Transfer files and settings from Windows 7 to Windows 8

Expert

TRANSFER FILES AND SETTINGS It’s easy to move all your documents from Windows 7

Expert

TRANSFER FILES AND SETTINGS It’s easy to move all your documents from Windows 7

1

Start Windows Easy Transfer

On your old Windows 7 machine, click the ‘Start’ button and in the search box type easy. From the list that comes up, select ‘Windows Easy Transfer’. From the screen that now opens, select ‘Next’ and then choose your method for transferring your files to your new PC.

2

Find your documents

We’re using ‘An external hard disk or USB flash drive’, because this is the most popular method of transferring files. Select ‘This is my old computer’. and Windows Easy Transfer will scan your PC for your files and documents. It lets you know how much space the documents take up, so make sure your USB drive can handle it.

3

Choose what to transfer

Windows Easy Transfer is pretty good at guessing what you need to transfer over, but it might include some files you don’t need, or exclude ones that you do, so click ‘Customise’ to quickly add or exclude files. You can click ‘Advanced’ for a selection of even more options.

4

Advanced file selection

From the Advanced screen, you can tick or untick any folder you want to move to your new PC. This may seem overwhelming, but it’s a good way to make sure you transfer the essentials. Click the arrow next to any folders you include to get a list of folders and files included. Uncheck any folders you don’t want. Click ‘Save’ to finish.

5

Save your files and settings

Click ‘Next’ if you want to add a password to protect your files, then click ‘Save’ and then select where you want to store the settings. Plug in the USB drive you want to use and select it, then press ‘Save’. Windows Easy Transfer now saves your files to the location you chose. Depending on the device, this may take a few minutes to complete.

6

Easy Transfer in Windows 8

Start your new Windows 8 PC, plug in the USB drive containing your files and settings, then open the Search charm in Windows 8 by hovering your mouse cursor (or tapping the touchscreen) in the top right-hand side of the screen. Type easy in the search box, click ‘Apps’, then select ‘Windows Easy Transfer’.

7

Move your files and settings

Now follow the Windows Easy Transfer wizard as you did in Windows 7, but when it asks you which PC you are using now, select ‘This is my new PC’. On the next page, select ‘Yes’ then browse to the USB drive where you saved the files. Select them, then click ‘Open’. Finally, click ‘Transfer’ to complete the process.

8

Enjoy your new Windows 8 PC!

There you have it – in just a few simple steps you’ve brought all your important files and settings with you to your new Windows 8 PC. It means you can enjoy all the new features of Windows 8 without missing all of your important files and favourites. It’s amazing how much time Windows Easy Transfer can save you.

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