errors are found, run chkdsk C: /F, replacing C with the Windows startup-drive letter if it differs. Press Y if Windows schedules the check, restart the PC, and repeat until no issues are reported.
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FAQ
What is the fastest way to transfer files between two computers?
For a large one-time transfer, an external drive is often a straightforward option. For a few nearby Windows files, Nearby sharing requires less preparation.
Can I transfer installed programs with an external drive or OneDrive?
No. These methods copy files. You normally need to reinstall applications and activate them again on the new computer. App data and settings may require a separate export or sign-in.
Does signing in to the same Microsoft account transfer everything?
No. OneDrive synchronizes files stored in OneDrive or selected for folder backup. Windows Backup may restore many files and settings, but some applications still require reinstallation.
Why can’t I see the other PC with Nearby sharing?
Enable Nearby sharing on both computers under Start → Settings → System → Nearby sharing. Also check the selected scope: Your own devices requires the same Microsoft account, while Everyone nearby allows nearby devices to find the PC.
Can I connect two computers with a USB-C cable to transfer files?
Not with an ordinary charging or data cable. Two computers do not automatically appear as shared storage. Use an external drive, network sharing with SMB, Nearby sharing, cloud synchronization, or a dedicated transfer cable.
Will Windows Migration Assistant erase the old PC?
No. Apple’s Migration Assistant copies selected information to the Mac; it does not delete the Windows data or replace macOS.
The Bottom Line
Use an external drive for a controlled one-time transfer. Choose OneDrive when the files fit your quota and you want them available across PCs. Use Nearby sharing for a handful of Windows files, SMB for computers already connected to the same network, and Migration Assistant for a structured Windows-to-Mac move. Whichever method you choose, verify the destination before deleting the original files.
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