Copy to new PC over network after initial setup is completed

Hi!

Let me clear this process.

On the old PC, It generates a code (a transfer key) after you go through Start → Settings → Accounts → Windows backup and choose Back up settings, apps, and files.

On the new PC, you don’t enter that code manually anywhere. Instead, Windows Backup automatically looks for that transfer when you sign in with the same Microsoft account.

That’s why you only saw “Back up this PC” is because the restore/pair flow only shows up during initial setup or right after adding the Microsoft account for the first time.

Since you’ve already finished setting up the new PC:

1. Check Settings → Accounts → Windows backup. If the old PC’s backup was successful and tied to your Microsoft account, you should see it listed under Restore from another device.
2. If it doesn’t appear: Unfortunately, there is no manual “enter code” option once setup is complete. Microsoft’s “transfer code” is designed only for the first-time setup experience.

Workarounds:

• Reset the new PC (Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Remove everything). During setup, sign in with the same Microsoft account, and you’ll see the option to restore from the old PC using that code.
• Or skip the code entirely and just use File Sharing / OneDrive / external drive / robocopy to move your files manually.

Thanks, I’ll check under accounts and see if restore is an option next time I’m on my FIL’s computer. I finally gave up and used an external hard drive. They were both definitely signed into the same Microsoft account. I was also able to see both PCs on the network from each other.