The Tool Desk
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Choose a transfer method
The right method depends on how much data you have, whether you have enough external-drive capacity, how fast your internet connection is, and whether you want an offline copy or cloud access.
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| Method | Best suited to | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| External storage | A direct copy that does not depend on cloud upload and download | Enough device capacity and confirmed read compatibility with both computers |
| OneDrive | Files you want to access through cloud storage on the new PC | Upload completion, available storage and signing in with the same Microsoft account |
| Local network sharing | Copying files directly from the Mac over a network | SMB setup on the Mac, network access, and the correct Mac account credentials |
Prepare the files before transferring
Make an inventory
List the folders and types of data you need, such as Documents, Desktop items, Downloads, photos, videos and work folders. Identify any app-specific libraries separately; copying a folder is not the same as confirming an application can open or import its contents.
Keep a backup and copy rather than move
Make a backup before starting. For the first transfer, copy the files instead of moving them, and keep the Mac and backup unchanged until you have checked the Windows copies. For a large transfer, compare folder contents and file counts where practical.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Check the external drive
If using a USB drive, SD card or external hard drive, make sure it has enough space for the files you selected and that both computers can read it. The documented transfer guidance does not specify one filesystem format that will work for every combination of macOS and Windows, so verify compatibility for your particular drive and operating systems before relying on it.
Option 1: Transfer with external storage
- Connect the drive to the MacBook and copy the selected files onto it. Leave the originals on the Mac.
- Eject the drive safely, connect it to the Windows laptop and copy the files into the folders where you want to keep them.
- Open representative files on the Windows laptop and check that important folders and their contents arrived. If a copy stops, check the filename compatibility issue below.
Microsoft lists a USB drive, SD card or external hard drive as ways to move files to a new Windows PC. This route avoids relying on internet upload and download speeds, but it depends on the drive having enough room and being readable by both systems. Microsoft’s external-storage instructions cover the Windows-side transfer.
Rank #2
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Option 2: Transfer with OneDrive
- Upload the files you want from the Mac to OneDrive and allow the upload to finish.
- On the Windows laptop, sign in to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account used for the files on the previous computer.
- Wait for the files to become available on the PC, then open and check important items before removing the Mac copies.
This method depends on upload and download access as well as available cloud storage. Microsoft’s instructions cover moving files, photos and videos to a new Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC; they specify signing in on the new PC with the same Microsoft account used on the previous computer. See Microsoft’s OneDrive transfer instructions.
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Option 3: Copy over a local network
Enable SMB file sharing on the Mac
- On the Mac, open System Settings or System Preferences, depending on your macOS version, and open General > Sharing or Sharing.
- Turn on File Sharing, open its options, and enable Share files and folders using SMB.
- Select the Mac user account or accounts allowed to connect, then provide the Windows laptop with the Mac’s network address and the appropriate account credentials.
- From Windows, connect to the Mac share using the address and credentials, then copy the files you need to the Windows laptop.
- When the transfer is complete, turn off the accounts enabled for Windows sharing if they are no longer needed.
Apple notes that passwords for accounts used for Windows file sharing may be stored less securely. Enable only the accounts needed for the transfer and disable them when sharing is finished. The exact labels and location of sharing controls can vary by macOS version; Apple’s guide to sharing Mac files with Windows users explains the SMB setup.
Rank #3
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
If copying stops, check filenames
Some characters allowed in Mac filenames are not allowed in Windows filenames. Apple lists these Windows-disallowed characters: < > : “ / | ? *. If a copy stops, inspect the files around the point where it failed, rename any files with incompatible characters, and retry the copy. Apple explains the naming restrictions in its guide to sharing files between Mac and Windows computers.
Handle app-specific data separately
A successful transfer of ordinary files does not establish that an Apple Photos library, local Mail archive, Messages history, application settings or a Mac app’s data will open or import correctly on Windows. For each application, check its own export, account-sync or Windows import options. Keep the Mac and a backup until you have verified the records and files that matter in their intended Windows apps.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
Rank #4
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
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