Use Windows PC-to-PC transfer without assuming it moves apps or passwords

Microsoft's PC-to-PC transfer can move files and selected settings over a local connection, but its current requirements and omissions matter. The destination must run a supported Windows 11 version, sign in with a Microsoft account, and the feature is limited to supported PC architectures. Microsoft lists installed apps, saved passwords, OneDrive files and BitLocker-encrypted drives among what it does not transfer. A good migration plan fills those gaps before the old PC is wiped.

Before you start​

Update both PCs, connect them to reliable power and the same trusted network, and keep enough destination storage free. Back up valuable files separately because a transfer is not a durable archive. Check processor compatibility and that the new PC runs Windows 11 version 2024 or later according to Microsoft's current support page. Identify encrypted secondary drives and their recovery keys.

Do it step by step​

1. On the old PC, open Windows Backup and choose Transfer information to a new PC if offered. Read the on-screen pairing requirements; do not use a third-party transfer utility that asks for account passwords.
2. On the new PC, sign in with the intended Microsoft account during setup and start the corresponding transfer step. Pair only the two devices you control.
3. Review the selected files and settings, available destination space and progress. Keep both machines awake and powered until transfer reports completion.
4. Compare sample files from different folders and drives with the originals. Check dates, sizes and whether a folder was excluded because it was OneDrive or an encrypted volume.
5. Install applications from their official sources and restore app data by their own method. Recreate saved passwords through the password manager's supported sync or export process.
6. Test daily tasks and keep the original PC until the migration checklist is complete. Store an independent backup before resetting or donating it.

Check the result​

The new PC contains the intended local files and preferences, while excluded apps, credentials, OneDrive and encrypted-drive data each have an explicit separate plan.

If something goes wrong​

If the transfer option is absent, recheck Windows version, architecture, account and feature rollout. If pairing stalls, verify both machines use the trusted network and have free space. Do not decrypt an organizational drive simply to make transfer easier without IT approval.

Know the limit​

PC-to-PC transfer is not an image backup. Microsoft says system files, installed apps and saved credentials are excluded, and OneDrive files require sign-in to the cloud account on the new PC. Microsoft PC-to-PC transfer

Decision checkpoint​

A transfer completed indicator is only the transport result. Compare file counts or samples from every important source drive and check excluded categories by name. If a secondary drive is encrypted, ask whether a supported backup is preferable to decrypting it for convenience. The old PC remains your fallback until applications, account access and the new backup are working. Do not remove it from the Microsoft account prematurely.

Aftercare​

Configure a new backup on the replacement PC. The old transfer session is not a continuing protection system for files you create tomorrow.