How to Move Folders from One Computer to Another?
Transferring folders between PCs is a common task, whether you're upgrading your device, sharing files, or performing backups. This guide will show you how to move folders from one computer to another with ease. Read it to choose the best approach for your needs.
By Gia / Updated on June 26, 2025
I recently bought a new PC and I want to move some important folders from my old PC to the new one. The folders contain a mix of documents, subfolders, and media files, and I’d like to keep the structure exactly the same. What’s the best way to move folders without messing up the file hierarchy?
- Question from User
Whether you're upgrading to a new computer, backing up important files, or just sharing data between two machines, knowing how to move folders from one PC to another is essential. It helps you keep your files safe and organized without the risk of losing or corrupting anything.
The good news is, there are several simple and reliable ways to move folders between computers. In this section, we’ll walk you through several common methods, so you can choose the one that works best for your setup and needs.
How to Move Folders from One Computer to Another?
The best method for moving folders depends on a few key factors like file size, internet connection, and the hardware you have on hand. In this section, we’ll cover three reliable ways to transfer folders between computers:
- Using external storage devices
- Using cloud services
- Using folder transfer software
Each option has its own benefits, and we’ll guide you through the steps for each one.
Fix 1. Move Folders from One Computer to Another Using External Storage Devices
This is one of the most straightforward ways to move folders from PC to PC, especially if you don’t have the internet. External storage devices such as USB flash drives or external hard drives allow you to physically copy files from one PC and paste them on another.
Here's how to transfer a folder from one computer to another via an external storage device:
Step 1. Connect an external hard drive or a USB to your PC and ensure it has been detected.
Step 2. Find the folder you want, then copy and paste it onto your drive.
Step 3. Safely eject the external drive and plug it into another PC.
Step 4. Paste the folder into the location you like.
Fix 2. Transfer a Folder from One Computer to Another via Cloud Services
If both computers have internet access, you can share files using cloud storage. Cloud storage solutions like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox make it easy to upload a folder from one device and download it on another. This is a great method when physical access to both PCs is not possible.
Follow these steps to transfer folders from one computer to another:
Step 1. On your computer, upload your folders to your chosen cloud storage service (here is Google Drive).
Step 2. Wait for the upload to complete. Transfer time depends on your internet speed. You can compress the folder into a .zip file to speed up the process.
Step 3. On another PC, log in using the same cloud account.
Step 4. Download the folders from the cloud to this PC.
Fix 3. Move Folders from One Computer to Another Using Software
If you don’t have a stable internet connection or simply want to avoid re-downloading folders, using third-party software can be a smart solution. AnyViewer is a free remote desktop tool that also supports fast and secure file transfers between PCs.
Unlike traditional file-sharing tools, AnyViewer lets you connect to another PC from anywhere, as long as both are online. With just a few clicks, you can move files or entire folders quickly and safely.
Why Use AnyViewer?
👉 Up to 10MB/s for smooth, efficient file moves.
👉 Transfer unlimited files in any format.
👉 No risk of data loss or corruption.
👉 Keeps your data protected from unauthorized access.
👉 Includes screen sharing, full remote control, remote gaming support, and other useful features.
Follow these steps to move folders from one computer to another using AnyViewer:
Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on both devices.
Step 2. Launch AnyViewer on the remote device, create a new account, and log in.
Step 3. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on your local device.
Step 4. Go to the "Device" section, locate the remote device you wish to connect to, and start folder sharing by clicking on "File transfer."
Step 5. Once connected, you can easily browse and transfer files and folders between the two devices securely.
Conclusion
Learning how to move folders from one computer to another doesn’t have to be difficult. The key is choosing the method that best fits your needs. If you’re looking for a secure and flexible option with remote access, AnyViewer is one of the most powerful solutions. It is especially effective when transferring large files. No matter which method you choose, we hope you’re able to transfer your folders successfully!
