The file was probably too big to be shared if you’ve ever tried to email a coworker with a document attachment, and the attachment failed to send. When attempting to send a large file from one PC to another, file transference becomes challenging. This process is further complicated if you need to move an entire organization’s server to a new platform.
- Cloud storage or web data transfers. …
- SSD and HDD drives via SATA cables. …
- Basic cable transfer. …
- Use software to speed up your data transfer. …
- Transfer your data over WiFi or LAN. …
- Using an external storage device or flash drives.
How to transfer files with an external hard drive
An external hard drive is a storage device that can be connected to different computers and devices. To transfer your files using an external hard drive, just adhere to these steps:
1. Prepare your files for transfer
The first step to transferring your files is preparing them. To accomplish this, arrange the files you want to transfer and make sure you know where to look for them. You can remove unnecessary files during this step to speed up the transfer procedure.
2. Choose an external device to use
Think about your devices and how many files you need to transfer when selecting an external device. A thumb drive may be the most practical choice if you’re moving just one or a few small files. An external hard drive may be required if you need to transfer all of your computer’s files or larger files like videos and movies.
3. Connect the device to your PC
You can put a thumb drive into a USB port on your computer if you’re using one. If youre using an external hard drive, you can connect it to the computer by plugging the appropriate cord into the computer on one end and the hard drive on the other Make sure your computer acknowledges and recognizes the connected device before moving on.
4. Copy the files to the external storage
You can copy the files from your device and paste them into the external storage drive after connecting the external storage. You can do this by selecting the files with your mouse and dragging them, or by pressing CTRL A on your keyboard. After choosing the files, you can either right-click and choose Copy or use the keyboard shortcut CTRL C. Choose to paste the files by right-clicking and selecting Paste or by pressing the CTRL V key on your keyboard after finding the appropriate file on the external drive.
5. Plug the device into the other PC
By using the correct procedures for the device you’re using, you can safely eject the external storage from your device. Connect to the PC you want to transfer your files to after disconnecting the external hard drive or unplugging the thumb drive. Make sure the new computer recognizes the external storage drive before continuing.
6. Paste the files in the appropriate folder
You can access your computer’s file manager and transfer files from an external drive to your desktop or laptop. Select the files on the external drive by clicking and dragging your mouse pointer over them or by pressing the CTRL A keyboard shortcut. After choosing the files, you can either right-click and choose Copy or use the keyboard shortcut CTRL C. Locate the appropriate file on your computer, then paste it using the CTRL V keyboard shortcut or right-clicking and selecting Paste.
Why transfer files from PC to PC?
The method for transferring them can vary depending on the device and the quantity of files. Transferring files is useful for sharing, duplicating and updating information. You might move files between PCs for the following reasons:
How to transfer files using a file transfer utility
File transfer software helps to simplify the transfer process. Manufacturers may have the software required to transfer more data from your old computer to a new one, like settings and preferences, as they design these products specifically for moving files and information to new computers. To transfer your files using file transfer software, simply follow these steps:
1. Choose a file transfer product
When selecting a transfer product, take into account your device, the files you want to transfer, and the volume of information. They may include software programs or physical cords that, if two computers are placed close to one another, can be plugged in simultaneously, You can use the internet to research products to find out which ones are fastest, most compatible with your computers, and what their prices range from. Purchasing a high-quality file transfer product may be beneficial if you anticipate transferring files frequently.
2. Connect over the network or with a cable
You can link the computers via a network or a cable, depending on the transfer software you’re using. To connect the computers via a network, make sure they are both connected to the same internet source and adhere to the file transfer program or software’s instructions. Put the computers physically close to one another before plugging one end of the cable into the old computer and the other end into the new computer to connect them.
3. Sign out of programs and applications
Check the files you want to transfer to see if any of them are program files or application files. Transferring the files could result in issues with the software licenses if you have an online license or other form of non-physical ownership of the software that permits only a limited number of installs. It might be a good idea to sign out of your programs or applications before transferring your files.
4. Follow instructions for the product
For each product you select, there are different ways to finish the file transfer process. You might need to choose more expensive products and go through a longer process if you want a product that’s more thorough and applies to your settings, bookmarks, preferences, and other information besides files. Create a backup of your files in another location before completing a file transfer to ensure you can access them in case the transfer fails.
How to transfer files using a file history backup
Depending on your computer, you might be able to automatically store your information in another location using a backup system. To transfer files using a file history backup, just adhere to these steps:
1. Access the menu and settings
You can access the settings by navigating to the start menu or your toolbar. You can access the settings and look for backup options in this menu. You can modify your settings and choose a backup strategy within the backup options.
2. In the backup options, select a drive
You have the option to upload your files to the cloud in the backup menu. Additionally, you can choose a drive to use for file backup. You must have a drive that is accessible in your operating system or plugged into your computer in order to do this. You can choose to back up your files automatically after choosing a drive.
3. Alter the other settings to fit your preferences
You can change the preferences to make sure the backup procedure meets your needs. Select “More options” to see additional settings under the “Add a drive” option. You can choose which files to back up and which files to exclude from the process when you do this. To view details about the procedure, you can also select the “To learn more about backup options” option.
4. Use the drive with the backup data
If you need to restore your data or purchase a new computer, you can get the files back by going back into the backup settings. In the menu, you can locate older backups. Before choosing to restore files if you used an external drive for this process, make sure it is connected to your new computer. It’s also important to note that settings and applications are not included in this process, so you might need to transfer them separately.
Tips for transferring files
Implementing tips can make the process easier and more productive, depending on how many files you transfer and the devices you use. You can use the following advice when transferring files between computers:
How to transfer files from PC to PC using WiFi Windows 10 /7 /8
FAQ
Can I transfer files from PC to PC via USB?
In fact, you can move data or files from one PC to another PC or laptop using a USB cable. It can take a while to burn a CD-ROM, use a USB stick, or use a memory card to transfer large files from one PC to another. Using a USB cable is a clever and quick way to transfer files between two PCs.
What is the fastest way to transfer files between computers?
You require a USB bridging cable or a USB networking cable for computer-to-computer transfer. Since the copy-and-paste operation occurs simultaneously between the connected systems, it is quicker than using drives.
Can you transfer data from a PC to another PC?
Simply connect your hard drive to your old computer, transfer your files and folders to the drive, then plug it into your new computer to reverse the transfer process.
How do I transfer files between Windows computers?
Open a File Explorer window, choose the file (or files) you wish to transfer, and then click Share from the context menu that appears. This launches the Share panel (pictured above), which displays an icon for any nearby PC that is available for sharing in the center pane. When the recipient has given their consent, click that icon.
