Windows Backup can help you rebuild your app setup on a new PC, but it does not clone every installed program. It can remember your installed-app list and restore app pins; Microsoft Store apps can be started from those pins, while many other apps require a fresh download from their publisher. Plan to move files, app data, licenses, and custom settings separately.
What Windows Backup brings to a new PC
Windows Backup’s app setting records a list of installed apps and helps restore app pins during new-PC setup. That list is useful as a checklist and launch point, not a copy of each program’s installation files. Microsoft says a pinned Store app can be started to restore it; for an app that is not in the Store, Windows directs you to the web to download its installer. Microsoft’s Windows Backup instructions do not promise to transfer every app’s license, activation, custom configuration, or user data.
- App pins and list: Windows can help you identify apps from the old PC and launch their reinstall process.
- Installed programs: Store apps may be restored from their pins; non-Store apps generally need their publisher’s installer.
- Files: Selected user folders are handled through OneDrive, separately from app restoration.
- Licenses and settings: Check each app’s sign-in and vendor-specific migration instructions.
How to prepare the old PC
1. Use the right Microsoft account
Open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup, or open the Windows Backup app. Sign in with the personal Microsoft account you intend to use on the new PC. Microsoft says work or school accounts do not work with the Windows Backup app; organization policies may also affect what is available.
2. Turn on the app list and the settings you need
In Windows Backup, enable the installed-app setting and select the Windows settings you want remembered. The settings catalog describes the app option as a list of installed apps, so do not treat enabling it as a full application backup.
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- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
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3. Back up your files separately
Choose which user folders to sync through OneDrive, such as Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, or Music. Check your available OneDrive space before relying on it: Microsoft states that a free personal Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage, with additional storage available to purchase. If you have a large collection of files or need an offline copy, an external or network drive is another file-backup destination; it does not migrate installed apps. See Microsoft’s guide to choosing a Windows backup solution.
How to restore the setup on the new PC
- During Windows setup, sign in with the same personal Microsoft account used for the backup.
- If Windows offers a backup to restore, choose the appropriate PC backup.
- After setup, use the restored app pins. Start a Store app from its pin to restore it. For a non-Store app, follow Windows’ link to download its installer.
- Sign in to OneDrive with the same account to access folders you backed up there.
Windows setup can present different options depending on the device and software state. If you do not see the expected backup, confirm that you are using the same account and that the old PC completed its backup; then use the app list as a manual reinstall checklist.
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- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Finish migration app by app
For each app that needs reinstalling, use the publisher’s official website or its account-based installer workflow. Once installed, sign in and check activation, saved preferences, plug-ins, templates, and app-specific files. Some apps store data in an account or cloud service; others keep it locally or use their own export-and-import process. Windows Backup’s app list alone cannot establish that this material moved.
Should you use Microsoft’s PC-to-PC transfer feature?
Not as an app migration route based on Microsoft’s current guidance. Its page for transferring files and settings to a new Windows PC currently says the feature is no longer available and states that applications installed on the previous PC are not transferred by that feature. Microsoft points readers to Windows Backup and Restore instead. Availability can change, so check the notice on that page if you revisit this approach.
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- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Which approach fits your situation?
| Approach | What it helps move | What to plan separately |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Backup | App list and pins, selected Windows settings, and selected folders through OneDrive | Reinstalling many non-Store apps, app-specific data, activation, and custom settings |
| Reinstall from the publisher | The app itself, using its official installer or account workflow | Finding the right installer, signing in, licensing, and restoring app data or preferences |
| OneDrive or external/network storage | Files placed in the backup or synced folders | Installed applications; file sync is not app migration |
Windows Backup is intended for account-based setup continuity, not a portable clone of a PC. Microsoft distinguishes backup, restore, recovery, and transfer tasks in its Windows backup, restore, and recovery overview. For recovery choices such as repairing or resetting Windows, see its recovery options guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support status
Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. If the old PC is running Windows 10, factor that support status into your plans for the replacement device. Microsoft’s Windows Backup guidance includes this notice.
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- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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