Windows Backup transfer is no longer available. Use Windows Backup and Restore instead. On Windows 11 and Windows 10, the supported path is to sign in with a Microsoft account and use Windows Backup to save and restore files and settings. If you need to move data to a new PC, back up the old PC first, then restore it on the new PC after signing in with the same Microsoft account. For step-by-step help, see Microsoft Support.
What you'll need
- A consumer Microsoft account on both PCs.
- Enough OneDrive space for the files and synced settings you want to back up.
- The previous PC running Windows 10 or Windows 11 with current updates.
- The new PC ready to sign in with a Microsoft account.
- Access to any BitLocker-encrypted drives you want to include, after decryption.
đź“Š Microsoft says you can use Windows Backup to restore your list of apps on a new Windows 11 PC. Source: Microsoft.
What the transfer process does
Windows Backup uses a Microsoft account to save backed-up files and settings and then restore them on another PC. The supported flow is backup on the old PC and restore on the new PC after you sign in with the same account.
What moves and what stays behind
Microsoft says Windows Backup can back up files, settings, and apps, but it does not copy system and OS files such as Program Files, Program Data, and Temp. BitLocker-encrypted drives are excluded unless you decrypt them first. If you want that drive protected again later, turn BitLocker back on after the backup is complete. Apps are the weak point here, because some reinstall from Microsoft services while many desktop apps still need manual reinstall.
What to check first
Before you start, confirm the account, the network, and the storage target. If any one of those fails, backup and restore may not complete as expected.
Microsoft account and OneDrive space
Windows Backup in the consumer flow requires a personal Microsoft account, and some personalization data depends on OneDrive storage. Open Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup > Back up to OneDrive on the PC you want to back up, and make sure OneDrive folder sync is turned on as part of the restore pipeline on the new PC. A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage. If that space is full, folder sync and related backup data can fail even when the rest of the setup looks normal, so free up space or choose fewer folders if your data set is larger than the available space.
Network and power
Keep both PCs on the same Wi-Fi or LAN network and connected to power while you back up and restore. If the connection drops or the battery drains, the backup or restore can stop partway through.
Windows version and drive access
The previous PC can run Windows 10 or Windows 11. If a source drive is BitLocker-encrypted, decrypt it before you start.
Why don't I see the transfer option in Windows Backup?
If you do not see a transfer option, check whether the PC is signed in with a Microsoft account and whether the app has current updates. If Windows Backup still does not appear correctly, update the PC and reopen the app.
If that didn't work, try this next
- On the previous PC, open Settings > Windows Update and install the latest cumulative updates.
- On the new PC, open Settings > System > About and confirm the device details.
- Open Settings > Accounts > Your info and select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
- Check OneDrive > Storage and free up space if backup content will not fit.
- Decrypt any BitLocker-protected source drive before reopening Windows Backup.
Say your old PC is on Windows 10 and Windows Backup is not showing the expected options after a long update gap. The likely issue is stale system state, not the backup itself. After updating, open Windows Backup again and check the restore path before changing any account settings.
Windows backup transfer steps
Use the backup-and-restore flow instead. Start by signing in with a Microsoft account on the old PC, create the backup you need, and then restore it on the new PC after you sign in there with the same account.
- On the old PC, open Windows Backup from Search or Settings.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account if you are prompted.
- Back up the files, folders, and settings you want to keep.
- On the new PC setup screen, sign in with the same Microsoft account.
- Keep both PCs on the same Wi-Fi or LAN network and connected to power while you finish backup and restore.
- On the new PC, when the restore choices appear during setup or after the first sign-in, select the files, folders, and settings you want to restore.
- Wait for the restore to complete before signing out or shutting down.
Common mistakes
- Using a local account on the new PC, which blocks the consumer Windows Backup flow.
- Expecting app cloning, when many apps still need reinstalling by setup file or Store.
- Starting on a weak network, which can interrupt the backup or restore stage.
- Leaving a BitLocker drive locked, which prevents that drive from being included.
Suppose the restore stops partway through because the Wi-Fi drops during setup. Do not keep retrying on the same unstable connection. Move both PCs to the same LAN or a stronger Wi-Fi network, plug them into power, and restart the restore after signing in again.
