The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Windows Backup can help you rebuild the familiar layout on a new PC: it remembers an installed-app list and can restore app pins when you sign in with the same personal Microsoft account. It does not clone every desktop app, its license, or its data. Plan to reinstall some apps and handle files, activation, and app-specific settings separately.
What Windows Backup brings to a new PC
Windows Backup records a list of installed apps and can restore app pins during setup of another Windows PC. Those pins provide a way to resume installation, not a copy of every program’s files or complete configuration. Microsoft says a Microsoft Store app can be started from its restored pin; for an app that is not in the Store, Windows directs you to the web to download its installer. Microsoft’s Windows Backup guide and Settings Catalog describe the documented behavior.
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Think of the app list as a checklist and launch point. You may still need to install programs, sign in, reactivate licenses, and restore custom settings or app-specific files. Those requirements depend on each application; consult its publisher’s instructions.
Before you start: check your account and files
Use the same personal Microsoft account
The documented consumer workflow uses the same personal Microsoft account on both PCs. Microsoft says work or school accounts do not work with the Windows Backup app; organization policies can also affect managed devices. Confirm which account is backing up the old PC before setting up the new one. Microsoft’s overview of Windows Backup covers its availability in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Back up files separately from apps
Windows Backup can sync selected user folders through OneDrive, including Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music. A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage, according to Microsoft’s current guidance; additional storage is available to purchase. Check capacity before relying on folder sync. Files backed up to OneDrive become available when you sign in to OneDrive on the new PC.
If you need offline or higher-volume file storage, an external or network drive is another possible backup destination. It carries files; it does not migrate installed apps. Microsoft explains the distinction among backup approaches in Choose a backup solution in Windows and Backup, restore, and recovery in Windows.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Back up the old PC
- Open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup, or open the Windows Backup app.
- Verify that the PC is using the personal Microsoft account you intend to use on the new PC.
- Turn on the installed-app setting so Windows remembers the app list. Select the settings and OneDrive folders you want backed up.
- Check that the backup has completed and that OneDrive has enough space for the folders you selected.
The app setting is described in Microsoft’s catalog as a “List of installed apps.” It does not promise to package all installed programs for transfer.
Restore the setup on the new PC
- During Windows setup, sign in with the same personal Microsoft account used on the old PC.
- If Windows offers a backup to restore, choose the one for the old PC.
- After setup, use restored app pins to start Store apps or open the web download route for apps that are not in the Store.
- Sign in to OneDrive with the same account to access files backed up there.
Depending on the application, complete installation from its publisher, then sign in and check activation, saved settings, plug-ins, templates, and app-specific files. The process varies by app, so use the publisher’s official site or account workflow for installers and licensing help.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Which option fits your migration?
| Option | What it helps carry | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Backup | App list and pins; selected user folders can sync through OneDrive. | Use the same personal Microsoft account. App pins are not complete desktop installations; install and configure programs as needed. |
| Reinstall from each publisher | The application itself, installed on the new PC through its installer or account workflow. | Check the vendor’s sign-in, license, activation, and settings-transfer steps. |
| OneDrive or an external/network drive | Files, depending on the folders and destination you select. | OneDrive requires sufficient account storage and internet access for syncing; an external or network drive is a file-backup route, not app migration. |
Why not use Microsoft’s PC-to-PC transfer feature?
Microsoft’s current PC-to-PC transfer article says the feature is no longer available and points readers to Windows Backup and Restore. It also says applications installed on the previous PC are not transferred by that feature. Check the page again if Microsoft changes the feature’s availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows version note
Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. See Microsoft’s Windows recovery options for related support information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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