By Ellie / Last Updated December 19, 2023

How do I transfer everything from my old computer to my new computer?

 

I just got a new computer and need help transferring all my files, settings, and apps from my old HP computer. I want the process to be smooth, and I don't want to miss anything important. Any advice?”

- Question from Reddit

HP Laptop

In the ever-evolving world of technology, upgrading to a new HP computer is an exciting step forward. However, the thought of transferring all your important files, applications, and settings to the new machine might seem daunting. Fear not! This post will walk you through how to transfer data from one HP computer to another.

How to transfer data from one HP computer to another [4 ways]

What’s the best way to transfer data from one computer to another? Here’s a concise overview of four extensively favored methods. Accompanying this summary are step-by-step guides for each method. Engage attentively and select the one that aligns with your preferences.

Way 1. Professional data transfer software

Seeking a hassle-free method to shift your files from one HP computer to another? Look no further than AnyViewer. As a highly acclaimed free, professional-grade data transfer software, it streamlines the process of moving files from your former HP computer to the new one. The simplicity lies in downloading this rapid software on both HP devices, ensuring an immediate and frustration-free file transfer experience.

Follow the steps below to learn how to transfer data from one HP laptop to another via AnyViewer:

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on both computers to start things off.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Step 2. Fire up AnyViewer, and sign in with your account credentials to gain access.

Log in AnyViewer.png

Step 3. Upon login, find yourself in the user-friendly interface.

Free Editions

Step 4. On your local computer, navigate to the "Device" section. Identify the target computer and opt for the "File transfer" option.

File Transfer AnyViewer

Step 5. In the File Transfer box, see your local and remote paths. Move files smoothly by selecting them and using the arrows. That's it—simple and effective!

Choose Files

★Tips:
If you're craving more flexibility, consider upgrading to AnyViewer's Professional or Enterprise version. This unlocks a host of benefits, such as accelerated file transfer speeds and unrestricted capacity.
AnyViewer goes beyond simple file transfers; it's a versatile tool. Enjoy features like unattended remote control, screen sharing, mobile control, and more. It's not just about files; it's about comprehensive control and connectivity.

 

Way 2. Cloud storage data transfer

There are several cloud storage providers. Select a reliable cloud storage service that suits your preferences. Popular choices include Google Drive, which seamlessly integrates with Google accounts, Dropbox for its user-friendly interface, and OneDrive, tightly integrated with Microsoft services.

However, most cloud storage services offer a limited amount of free storage, and additional space often comes with a subscription fee. Users with extensive data may find themselves facing storage constraints, leading to the need for continuous management or additional expenses.

Let’s take Google Drive as an example. Follow the steps below to learn how to transfer data from one HP laptop to another via Google Drive:

Step 1. Open Google Drive's main interface, locate, and click on "My Drive" in the left sidebar. Then, click "My Drive" again and choose "Upload files" or "Upload folder" from the expanded menu.

upload-files

Step 2. Opt for "Upload files," and a window will pop up. Select your desired file and click "Open" in the lower-right corner.

Select-a-document

Step 3. Monitor the file upload progress in the lower-right corner. Once completed, find the file in the main interface.

find-the-uploaded-file

Step 4. Open Google Drive on the second computer, and log in using the same Google account. Locate the transferred file, right-click, and choose "Download" from the menu to achieve remote file transfer between different computers.

download-file

Way 3. Transfer your data over WiFi or LAN

When both your computers share the same network, creating a local area network (LAN) allows you to seamlessly explore one PC's hard drives from another. A handy tool for this task is Nearby Sharing, a built-in feature.

It's crucial to note that this method is specific to Windows 10 and Windows 11. For users on different Windows versions, alternative methods are recommended.

Let’s see how to transfer data from one HP computer to another via Nearby Sharing:

Step 1. Go to Settings > System > Shared Experiences, and turn on Nearby Sharing.

transfer files via nearby sharing windows 10

Step 2. Select your sharing preference from the drop-down menu. Options include sharing with everyone nearby or only with devices under the same Microsoft account.

nearby sharing pattern

Tips: "Everyone nearby" shares with all nearby devices, while "My devices only" restricts sharing to devices using the same Microsoft account.

Step 3. Click "Change" to pick a preferred folder for storing transferred files.

choose folder location

Step 4. In File Explorer, right-click the desired file, and choose "Share" from the context menu.

share files

Step 5. Pick the laptop you want to transfer files to from the pop-up window.

select target device

Step 6. The receiving laptop gets a notification. Click "Save & Open" to start the file transfer.

notification

Way 4. Using an external storage device or flash drives

Transferring data between two HP computers is a breeze with the convenience of a USB drive. Ensure your USB drive boasts sufficient capacity to accommodate your files. Today, the majority of USB external hard drives offer a storage capacity of at least 1TB, often exceeding this baseline. Typically, this proves more than ample for the average user.

Yet, a key drawback lies in its limitations—you solely acquire the files you manually track down. It falls short of a comprehensive transfer, but it's unquestionably superior to having nothing at all.

Step 1. Find a compatible storage device and connect it to the file-sharing laptop. Add the desired files to the storage device.

Step 2. Detach the USB drive from the file-sharing laptop and plug it into the receiving laptop. Simply drag and drop the files from the USB drive to the destination laptop.

USB Drive

Closing words

Getting a new HP computer is exciting, but moving your stuff can be confusing. Don't worry! This guide introduces how to transfer data from one HP computer to another using four ways. You can use AnyViewer for simple transfers, or try cloud storage like Google Drive. If both computers are on the same network, use WiFi or LAN. Another option is a USB drive, but it only grabs what you manually pick. No matter which way you choose, moving to your new HP computer is doable!