Windows 10 is getting a native migration option to Windows 11
Microsoft is ending support for its Windows 10 operating system in October 2025. This deadline has not changed and while part of the Windows 10 userbase can migrate to Windows 11 more or less effortlessly, millions of devices can't.
Main reason for that is that Windows Update locks out devices that do not meet the Windows 11 system requirements. Microsoft says that customers should get a new PC and with it Windows 11 and preferably all the AI features that the company has cranked out in the past year.
Users have a few other options, including paying Microsoft for a one year extension of support. Using Windows 10 without security updates is out of the question for most users.
Those who buy a new PC face another problem: how do you move your data from the old PC to the new? The manual option is time consuming, as it involves copying files to secondary storage or via established network connections. It may also involve reinstalling apps and moving configurations from one PC to another, if supported.
Microsoft's migration tool
Microsoft is working on integrating a migration tool into the Windows Backup application. The Backup app was launched back in 2023 as a way for users to back up some data to OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage solution.
Unlike traditional backup systems, which give users options to back up files, folders, or entire drives, Microsoft's solution focused on very specific locations only.
Windows users can use it to back up certain folders, Documents, Videos, or Pictures, as well as credentials, settings, and some apps.
In other words, it is not a full-blown backup solution, as lots of data may be left behind.
Now comes the migration tool, baked directly into the backup application. It is rolling out to test builds currently. First spotted by Windows-detective Phantom of Earth, the new transfer option migrates data from one PC to another.
While it can be used fo transferring files between any supported Windows systems, say between Windows 11 and another Windows 11 PC, one of its main purposes is the transfer from Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11 PCs.
Both PCs need to be on the same network. As another precaution, verification is required to start the process.
Microsoft hopes clearly that this will give more customers the push they need to make the move to Windows 11.
As far as the scope of the transfer tool is concerned, it is limited as well. While that may be sufficient to some users, others may prefer commercial tools for migrating data from one Windows PC to another. You can check out PC Mover, Zinstall or Todo PCTrans, if you want to explore those options.
Closing Words
Too little, too late? Microsoft's transfer tool moves some files and some data from one Windows PC to another. While some users may find it useful, especially if most of their files and applications are moved to the new PC, many more may find it lacking in scope.
Now You: did you migrate data from one PC to another in the past? How did you do it? Did you use specialized tools for that? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
I migrated from win 7 to win 10 by copying to my own external drive I never use “my… “ anything. I set up the new laptop ; got the apps running. Then copied categories of data onto the new system as I decided to use it.
For example
Joan_medical_w07 to Joan_medical_w10
Joan_house_w07 to Joan_house_w10
They should add an upgrade option from Windows 11 to Windows 10.
The problem is some of my pro software packages are written for Windows 10 and do not work on Windows 11 at all. I’m not going to spend tens of thousands of dollars again to rebuy those packages(if they even become available)
@John C. said on June 17, 2025 at 1:40 pm
“Air-gap your old-but-still-working computer and keep using it with whatever version of an OS you like.”
I doubt most folks kniw what “air-gapping” is and even if they did, they lack the means to truly provide a safe environment. But thanks for suggesting this! :-)
I would strongly suggest using Linux on an air-gapped system, who knows what lurks underneath the proprietary nature of Windows. I’ve seen some wild stuff including drivers in use for communication with satellites! I had to really do some low level monitoring — and this is just for what you CAN find, if you try hard enough.
“Get an affordable, new computer with the abomination called “Windows 11” on it (or whatever OS is current) and use that for surfing the internet.”
Bad idea. It’s best to buy a new system WITHOUT Windows on it (get a Windows refund if you do get a system with Windows) and use Linux for surfing the Internet; so much safer it’s insane!
“Transfer files back and forth using a thumb drive if you have to.”
A TERRIBLE idea. This breaks the “air-gap” and material can contain harmful material in various kinds, including but not limited to malware which JUMPS the air-gap. If you have a separate air-gapped system, you don’t mix it with systems that go on-line AT ALL! That’s the point of having an air-gapped virgin system. You don’t defile it!
Air-gap your old-but-still-working computer and keep using it with whatever version of an OS you like. Get an affordable, new computer with the abomination called “Windows 11” on it (or whatever OS is current) and use that for surfing the internet. Transfer files back and forth using a thumb drive if you have to.
No thanks. I’ll stick with Windows 7 longer.
Some people will never trust a third party support company. I used 0patch on Windows 7 until browsers no longer would update. I use W 11 now, with 0patch that releases hot patches faster than Microsoft fixes Windows. The free version works well, but they have a $30/year paid tier also. Office patches are included.
You could still use Windows 7. There are updated browsers for both Chromium and Gecko. I think Thorium is the name for the Chromium browser and MyPal for the Gecko option. I discovered them when I revived an old XP laptop.
But I would suggest trying Linux Mint instead. It ensures you are up-to-date and using the latest and most secure software. I used both 10 and 11, at first in 2021 I was excited about 11 since the UI was less ugly than 10, but that was before they started bloating it with garbage. Then I moved back to 10 and decided to keep using it indefinitely, then I got progressively more frustrated even dealing with 10 and decided to make the jump to Linux and have been on it more than a year, since then I even bought a laptop and the first OS I installed on it was Linux Mint. This is my first computer that has never been tainted by the garbage known as Windows.
No easy way to do it. I prefer to start fresh rather than try and transfer old settings, etc. The Firefox profile/bookmarks because I don’t use the sync feature. Great time to start/complete some major house cleaning–delete, delete, delete. So much I save for some odd reason–like a storage unit.
PCMover helps; Belarc Advisor maybe.
[or other like apps: https://www.techradar.com/best/best-data-migration-tools%5D
Helps to have a password manager.
The hardest part may be programs and serials/licenses; many programs I use are “gratis,” so it’s hard to retrieve the license or find a new one.
Beyond my expertise, but I have seen techs “clone” an entire system and restore it on a completely different computer with no driver issues, etc. settings and all.
I personally just dont trust any migration tool, there’s nothing best than doing it by yourself even if it represents much work and that’s what I’m doing right now, so I know what I’m talking about.
Because I intend to keep my new computer for a ten to fifteen years of usage, my old computer having thirteen years, I prefer to have a greater control on the “cleanliness” of my new installation direct from the start.
I learned long ago that C: is for the system only. If I wipe and reformat C: I may have to reinstall some programs but all my data is safe on other drives.
Games, Media, My (everything) all goes on another drive.
The tool does sound handy, if you replace PC’s like people do phones. I recently got a new Android and the transfer tool used BT and worked great. But there also, all my ‘other’ files are on a seperate sdcard.
Martin,
In a prior artcicle at https http://www.ghacks.net 2024/04/03 microsoft-reveals-windows-10-esu-pricing-starts-at-61/) you mention this/ESU.
Even with 20 years in tech I cannot understand any Microsoft website pages any longer – they are incromprehensible unless you are a Microsoft master ninja.
Any pointers for small business to get onboard with these? Windows 10 needs to live here for as long as possible.