User State Migration Tool (USMT) Download | Full Guide

Roxanne updated on Mar 06, 2024 to PC Transfer | How-to Articles

Are you looking to streamline user state migration and want to learn about it? Learn how to download the User State Migration Tool (USMT) through this comprehensive guide.

The User State Migration Tool (USMT) plays a crucial role in facilitating the seamless transition of user data between PCs. As organizations evolve and technology advances, the need to migrate user states efficiently becomes increasingly essential. The USMT emerges as a critical solution, allowing administrators to transfer user profiles, settings, and data with precision.

In this guide, EaseUS will lead you through the USMT download and how to use this tool. In addition, we also collected the best alternative tool for the user state migration tool.

How to Download and Use User State Migration Tool

Microsoft's User State Migration Tool (USMT) is a command-line utility that lets you transfer files and settings from PC to PC using scripting languages. It is beneficial during OS upgrades and automated, high-volume deployment of files and settings. It's good to understand that USMT helps migrating 32-bit to 64-bit systems but not 64-bit to 32-bit.

USMT enables the transfer of various files, including selected user accounts, files and folders, email messages, contacts and settings, photos, music, videos, Windows settings, program data files, and internet settings.

Download and Install the USMT Tool

Step 1. Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit. Ensure you pick the version compatible with your operating system.

Step 2. Install it on your source computer. Run the installer, click Install to continue, and complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.

Back up Data Using the USMT ScanState Tool

Note: Close all applications before using the USMT Windows 10 tool to ensure successful migration of specified files.

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Run the below Scanstate command on the source computer to collect files and settings. You must specify all of the .xml files you want to migrate.

  • scanstate \\server\migration\mystore /config:config.xml /i:migdocs.xml /i:migapp.xml /v:13 /l:scan.log

Restore the Files and Settings

Step 1. Install the OS (operating system) on the destination computer.

Step 2. Install all applications on the source computer. While not mandatory, installing the applications on the destination computer beforehand is advisable to preserve settings during the user state restoration.

Tip: Ensure applications on the destination computer match the versions on the source computer. The User State Migration tool won't permit restoring files and settings between different versions.

Step 3. Close all apps and open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 4. Type the following LoadState command.

  • loadstate \\server\migration\mystore /config:config.xml /i:migdocs.xml /i:migapp.xml /v:13 /l:load.log

Upon completing all steps, you've successfully transferred files to another computer using the USMT Windows 7 to Windows 10 tool. You can exit the command window. Note that some settings will only take effect upon your next log-on. Share this page with users who may need some help in migrating the user state:

 

Best Alternative for User State Migration Tool

The User State Migration Tool (USMT) serves its purpose but can be challenging for users without technical experience. For a more user-friendly and intuitive solution, consider EaseUS Todo PCTrans. This robust tool allows easy migration of your entire PC environment, including apps, files, folders, and system settings.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans Professional simplifies data transfer between multiple devices with its intuitive interface, making it accessible for users seeking straightforward solutions. If you're a beginner or prefer avoiding the complexity of USMT, we recommend using EaseUS Todo PCTrans to achieve your migration goals effortlessly.

    Follow the steps:

    Step 1. Open EaseUS Todo PCTrans on both of your computers. Choose "PC to PC" to go to the next step.

    Step 2. Make sure you have chosen the right transfer direction.

    "New" - Move data from old computer to current new computer.

    "Old" - Move data from current old n computer to remote new computer.

    Step 3. Connect two PCs via the network by entering the password or verification code of the target PC. Besides, make sure you have chosen the right transfer direction and click "Connect" to continue.

    The verification code is on the right top of the "PC to PC" main screen on the target computer.

    Step 4. Then, choose "Files" to select files to transfer. Select the specific files as you want. What's more, you can click the Edit icon to customize the storage path for transferred data.

    Step 5. Now, click "Transfer" to begin to transfer files from PC to PC. The size of the file determines the transfer time. Wait patiently.

    Features of EaseUS Todo PCTrans

    Install this versatile data transfer tool on your computer and enjoy its advantages:

    Conclusion

    Mastering tools like the User State Migration Tool (USMT) is undeniably valuable in the dynamic landscape of user state migration. The comprehensive guide has walked you through the intricacies of downloading and using USMT, offering a meticulous step-by-step approach for efficient data migration. 

    However, recognizing users' challenges, especially those without extensive technical experience, we highly recommend a compelling alternative – EaseUS Todo PCTrans. This user-friendly tool simplifies and enhances migration with an intuitive interface, application compatibility, and bidirectional migration support. Whether you are a novice seeking simplicity or a seasoned professional looking for enhanced functionality, this robust tool is poised to elevate your data migration experience.

    FAQs About USMT Download

    You may find appropriate answers from the following FAQs if you have any queries about the topic.

    1. Is the user state migration tool free or not?

    Yes, the User State Migration Tool (USMT) is free. It is contained in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK). And users can download it from the official Microsoft website.

    2. Where does the user state that the migration tool will be installed?

    USMT doesn't require its own installation. Instead, it resides within the ADK installation directory. By default, USMT is installed in the following folder:

    C:\Program Files\Windows AIK\Tools\USMT\Note is x86 or amd64

    3. Can USMT migrate device drivers?

    It primarily transfers user profiles, settings, files, and application data. Device drivers are typically hardware-specific, and attempting to migrate them can lead to compatibility issues on the new machine. After migration, it's best to manually install the latest drivers compatible with your new PC's hardware.