Discovered Windows 11 application could potentially alleviate the most significant hassle associated with purchasing a new laptop
The tech world is abuzz with excitement about the upcoming addition to Windows 11 – the Migration application. This native PC-to-PC transfer tool is designed to streamline the process of moving files, personal settings, and system customisations directly over a local network from an old Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC to a new Windows 11 device.
### Key Features of the Migration Application
The Migration application boasts several key features that set it apart from its predecessors. Here are some of its most notable aspects:
- **Personal File Transfer**: The Migration application allows users to transfer a wide variety of personal files, including documents, photos, and videos, across various folders and drives. - **Preserving Personalisation**: The Migration application migrates desktop backgrounds, theme customisations, taskbar configurations, accessibility settings, and some user profiles to maintain a familiar environment on the new PC. - **Ease of Setup**: The Migration application works over a local network, requiring both PCs to be on the same Wi-Fi or wired network. The process involves initiating migration from the new Windows 11 machine, selecting desired data categories to move.
### What the Migration App Does Not Transfer
It's important to note that the Migration application does not transfer apps and passwords. While apps can be restored from the Microsoft Store library, and passwords from the Microsoft account, these details are not automatically copied over. Additionally, the Migration application excludes other sensitive data that typically sync via OneDrive or the Microsoft account.
### Differences from the Existing Backup System
The Migration application offers a distinct approach to file transfer compared to the existing backup system via Windows Backup and OneDrive. Here's a side-by-side comparison:
| Aspect | New Migration Tool | Existing Backup/OneDrive System | |----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | **Transfer Mode** | Direct local network PC-to-PC transfer | Cloud-based backup and restore | | **Data Transferred** | Files, settings, user personalisation, no apps or passwords | Files synced to OneDrive, some settings via cloud sync | | **Dependency** | Requires both PCs powered on and connected locally | Requires internet and Microsoft account | | **Use Case** | Moving to new PC without cloud reliance | Restore from backed-up cloud data | | **Limitations** | Does not transfer apps or passwords | Backup depends on storage limits and sync settings | | **Availability** | Integrated in Windows 11 setup or Windows Backup app | Windows Backup app and Microsoft cloud services |
The Migration application is aimed at users who prefer avoiding cloud dependency and want a faster, local migration experience for their core data and settings. In contrast, the existing backup system generally requires users to upload and restore data using OneDrive and relies more heavily on the Microsoft cloud ecosystem.
### The Future of PC-to-PC Transfers
The Migration application is currently in the development stage, with no official release date announced. However, its potential to revolutionise the way we transfer data between PCs is undeniable. By offering a local, direct PC-to-PC transfer model, the Migration application provides a convenient alternative to OneDrive-dependent cloud backup and restore for transferring files and personal settings between Windows PCs during upgrades or migrations.
Sources: [1] Microsoft (2022). Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4945. [Online]. Available: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-insider/builds-info/build-22635 [2] The Verge (2022). Microsoft is building a new app for Windows 11 called Migration. [Online]. Available: https://www.theverge.com/22633965/microsoft-windows-11-migration-app-file-transfer [3] Windows Central (2022). Microsoft is working on a new Migration app for Windows 11. [Online]. Available: https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-working-new-migration-app-windows-11 [4] Neowin (2022). Microsoft’s new Migration app for Windows 11 is a local PC-to-PC transfer tool. [Online]. Available: https://www.neowin.net/news/microsofts-new-migration-app-for-windows-11-is-a-local-pc-to-pc-transfer-tool/
- The Migration application can transfer a variety of personal files, such as documents, photos, and videos, directly from an old PC to a new one, while preserving personalisation like desktop backgrounds and taskbar configurations.
- It's essential to know that the Migration application doesn't transfer apps and passwords, unlike other sensitive data which is typically synced via OneDrive or the Microsoft account.
- Compared to the existing backup system, the Migration application offers a local, direct PC-to-PC transfer method, contrasting the cloud-based backup and restore procedure utilized by OneDrive.
- Users who prefer a faster, local migration experience for their core data and settings will benefit from the Migration application, which offers a convenient alternative to OneDrive-dependent cloud backup and restore for transferring files and personal settings between Windows PCs during upgrades or migrations.
