Transfer files to new computer

Sally Molnar 0 Reputation points
2026-11-04T18:44:21.0866667+00:00

I recently purchased a new computer. I would like to transfer my Excel and Word files to the new computer.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows
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  1. Bulldog 5,520 Reputation points
    2026-11-04T19:04:32.6466667+00:00

    This is by far the easiest way:

    1- Buy or borrow a portable hard drive or a USB flash drive.

    2- Copy your Excel and Word files from the old computer to the portable hard drive or USB flash drive:

    111

    3- Move those files from the portable hard drive or USB flash drive to the new computer.

    111

    Doesn't get any simpler, and you are in complete control from beginning to end!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-04T18:44:49.8466667+00:00

    Use OneDrive on the old computer to upload the Word and Excel files, then sign in to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account on the new computer to access them.

    Transfer with OneDrive

    On the old computer:

    1. Open File Explorer and select OneDrive in the left pane.
    2. Copy the Word and Excel files you want to transfer into the OneDrive folder. Check common locations such as Documents, Desktop, and Downloads.
    3. Wait for OneDrive to finish syncing.
    4. Sign in to OneDrive on the web and verify that all the files appear there before proceeding.

    On the new computer:

    1. Search Windows for OneDrive and open it.
    2. Sign in with the same Microsoft account used on the old computer.
    3. Open File Explorer → OneDrive. Your files should appear as synchronization completes.
    4. To continue backing up files automatically, select the OneDrive cloud icon → Help & Settings → Settings → Sync and backup → Manage backup, select the folders, and choose Start backup.^1^

    Do not erase or dispose of the old computer until the transferred files open correctly on the new one.

    Alternative: use a USB or external drive

    If OneDrive is not suitable or does not have enough storage:

    1. Connect a USB drive or external hard drive to the old computer.
    2. Open File Explorer and find the files in Documents, Desktop, Downloads, or any other folders where they were saved.
    3. Select the files, right-click, and choose Show more options → Send to, then select the external drive.
    4. Open the external drive and verify that the copied files are present.
    5. Right-click the drive and select Eject before disconnecting it.
    6. Connect it to the new computer.
    7. Open File Explorer → This PC, open the external drive, and copy the files into Documents or another folder on the new computer.
    8. Open several Word and Excel files to confirm the transfer succeeded.^2^

    Install Word and Excel separately

    Moving files does not install Word or Excel. If the applications are not already installed:

    1. Go to the Microsoft 365 Apps page and sign in with the account associated with Microsoft 365 or Office.
    2. Select Install apps → Microsoft 365 apps.
    3. Run the downloaded installer and approve the Windows prompt.
    4. When installation finishes, open Word or Excel and accept the license agreement. Sign in with the same licensed account if prompted to activate.^3^

    Your existing .doc, .docx, .xls, and .xlsx files do not normally need conversion; open them from Word or Excel using File → Open → Browse.

    References

    1. Move files to a new Windows PC using OneDrive
    2. Move your files to a new Windows PC using an external storage device | Microsoft Support
    3. [Need help?](https://support.microsoft.com/office/lifecycle/officeinstall/download-install-or-reinstall-microsoft-365-or-office-2024-on-a-pc-or-mac)
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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