How do I identify your important files?

Check Documents, Pictures, Music, Desktop, and Downloads folders. Also note browser bookmarks and email accounts.

How do I choose a transfer method?

External drive (fastest for large amounts), cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive), or built-in tools (Mac Migration Assistant).

How do I copy files to the transfer medium?

Copy your folders to the external drive or upload to cloud storage. Verify the files are there before proceeding.

How do I move files to the new computer?

Connect the external drive or sign in to cloud storage on your new computer. Copy files to the appropriate folders.

How do I download your software?

Install the programs you need on the new computer. Sign in to your accounts (email, browser, banking, etc.).

How do I reset your old computer?

After verifying everything transferred, sign out of all accounts and reset to factory settings before disposing of the old computer.

TekSure — Free Tech Help for Beginners & Seniors

Getting a new computer is exciting, but you need to bring your files, photos, and documents along. Here are the most reliable ways to transfer your data.

For Windows to Windows: use an external hard drive or USB flash drive. On your old computer, copy your important folders (Documents, Pictures, Music, Desktop, and Downloads) to the external drive. Plug the drive into your new computer and copy the folders to the same locations. For a more automated approach, use Microsoft's OneDrive — sign in to OneDrive on your old computer, let it sync your files to the cloud, then sign in on your new computer and your files download automatically.

For Mac to Mac: use Apple's Migration Assistant. Connect both Macs to the same WiFi network. On the new Mac, open Migration Assistant (Applications → Utilities). On the old Mac, also open Migration Assistant. Follow the on-screen steps — it transfers your files, apps, settings, and even user accounts. You can also use Time Machine: back up your old Mac to an external drive, then during new Mac setup, choose "Restore from Time Machine Backup."

For Windows to Mac (or vice versa): use an external drive or cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive) to move files. Copy files from your old computer to the cloud or drive, then download them on the new one. Note that Windows programs do not run on Mac and vice versa — you will need to download Mac versions of your software.

Before getting rid of your old computer: make sure everything is transferred, sign out of all accounts, and reset the computer to factory settings. Windows: Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC. Mac: System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings.