Transfer Files from Windows 10 to External Hard Drive Before Upgrade

Want to protect your data before upgrading? This guide shows how to transfer files from Windows 10 to an external hard drive using tools like EaseUS Todo PCTrans and other reliable methods.

To transfer files from Windows 10 to external hard drive before upgrade, you can manually copy files using File Explorer or use File History. Besides, you can also seek help from disk cloning tools. 

Why Users Need to Transfer Files Before Upgrading

When planning a Windows 10 upgrade—be it a hardware change, OS migration, or a shift to Windows 11—data loss is a genuine risk. Here's why users commonly perform the transfer:

Avoiding Upgrade Failures:

Upgrades can stall or fail, occasionally leaving drives inaccessible. Backing up user files—such as Documents, Music, Desktop, Downloads, and Pictures—safeguards against such scenarios.

Preventing Hardware Failure and Data Loss:

Drives endure wear over time, and backups to external hard drives protect against sudden failure.

Creating a Clean Slate:

Many prefer migrating to a fresh installation to avoid years of accumulated system clutter. But before wiping the drive, users must transfer files from Windows 10 to external hard drive before upgrade to preserve documents, media, and settings.

Protecting Metadata During Sneakernets:

Copying entire user profiles keeps timestamps (though File Explorer may alter create dates), preserving structure and metadata.

Transfer Files Using EaseUS Todo PCTrans

EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a powerful migration tool designed for seamless data transfer across systems, making it ideal for preparing for an upgrade.

Key Features

File and app migration: Moves documents, multimedia, installed programs, and even system settings between PCs or from Windows 10 before an upgrade.

User account and settings migration: Preserves user profiles, passwords, and personalization, ensuring your new system closely mirrors the old one.

Multiple transfer modes: Choose PC‑to‑PC over a network, via image files, or through external drives—ideal for large or disconnected backups.

Data rescue on unbootable machines: Recovers files and programs from a crashed Windows system—vital when upgrades go wrong.

Fast transfer with direct cable: Version 14.0 introduces a direct-cable option for rapid, reliable file movement.

Step 1. Create a backup file of the user folder

Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on your computer, click "Data Transfer" and select "This is the Old PC" and click "Next".

Click "Transfer via backup" and click "Next".

Name the backup, and click "Browse" to select a local location on your PC to store the backup of the user folder.

Then, go to the Files' section and select "Users", and click "Back up".

Step 2. Restore the user folder to the destination drive

Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and click "This is the New PC", then, click "Next".

Select "Transfer via backup" and click "Next" to continue. 

Then, click "Browse" to find the location where you store the User Folder backup.

Then, go to the Files tab, select the User folder and click "Restore" to move it to another drive on your PC.

 

Other Feasible Ways to Transfer Files

Besides EaseUS Todo PCTrans, here are additional reliable approaches:

1. File Explorer Copy/Paste

Plug in your drive, select folders (Documents, Pictures, Downloads, Desktop, etc.), and copy or send them using Send To. Simple and effective for manual transfer.

2. Windows System Image Backup

Create a complete system image via Backup and Restore, saving it to an external drive. This snapshot can restore the entire OS, settings, and files 

3. Disk Cloning Tools

Apps like Macrium Reflect, Clonezilla, Acronis, or EaseUS Disk Copy can clone your entire drive to an external disk—creating an exact bootable backup 

Conclusion

When preparing to transfer files from Windows 10 to external hard drive before upgrade, you have several dependable methods:

• EaseUS Todo PCTrans offers comprehensive backup of files, apps, settings, user accounts, and even unbootable machines—via multiple modes.

• For focused data-only backup, built-in tools like File Explorer or System Image Backup work well.
• Disk cloning solutions are ideal for exact, full-drive backups.

Choose based on your need: full-system cloned backup, selective file transfer, or app/settings migration. In all cases, backing up externally ensures data integrity and a smooth upgrade process.

FAQs

1. Can EaseUS Todo PCTrans transfer installed programs?

Yes—it moves selected applications along with files and settings, preserving your working environment.

2. Does XCOPY maintain file timestamps?

Yes. Using flags like helps XCOPY retain original metadata, which File Explorer might alter.

3. Is the built-in System Image Backup sufficient for upgrades?

Absolutely—it creates a full snapshot, including OS, apps, and files, enabling full restoration after an upgrade.

4. Should I use disk cloning or manual copying?

Disk cloning gives a full, bootable copy of your drive. Manual copying is simpler if you only need user files, rather than the entire system.

5. How do I recover files if the upgrade goes wrong?

Reconnect your external drive and restore files via the same tool (EaseUS or File Explorer) or mount a system image for full-drive recovery.