OneDrive makes it easy to transfer your files from PC to PC

With internet access and a few clicks, you can back up your files online. When you’re ready, sync them onto a new PC—or you can leave them in the cloud without having to download them. This saves space on your new PC’s hard drive and leaves your files and photos easily accessible from any of your devices, anywhere.1

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Move your files with OneDrive and get started with your new PC

Copy your files and folders to a secure location in the cloud then get up and running quickly so you can get back to doing what you love.

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Set up OneDrive

With Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8, OneDrive is already installed and ready for you to get started. If you don't have a Microsoft account, sign up for one here: https://account.microsoft.com/. It's free and comes with 5 GB of OneDrive storage.

Get started with OneDrive
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Bring your files and favorites with you

There's no need to leave your photos, files, or browser favorites behind when you transfer files from PC to PC or from a Mac to PC. Bring them with you to your new computer.

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Install what you love

When you start up your new PC, you may want to install additional apps. The Microsoft Store has many popular apps available to download or you can check with the publisher of your software for more information.

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Compare file transfer options

Check the table below to see what makes the most sense for your move.

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Compare file transfer options
Solutions OneDrive USB/external drive
Details

If you've been using your PC for a few years, you probably have some files that you want to move to the new PC. By using OneDrive, you can quickly transfer files from PC to PC or Mac to PC, so your files are organized like they were on your old computer and you can get right back to work.

You can use an external storage device such as a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive to help you move all your favorite files off a Windows 7 PC and onto a Windows 10 PC.
Benefits
  • Turn on PC folder backup to automatically back up and sync your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to OneDrive.
  • You can view and edit your files from the OneDrive app on other devices, including Androids and iPhones. You can also use any computer to go to the OneDrive website and sign in to access your files.
  • Once your files are saved to OneDrive, if your device is lost or damaged, your files will still be backed up and protected in the cloud.
  • You are in control of who, if anyone besides you, has access to the things you store in OneDrive.
  • If you’re worried about hard drive space, the Files On-Demand feature lets you browse your OneDrive files in File Explorer without actually downloading them to your PC.
  • No internet access or additional software or services are required.
  • External drives are portable, convenient, and can be encrypted for security.
  • For a large collection of files that take up a lot of storage space, moving them via USB can be your quickest and most cost-effective option.
Cost

A Microsoft account comes with 5 GB of OneDrive storage. You can buy more storage if you want it. Compare plans.

Shop your local retailer for hard drives and USB drives.

File transfer FAQ

There are a couple of ways to get your files and photos onto a new PC. With OneDrive you can quickly transfer files from PC to PC or Mac to PC, so your files are organized like they were on your old computer and you can get right back to work. Or you can use an external storage device such as a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive to help you make the move.

Yes. A Microsoft account (MSA) gives you an all-access pass to Microsoft services, including Windows 11.2 It's free and comes with 5 GB of OneDrive storage! If you don't have a Microsoft account, it’s easy to sign up using your existing or new email address here: Microsoft account | Sign In or Create Your Account Today – Microsoft.

OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud storage service that lets you store your personal files in one place, share them with others, and get to them from any device connected to the Internet.
Learn more about OneDrive

Check out this brief video that will walk you through a few quick steps to set up an account.

A free OneDrive basic account offers 5 GB of storage. Need more space? No problem, see available options.

Yes. If OneDrive is not the best fit for you, there are other options available. For example, you can use an external hard drive along with the Windows Backup & Restore feature. There are also other programs designed to help with backing up your files and data and some retailers have service desks that will do the work for you.
Learn how

Yes. You can install or activate compatible versions of Office on your new computer using your product key.
Activate Office on a new PC How to install Office

If you are upgrading an existing Windows 10 PC to Windows 11, your apps will remain on the PC and they should continue to work. However, if you purchase a new Windows 11 PC, you will need to reinstall your apps on the new PC.

Yes, you can drag whole folders from File Explorer to your OneDrive folder.

A PC that adapts to you

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  • 1 Internet access required. Fees may apply.
  • 2 Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account to complete device setup on first use.