Tech fixes · Computers & Printers

# Moving to a New Computer? How to Transfer Files, Apps and Settings

Back up first, then move files through OneDrive or an external drive, sign in to the same Microsoft account to bring settings across, and reinstall apps fresh. Deactivate software licenses on the old computer, then wipe it before you recycle or sell it.

Also searched as: transfer files to new PC · set up new laptop · migrate to new computer · copy everything to new computer

- **Starting price:** From $125

- **Where:** Remote, anywhere in the U.S.

- **Quote:** Fixed price before work starts

## Try this first

- Back up the old computer completely
- Sync Desktop, Documents and Pictures to OneDrive, or copy them to an external drive
- Sign in to the new computer with the same Microsoft account
- Sign in to your browser to bring passwords and bookmarks
- Reinstall apps and move licenses, deactivating the old computer first
- Securely wipe the old computer before it leaves your hands

Common causes

- Files saved only on the old computer’s desktop
- Apps that need license keys or deactivation
- Saved browser passwords and bookmarks
- Email stored locally in old Outlook files
- Printers and scanners to set up again

## When it’s more than a quick fix

If you use QuickBooks Desktop, specialty software or local email files, or you’re moving a whole office, plan the move so nothing is lost.

### How we fix it remotely

We set up the new computer remotely, move your files, apps, email and printers, and help wipe the old one safely.

### In-depth guides

- [Should I Repair or Replace My Computer? A Simple Way to Decide](https://wisconsintechshop.com/guides/repair-or-replace-my-computer/)
- [Windows 10 End of Support: What Wisconsin Homes and Businesses Should Do Now](https://wisconsintechshop.com/guides/windows-10-end-of-support/)

Get it fixed

## How a remote fix works

1. **Tell us what’s happening:** Two minutes with the form on this page. No account needed.
2. **Get a fixed price:** A personal reply within one business day, with the price agreed before any work starts.
3. **We fix it remotely:** You approve access, follow progress and pay in your private client portal.

## Related services

- [New Computer Setup & Data Transfer](https://wisconsintechshop.com/computer-repair/new-pc-setup/): Your new computer, ready on day one: files, photos, email, passwords and printers moved over, junk removed and protection turned on. (From $125)
- [Computer Setup, Upgrades & Data Transfers](https://wisconsintechshop.com/it-support/computer-setup-upgrades/): New computers set up right: data moved, software installed, printers connected, security turned on and old machines wiped safely. (From $125 per computer)
- [Secure Data Wipe & Computer Recycling](https://wisconsintechshop.com/computer-repair/data-wipe-recycling/): Retire old computers safely: we wipe or destroy the drives so no data can be recovered, then recycle responsibly with a certificate for your records. (From $100)

## Questions

### Can I just copy my old hard drive to the new computer?

Copying files works; copying installed programs usually doesn’t. Reinstall apps fresh.

### What should I do with my old computer?

Back it up, then securely wipe it before you sell, donate or recycle it.

### Can you fix this remotely?

We set up the new computer remotely, move your files, apps, email and printers, and help wipe the old one safely.

## More computers & printers fixes

- [Computer Running Slow](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/computer-running-slow/)
- [Windows Update Stuck or Failing](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/windows-update-stuck/)
- [C: Drive Full](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/c-drive-full/)
- [Printer Says Offline](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/printer-offline/)
- [Scan to Email Stopped Working](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/scan-to-email-stopped-working/)
- [Computer Asking for a BitLocker Recovery Key](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/bitlocker-recovery-key/)

[All tech fixes](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/)

## Want us to just fix it?

Tell us what’s happening. Most problems like this are fixed remotely, often the same day, and every request gets a personal reply within one business day.

- Big projects and small ones are all welcome
- Fixed-price quotes, no surprise invoices
- You own your code, data and accounts
- A client portal to track progress, invoices and payments
- Rooted in Wisconsin, serving businesses nationwide

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Source: https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/move-to-new-computer/
Contact: hello@wisconsintechshop.com · https://wisconsintechshop.com/contact/