Endstate

Overview

Endstate is a Windows setup-migration tool for people rebuilding a familiar set of apps and preferences on another PC without moving their whole user profile. Its local operation and selective, reversible restores make it a focused option for that job, but it is not a general-purpose transfer of personal files or user accounts.

Key features

Endstate detects apps installed through EXE or MSI installers and Microsoft Store apps using WinGet, then reinstalls applications through WinGet and Chocolatey. Settings modules cover 359 Windows applications, giving users a way to bring supported preferences along with selected software. The coverage has a clear boundary: portable apps that are not registered in Windows are not detected, so users who depend on them will need another way to migrate those programs. Sponsored integrations can add settings migration support.

Scanning, saving, and restoring can all run locally and offline. Setups are saved as ordinary files in Documents, which users can copy, back up, or share. During restore, users can preview differences and choose individual applications and supported settings rather than applying the whole setup indiscriminately. Each settings restore creates a backup that can be reverted with one click, a useful safeguard when importing preferences to a new machine.

The provisioning engine is open source under Apache 2.0. The local product has no telemetry, tracking, or background reporting and sends no data off the computer unless Endstate Cloud is explicitly enabled. Cloud backups are encrypted on the user's machine before upload; Endstate stores ciphertext alongside operational metadata. Cloud is still in early access, so it is not the right choice for anyone who needs a generally available managed backup today.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing, is billed forever, requires no account, and includes the full product with no limits across unlimited machines. That makes it the natural choice for individual users who can manage their own profile files and do not need cloud backup.

Endstate Cloud costs €4 a month, billed monthly with cancellation any time. It covers application lists and supported non-secret settings, not personal-file backup. The yearly plan costs €40 a year and includes encrypted managed backup with client-side keys. Both cloud plans are subject to Cloud's early-access status, which limits their appeal for users who need a generally available service.

Support Endstate is a one-time 10.00 USD contribution and unlocks nothing; it is optional support, not an upgrade. Endstate for Teams has custom pricing, but there is no current team product or purchase, so organizations cannot buy a team edition today. There is no free trial; the free plan is the way to use the product without paying.

Platforms

Endstate is for Windows and is also described as self-hosted. It supports application and settings migration using storage as the transfer method, but does not migrate user profiles. It is not suited to moving a complete user environment or personal files between computers.

Who it's for

Designers, editors, creators, gamers, freelancers, students, and system administrators are among the intended users. It is most compelling for anyone in those groups who wants to rebuild selected Windows applications and supported settings while retaining control of local setup files. Users with unregistered portable apps, or those who need account and personal-file transfer, should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Local, offline workflow: Scanning and restores can happen without sending data off the computer, which suits privacy-conscious users.
• Selective and reversible restores: Users can choose supported items and undo settings changes, reducing the risk of carrying unwanted preferences over.
• Portable profile files: Ordinary files in Documents can be copied, backed up, or shared without requiring a managed account.
• Detection gaps: Unregistered portable applications are not detected, and settings support is limited to modules for 359 applications.
• Narrow migration scope: It moves applications and supported settings, not user profiles or personal files.
• Cloud is early access: Encrypted managed backup may be useful, but it is not yet generally available.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see PC Migration Software.

Choose IObit Uninstaller instead if your priority is removing Windows applications, with batch uninstall, drag-and-drop removal, and automatic cleanup of leftovers rather than transferring a setup.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a Windows alternative with a free edition limited to 2 GB of data, five programs, and account transfer; its Pro plan offers a paid route beyond those caps.

ForensiT Transwiz is another Windows migration option, with a freeware edition for users considering an alternative to Endstate.

ManageEngine OS Deployer may suit organizations focused on deployment: its free plan covers four workstations and one server, while its Professional plan starts at $645 a year for 100 workstations.

MigrationMerlin is a free Windows 10/11 option under the MIT license that requires administrator privileges on both PCs.

PickMeApp offers free Windows editions without licenses, expiration, or adware for users weighing another application migration tool.

Dell APEX AIOps Incident Management is a paid API and web product with quote-based pricing, rather than a Windows setup migration tool.

IDEAL Remote is a paid alternative spanning Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android; its listed new license includes one administrator license and unlimited managed domains, servers, and clients.

Verdict

Endstate is a strong fit for Windows users who want a controlled way to carry selected applications and supported settings to another PC, especially when local operation and the ability to undo restores matter. Its free, unlimited-machine plan removes the cost barrier for that focused workflow. Look elsewhere if you need personal files or user profiles migrated, rely on unregistered portable applications, or require cloud backup that is generally available now.