Windows 11 25H2 will let you transfer data from your old PC during initial setup

• Windows 11 now includes a “Transfer to a new PC” option during the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE) that allows you to transfer files and settings from your old device to a new one using the local network.
• The feature uses the Windows Backup experience to connect both PCs, and it works independently of OneDrive. It’ll become available for Windows 11 25H2, as well as Windows 10 and earlier versions of Windows 11.

Microsoft has been working on a new “Transfer to a new PC” feature for the Windows Backup experience on Windows 11, which helps you transfer your files and settings from an old computer to a new one. We’ve already seen the feature through the Windows Backup app, and we can see what the experience looks like from the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE).

Although we have already seen the interface available through the app, in the latest preview of the operating system, available through the Dev Channel (also available in the Beta Channel), it has been discovered that the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE) now offers the option to transfer files and settings during initial setup.

In the setup, you’ll arrive at the “Do you want to transfer information from another PC?” page, which clarifies that the process will transfer your files and settings over the network to the new computer.

Once the connection is made from the old computer using the Windows Backup, the new device will show the transfer progress on the “We’re transferring your information now” page, which also includes an option to cancel the transfer at any time.

Finally, the “Transfer summary” will show you the information that was transferred.

The idea isn’t new. In the past, the operating system included the Windows Easy Transfer app, which allowed users to transfer their data from an old device to a new computer over a local network.

The “Transfer to a new PC” is similar, but this feature allows you to transfer your data directly from the initial setup or using Windows Backup using the local network without the need for the cloud.

This feature will benefit users with a large number of files and those who prefer not to use cloud services, such as OneDrive.

Related

Windows 11 25H2 new features, release details, upgrade options (so far)

This feature won’t be exclusive to Windows 11 25H2, as it’s intended to transfer data from an older computer. As a result, Microsoft plans to make this feature available for Windows 10 as well as for older versions of Windows 11 (version 24H2 and higher releases).