Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11What survives depends on whether you upgrade the same PC, install Windows from scratch, or move to a different computer. On the same PC, Windows Setup can keep your apps, personal files, and settings—but only if you choose Keep personal files and apps. A fresh installation can erase them. Moving to another PC transfers selected files and settings, not the old PC’s installed apps as working installations. Switching to a Windows 11 Arm PC also requires checking app and driver compatibility.
First, identify which kind of move you are making
Microsoft distinguishes upgrading or refreshing one device from replacing it with a different PC. The choices affect what can be retained and how it moves:
| Scenario | Apps | Files and settings | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade Windows on the same PC | Kept if you choose Keep personal files and apps. | Kept with that choice. | Starting Setup from the running Windows installation is different from booting installation media for a fresh install. Microsoft’s upgrade guidance describes the in-place route. |
| Fresh installation on the same PC | Existing installed apps are lost. | The drive is wiped, so files and settings are lost. | Back up before booting from installation media. Microsoft’s installation guidance warns that this method removes existing Windows and data. |
| Move to a different PC | Old installed apps do not transfer as working installations. | Selected files and settings can be restored or transferred, subject to exclusions. | Plan to reinstall desktop software and sign in or reactivate where required. |
| Move to a Windows 11 Arm PC | Many apps may run, but compatibility depends on the app and its dependencies. | Transfer behavior follows the chosen migration method. | Check drivers, peripherals, games, assistive technology, and security software with their publishers. Microsoft’s Arm PC FAQ explains compatibility considerations. |
Upgrading Windows on the same PC
Choose what Setup keeps
When you run Windows 11 Setup from within the existing Windows installation, the default choice is Keep personal files and apps. It retains your personal files, installed apps, and Windows settings. You can select a different outcome:
- Keep personal files and apps: preserves files, apps, and settings.
- Keep personal files only: preserves personal files but removes apps and Windows settings.
- Nothing: removes personal files, apps, and settings.
Do not confuse this in-place upgrade with a fresh installation. If you boot from installation media to start a fresh install, Microsoft warns that the process completely wipes the hard drive and existing Windows installation. Back up your files before taking that route.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
Check readiness before upgrading
Use Windows Update to see when Windows 11 is offered for your particular device. An offer may be delayed because of a known compatibility issue or because the device is not yet considered ready. Microsoft’s PC Health Check can help assess hardware eligibility. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; Microsoft says free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes ended then. A device losing Windows 10 support does not automatically make it eligible for Windows 11.
Moving files and settings to a different PC
What Windows Backup can restore
Windows Backup is linked to your Microsoft account. It can back up selected user folders to OneDrive and save settings and preferences for restoration on another PC. Microsoft also describes many installed apps and Wi-Fi information in the Backup experience, but that does not mean every application, license, local database, or app-specific setting will return as a working installation. For desktop programs, plan to download and install them again from their publisher or the Microsoft Store, then sign in or reactivate as needed. See Microsoft’s Windows Backup overview.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
OneDrive is cloud storage and sync, not a complete clone of the old PC. The Microsoft Support page accessed in 2026 lists 5 GB of free OneDrive storage with a Microsoft account and 1 TB with a Microsoft 365 subscription; offers and terms can change. Check your account’s available space and make sure the folders you need are included in backup.
What direct PC-to-PC transfer includes—and excludes
Microsoft’s direct transfer experience is a separate option for moving selected files and settings. The old PC may run Windows 10 or Windows 11; the new PC must run Windows 11 version 2024 or later. Setup requires a Microsoft account on the new PC, and Microsoft says the feature currently supports most Intel- and AMD-based PCs. Its availability is not universal: Microsoft says it is not currently available in China. Consult the current direct-transfer guidance for changing eligibility details.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Both PCs need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi or LAN and plugged into power during the transfer. Review the transfer summary and confirm the destination has enough free space; Microsoft says you can adjust what transfers to fit a smaller drive. The feature copies files and settings or preferences, but excludes:
- Applications installed on the old PC.
- System and operating-system files, including Program Files, Program Data, and Temp.
- Saved passwords and sign-in credentials.
- Files on BitLocker-encrypted drives.
- OneDrive files, which you access on the new PC by signing in to OneDrive.
Because those exclusions differ from a full system image, separately inventory local files, app licenses, saved passwords, and app-specific data before replacing the old computer. An external hard drive or portable SSD can provide a separate file backup; it will not migrate installed applications, passwords, or system files.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
What changes when the destination is a Windows 11 Arm PC?
Windows 11 on Arm runs many apps. Native Arm64 versions are expected to offer the best performance; emulation can run some apps that lack a native build. Microsoft describes Prism emulation as included in Windows 11 version 24H2 for Arm PCs, while its current FAQ qualifies broader availability. Check the documentation for the specific device and Windows release rather than assuming every Arm PC has identical support.
App emulation cannot guarantee that every dependency will work. Drivers must be designed for Windows on Arm, so a device or program that depends on an incompatible driver may not work fully. Microsoft flags peripherals, some games that rely on anti-cheat drivers, some customization and assistive-technology apps, and some third-party antivirus software as areas to verify.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBest Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
For each critical program or device, check the exact model and software version with its publisher before switching. The app developer determines whether its software works on a Windows 11 Arm-based PC; compatibility can vary by app, driver, and hardware.
Quick Recap
Before you move: a practical checklist
- Decide whether this is an upgrade or a replacement. An in-place upgrade and a move to another PC have different retention and transfer rules.
- For the same PC, select the intended Setup option. Check eligibility first; back up before a fresh installation, especially if booting from installation media.
- For a replacement PC, inventory what does not simply transfer. List apps, licenses, saved passwords, local databases and other local files, and device settings. Make a separate backup.
- Check storage and file locations. Confirm free space on the destination and identify files in OneDrive, on encrypted drives, or outside folders selected for backup.
- For an Arm PC, verify dependencies individually. Ask the publishers of essential apps, drivers, printers, scanners, assistive technology, games, and security software about support for the exact device and version.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
