Use this guide when you have a new computer and want to move across without losing anything. Have both machines charged, an external drive or cloud storage, and access to your email and password manager.
Step by step
Make a list of what you use
Walk through the old computer and note the programs you use, where your files are stored and any licence keys or subscriptions. Check folders such as Desktop, Documents, Downloads and Pictures, plus email and browser data. This list becomes your checklist on the new machine.
Back up everything important
Copy all personal files to an external drive or cloud storage, keeping the folder structure. Export browser bookmarks and make sure your passwords are in a password manager or synced account. Check the backup opens before moving on.
Set up the new computer
Complete the setup, connect to the internet and install all available updates first. Sign in to your main accounts. Use the manufacturer's transfer tool if one is offered, but still check the results manually.
Copy files and reinstall programs
Copy your files into the matching folders on the new computer. Reinstall programs from official sources rather than copying program folders across. Deactivate licences on the old machine first if the software limits how many devices it can run on.
Check everything works
Go through your list and open each program and a sample of files. Send and receive an email, print a page and check your bookmarks and passwords. Keep the old computer untouched until you are satisfied.
Wipe the old computer
After a week or two of normal use, sign out of all accounts on the old machine and use its built-in reset option to erase it completely. Then sell, donate or recycle it through your local council or a reputable recycling scheme.
Ready-to-use checklist
- List of programs and licence keys
- All personal folders backed up
- Bookmarks and passwords saved
- New computer fully updated
- Programs reinstalled from official sources
- Files and emails checked
- Old licences deactivated
- Old computer reset and erased
Practical tips
- Search the old computer for large files by type, such as photos or documents, to find anything saved outside the usual folders.
- Keep your external backup for at least a month after the move in case something turns up missing.
- Remove any memory cards or discs from the old computer before you give it away.
Common problems
A program will not activate on the new computer.
The licence may still be registered to the old machine. Sign in to your account on the developer's website and remove the old device, or contact their support with your proof of purchase.
My emails did not come across.
If your email is web-based or uses an online account, simply sign in on the new computer. If emails were stored only in a desktop program, use that program's export feature on the old computer and import the file on the new one.
The old computer is too slow or broken to copy from.
Try copying the most important folders first in small batches. If it will not start at all, a reputable local repair shop can often recover files from the drive. Do not reset it until the data is safe.