How Do I Transfer My Files and Pictures to a New Computer?
Learn safe ways to move documents, pictures, and other important files from an old computer to a new one without losing track of your originals.
What’s happening?
Moving to a new computer doesn't mean you have to lose the pictures, documents, and other files stored on your old computer.
The safest approach is to identify what you need, make sure you have a backup, and then transfer the files using an appropriate method.
Common transfer problems
- Important folders are overlooked
- The transfer is interrupted
- There isn't enough storage on the new computer
- Files are stored in different locations
- A cloud service isn't fully synchronized
- The old computer is erased too soon
Things you can safely try
- Identify the files you need.
Common locations include Pictures, Documents, Desktop, Downloads, and other folders you regularly use.
- Make a backup of important files before starting the transfer.
- Choose an appropriate transfer method, such as an external storage device, cloud storage, or the computer manufacturer's transfer tools.
- Move or copy the files to the new computer.
- Open several important files on the new computer to make sure they work.
- Compare important folders on the old and new computers.
- Keep the original files on the old computer until you've confirmed that everything important transferred successfully.
Stop here
Don't erase, reset, or dispose of the old computer until you've confirmed that your important files are safely transferred or backed up elsewhere.
If you're unsure where important files are stored, stop before deleting anything.
Do not erase or factory-reset the old computer until you have confirmed that important files are safely on the new computer or backed up elsewhere.
Still having trouble?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
LoTyde Tech Assistance provides friendly, patient technology help for residents throughout Indiana County and surrounding communities.
If you’ve tried the basic troubleshooting steps and still need help, we’re here to help.
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