What moves to the new PC?
Windows Backup can move files, folders, some settings, and a limited list of apps. Microsoft says you can restore your list of apps on a new Windows 11 PC, which helps with reinstalling, but it does not mean every app payload arrives intact. System files stay behind.
Files and folders
Your folders can sync through OneDrive, which is why storage space matters. If the folder set fits inside available cloud space, the files show up after sign-in and restore. If it does not fit, some content may remain pending until you free space or choose fewer folders.
Settings tied to the account
Some personalization and app settings follow the Microsoft account. That is why the consumer flow depends on signing in during setup. If you skip the account sign-in, Windows cannot pull the saved settings back to the new device.
Apps that reinstall automatically versus manually
Microsoft’s app list can help you reinstall later, but many desktop programs still need a manual setup file or a fresh download from the vendor. Microsoft Store apps are the most likely to return with less work. Large standalone programs, drivers, and utility suites usually need manual reinstall.
Transfer blockers matrix
Use this table when backup or restore appears to stall or disappear. Each blocker maps to the first thing to check and the fallback that usually gets you moving again.
| Blocker | Likely cause | Check first | Fallback path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missing transfer option | The transfer feature is no longer available | Use Windows Backup and Restore instead | Restore from the existing backup rather than starting a transfer |
| Existing backup on the Microsoft account | The account already has a backup tied to it | Sign in with the same Microsoft account on the new PC and review the restore path | Restore from the existing backup rather than creating a new one |
| Insufficient OneDrive space | Folder sync and some personalization data cannot fit | Check available OneDrive storage, then remove unused files | Choose fewer folders or move data in smaller batches |
| BitLocker-encrypted drives | The drive is locked for backup | Decrypt the drive before opening Windows Backup again | Copy unlocked data after decryption, then rerun the backup |
| Unsupported new-PC version | The new PC setup is not ready to restore yet | Check Settings > System > About on the new PC | Update the new PC before trying the restore |
| Interrupted network transfer | Wi-Fi or LAN dropped during backup or restore | Recheck the network and keep both PCs on power | Restart the backup or restore on a stable wired or strong wireless link |
Can you transfer without OneDrive?
Sometimes, but only in a limited sense. OneDrive is part of the consumer Windows Backup flow for folder sync and some settings, so a local-only path is not the default. If you want files without OneDrive, use an external drive, File Explorer copy, or another migration method instead of relying on this feature.
When local transfer still works
If your goal is only to move selected files, manual copy can work well. Use File Explorer or an external drive for documents, photos, and installers. That avoids cloud storage limits, but it also means settings and app lists will not follow you through Windows Backup.
When you need another method
If you need a full offline move, Windows Backup is not the right tool by itself. A direct file copy or a separate backup app fits better. Microsoft says the transfer feature is no longer available, so Windows Backup and Restore becomes the fallback path.
Frequently asked questions
How do I do Windows Backup transfer?
On the old PC, open Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup > Back up to OneDrive, sign in with a Microsoft account, and back up the files, folders, and settings you want to keep. On the new PC, sign in with the same Microsoft account during setup or after first sign-in, then restore the items that Windows Backup offers on the restore screen.
What gets transferred to a new PC with Windows Backup?
Files, folders, selected settings, and a list of apps can move over, but system files do not. The backup does not include Program Files, Program Data, or Temp, and BitLocker-encrypted drives stay out unless you decrypt them first.
Does Windows Backup move apps to a new computer?
It helps restore an app list on a new Windows 11 PC, which speeds up reinstalling. That is not the same as moving every installed program. Microsoft Store apps are the easiest case, while many desktop apps still need a separate installer.
Can I transfer files without OneDrive?
Yes, but not through the full Windows Backup consumer flow. Use File Explorer, an external drive, or another copy tool for local-only file moves. That path will not carry the same settings and app list that Windows Backup can restore.
What do I do if Windows Backup transfer is not working?
Restart with the basics: update the old PC, confirm the new PC account sign-in, and check OneDrive storage. If the connection keeps dropping, switch to a stronger Wi-Fi network or LAN and keep both PCs plugged into power.