How to transfer files from one PC to another

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   Step 1: Set both PCs' network to Private

   Windows hides PCs from each other on Public networks. On each PC, open your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection in Settings, Network & internet, and choose Private network.

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   Step 2: Turn on file sharing

   On the PC with the files, turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing for private networks. They're in Settings, Network & internet, Advanced network settings, Advanced sharing settings.

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   Step 3: Share the folder

   Right-click the folder, choose Properties, the Sharing tab, then Share. Add the account you'll sign in with from the other PC and click Share.

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   Step 4: Open it from the other PC

   In File Explorer's address bar, type two backslashes and the PC's name, like \\office-pc, and press Enter. Sign in with that PC's user name and password when asked, then copy the files across.

For a big folder, robocopy in Command Prompt copies faster than dragging and can pick up where it left off:

robocopy "\\office-pc\Documents" "D:\Documents" /E /Z

Can't see the other PC by name? Use its local IP address instead, like \\192.168.1.20; how to find your IP address shows where to look.

Turn on Nearby sharing on both PCs (Settings, System, Nearby sharing; on Windows 10, Settings, System, Shared experiences). Then right-click a file, choose Share, and pick the other PC. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, works between PCs close together, and suits a few files rather than whole folders.

When the PCs aren't on the same network, sharing a folder doesn't work without opening ports. Cloud storage does, but every file goes up and then down again. RemoteAccessApp sends files from one of your PCs to another through its relay, with nothing to share or open:

• During a session, drop files on the remote screen: they arrive in that PC's Downloads folder. Browse files lets you download from it too.
• Without a session, open the File transfer page, pick a PC, and upload or download from its folders.
• Send to several PCs copies the same files to each PC you pick.
• File transfer is free; you need to be signed in to a RemoteAccessApp account. A connection made with only a code can still send files in the chat.

Moving something big, like a photo library or a virtual machine? The tips are in send large files between your PCs. The help article send files to and from a PC covers every button.

• Make a list of the apps you use first: files move, but apps have to be installed again on the new PC.
• Copy your user folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Downloads, Music, Videos) with any of the ways above.
• If you sign in with a Microsoft account, the Windows Backup app on the old PC can carry some settings and app lists across.
• Keep the old PC as it is for a week or two, until you're sure nothing's missing.

The whole move, including helping a relative set up from far away, is in how to move to a new Windows 11 PC.