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When transferring to a new machine, where do you enter the old machine name in Windows Backup?

none none 0 Reputation points
2025-11-30T19:03:32.8666667+00:00

I'm trying to get settings (and to a lesser degree data) from an old machine to a new machine over a local network. The machines can see each other in the Network tab. When I open Windows Backup on the old machine it says 'enter this name into the new machine'.

There is no place to enter the name on the new machine.

There is no 'More Options' or 'Restore from other PC' in Windows Backup on the new machine as many tutorials proclaim.

Any clues? It wasn't available during setup, so I tried using the OneDrive thing to at least get the settings over, which didn't work. So I just set it up as a new machine. But now trying to get the settings over. And, no, I don't want to use OneDrive which is useless with it's 5gb limit. I want to transfer over the local network.

It should not be this hard to transfer settings/data. On Mac it's a ridiculously simple process.

I'm assuming I just have to do everything manually, but figured I'd ask.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
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  1. Hendrix-V 6,345 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-12-01T00:03:43.91+00:00

    Hi none none,

    Thank you for posting on the Microsoft Q&A Forum! I understand the frustration when a process that seems simple on other platforms becomes complicated on Windows. Here are some methods that might help you move your data and settings with ease:1 - PCmover Express:

    • Microsoft partnered with Laplink to provide PCmover Express, which transfers user profiles, files, and some settings over your local network. You can download it from Microsoft’s official site and follow the wizard for an easier migration.

    2 - Manual Migration:

    • Copy your user folders (Documents, Pictures, Downloads) from C:\Users<YourName> to the new PC.
    • For app-specific settings, copy relevant folders from AppData or export/import registry keys.
    • Reinstall applications manually, as Windows does not migrate installed programs.

    I look forward to receiving your update. Let me know which solution works for you or if your problem persists and you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have additional questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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