transfer old desktop data from windows back up to new desktop

Question

transfer old desktop data from windows back up to new desktop

Michael Joko 5

trying to set up new computer with old computer windows latest back up. It failed so now I have both computers on network following the steps but stuck. I do not know where to type the old computers name on the new computer

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2 answers

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Answer 1

John Jefferson Doyon 89,550 Independent Advisor

Hi, @Michael Joko

Before continuing with the network method, may I clarify what you are trying to transfer from the old computer to the new one?

Do you only need your personal files such as Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads, or are you also trying to transfer programs and Windows settings?
Is the old computer still working normally and are both computers connected to the same home network?
When you tried Windows Backup on the new computer, what exactly failed or what error message did you receive?

Once that is clear, I can suggest the simplest transfer method rather than having you continue with network sharing unnecessarily.

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!

Ezra Friedlander 0 Reputation points

2026-10-09T22:16:49.4+00:00

While I am not OP, I have had the same problem. When I tried to transfer the data when I first set up my new laptop, I clicked "find the old device" but the new one could not find the old one. They were on the same wifi network.

Personally, I only "need" the documents, pictures, desktop, downloads, etc. I would, however, vastly prefer to transfer programs and windows settings as well.

The old computer is still working normally. The caveat being that it hasn't let me download Windows 11. Both computers are connected to the same home network.

Answer 2

On the new PC, the place to enter the old computer’s name appears only during the new PC setup flow, after selecting the transfer option.

Use this path:

Start the new PC setup experience.
When asked “Do you want to transfer information from another PC?”, select Continue.
The new PC is then prepared to pair with the old PC.
On the old PC, open the Windows Backup app.
Select Transfer information to a new PC.
The old PC shows its PC name.
On the new PC, type that old PC name in the pairing screen.
Select Next.
The new PC then shows a one-time code.
Enter that code on the old PC to complete pairing.

If the screen to enter the old PC name is not showing on the new PC, check these requirements:

Both PCs must be on the same Wi-Fi or LAN network.
Keep both PCs plugged into power during the transfer.
The old PC should be updated with the latest Windows updates.
The new PC must be running Windows 11, version 2024 or later.
This transfer experience is for Microsoft accounts that do not already have an existing backup.

If the old PC does not show Transfer information to a new PC in Windows Backup, go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, install all updates, restart, and then open Windows Backup again.

If the new PC was already fully set up and the transfer step was skipped, the context only describes this PC-to-PC transfer during setup. In that case, use Windows Backup and Restore instead.

References: