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Here, on this page, we're going to share some thoughts on transferring everything from two different operating systems, whether it's on a dual-boot computer or between two computers.
Here is a quick view of the full elements that you need to acquire for transferring files between two operating systems in Windows:
📄File Type | Desktop files, folders, installed programs, applications, account settings, and personalized settings. |
💻Supported OS | Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1/8, Windows 7, Windows XP/Vista, etc. |
🛠️Tools |
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⏱️Duration | 3-15 minutes or more (depending on file and data size) |
Why Need to Transfer Files Between Different Windows Systems
By utilizing a proper method, you can reach the goal of transferring data, files, folders, and applications from PC to PC, from PC to laptop, from PC to storage media, or even within one computer after doing an in-place operating system upgrade.
Why Is Windows Easy Transfer Not Recommended
In early Windows OS versions before Windows 10, there was an inbuilt tool - Windows Easy Transfer which could accomplish the most transfer tasks.
But there are some limitations when you choosing a transfer approach. For example, Windows Easy Transfer is not available in Windows 10, so whenever Windows 10 is involved, you have to give this tool up and go for an alternative Windows 10 easy transfer tool. Besides, it supports to move items in the following.
- User accounts
- Documents
- Music
- Pictures and videos
- Contacts and messages
- Internet favorites
- Program settings
EaseUS Editor's Suggestion
If you tend to transfer system personalization settings, like background settings and power settings, installed application software, and Windows programs, and even your favored games, you have to say goodbye to the inbuilt tool forever. Turning to a reliable and professional PC file transfer software that supports transferring both files and programs between two computers is exactly what you need. EaseUS Todo PCTrans is designed to assist all Windows users in fulfilling these tasks in a handy way.
How to Transfer Files Between Two Different Operating Systems
Is there a free and comprehensive file transfer software that can fully replace the role of the Windows easy transfer, meanwhile, make up for its shortcomings? Yes, EaseUS Todo PCTrans Free comes to play. It is free to migrate files and apps from one computer to another in a few minutes.
How to Transfer files between two operating systems with the EaseUS transfer utility? There should be two answers.
- First, the file transfer happens to the same computer with two operating systems, i.e., a dual boot system.
- Second, it is for different computers, for example, one is running Windows 7 while the other is running Windows 10.
- Next, you will find solutions to both situations below.
Here we'll show you the first feature - PC-to-PC transfer, moving all your desired data, files, and content from your old PC to a new computer with are running two different operating systems:
Step 1. Select the transfer mode.
- Download and install EaseUS Todo PCTrans on both computers.
- Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on the PCs and choose "PC to PC". (The "PC to PC" feature transfer files based on the network connection. If your PCs are not on the same LAN, choose "Backup and Restore" instead.)
- Ensure your PCs meet the requirements of network-based transfer and click "Continue".

Step 2. Connect the two computers.
- Connect to the target PC, then input the account password or verification code of the target PC.
- Check the verification code on the right top of the "PC to PC" main screen on the target PC.
- Specify the transfer direction and click "Connect".

Step 3. Choose the files you want to transfer.
- Hover on the "Files" option and click "Edit".
- Check the files you want to transfer.
- If you want to change the default storage path, click the "Edit" icon.
- Afterward, click "Finish".

Step 4. Transfer files between two different operating systems.
- After selecting the files, click “Transfer” to start the transfer process.
- When it has done, click “OK” and you can go to check the files on the target PC.

Aside from network file transfer, EaseUS Todo PCTrans also facilitates file transfer between different operating systems, including via an image file, and transfer local applications. When your network connection is not stable, or you need to move C drive files, folders, and even programs to another drive, you can try these two features.
If you think this method indeed help you transfer files between two different Windows system computers, share this guide to help more of your friends to switch their computer to a new computer now:
An Important Tip
Neither of the transfer tools mentioned on this page supports data migration from a higher Windows version to a lower one. That is to say, you can use any of the software to transfer data from Windows 10 to Windows 7/8/XP/Vista or from a 64-bit version of Windows to a 32-bit version of Windows.
Also, can the software transfer files across Windows platforms from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7/8/8.1/10? No problem. Feel free to follow the guide above provided by EaseUS Todo PCTrans if you're in such a need.
FAQs About Transferring Files Between Two Different Windows Systems
Here we listed some hot topics about transferring files between two different computers running different OS, and if you are interested in, follow and find answers here:
1. How to transfer large files between computers?
If you prefer a manual way to transfer large files between computers, we suggest you first compress the large file and then use an external removable disk to copy and paste the file to the target computer.
If you want an easier resolution, EaseUS Todo PCTrans can seamlessly transfer your large file between computers via its PC-to-PC feature.
2. When should you transfer files between different operating systems?
Here is a list of situations in which you need to transfer files between two different systems:
- To share files between two computers
- To transfer and migrate files from the old computer to the new computer
- To switch work files between computers
- To free up space from the source computer by moving files to the new PC
3. Can I transfer files between Windows 10 and Windows 11 for free?
Yes, there are many ways that you can transfer files between Windows 10 and Windows 11 for free. Here is a list of methods that you can try:
- #1. EaseUS Todo PCTrans Free
- #2. Copy & Paste files via USB/External Disk
- #3. Email
- #4. Cloud drive - OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
- #5. Nearby Sharing (Windows 10/11)
- #6. HomeGroup (Windows 7 or older)
About the Author

Daisy is the Senior editor of the writing team for EaseUS. She has been working in EaseUS for over ten years, starting from a technical writer to a team leader of the content group. As a professional author for over 10 years, she writes a lot to help people overcome their tech troubles.

Written by Jean
Jean has been working as a professional website editor for quite a long time. Her articles focus on topics of computer backup, data security tips, data recovery, and disk partitioning. Also, she writes many guides and tutorials on PC hardware & software troubleshooting. She keeps two lovely parrots and likes making vlogs of pets. With experience in video recording and video editing, she starts writing blogs on multimedia topics now.
Reviews and Awards
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EaseUS Todo PCTrans Free is a useful and and reliable software solution created to serve in computer migration operations, be it from one machine to another or from an earlier version of your OS to a newer one.
Read More -
EaseUS Todo PCTrans is by the folks at EaseUS who make incredible tools that let you manage your backups and recover your dead hard disks. While it is not an official tool, EaseUS has a reputation for being very good with their software and code.
Read More
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It offers the ability to move your entire user account from your old computer, meaning everything is quickly migrated. You still get to keep your Windows installation (and the relevant drivers for your new PC), but you also get all your apps, settings, preferences, images, documents and other important data.
Read More
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