7 Solutions to Fix Migration Assistant Not Finding PC

Are you using Migration Assistant on your Windows PC to switch from a Windows PC to a Mac? Many customers rely on the Windows Migration Assistant to easily transfer their important data from a Windows PC to a Mac. However, one common and unpleasant issue you might frequently experience is the "Migration Assistant not finding PC" message.

This post on EaseUS will walk you through real strategies to help you tackle this issue efficiently. With the help of step-by-step instructions, you can diagnose and resolve the issue, guaranteeing a seamless migration of your data from your old Windows PC to your new Mac.

Use EaseUS Todo PCTrans as Alternative - Simple and Fast

How to Fix Migration Assistant Not Finding PC - 7 Solutions

Use EaseUS Todo PCTrans as Alternative

A simple solution to this problem is to use a third-party tool instead of Migration Assistant for Windows to Mac migration. EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a dedicated data migration application that greatly decreases the risk of blunders. While using Migration Assistant might not work, you are unlikely to encounter errors in the transferring process once your devices are connected. The tool is user-friendly, so even beginners without technical knowledge may easily manage the data migration process. The data transfer speeds are also fast, guaranteeing that your data transfers quickly.

Compatibility is another vital advantage of EaseUS Todo PCTrans when you need to transfer data from Windows to Mac. Its "PC-to-PC transfer" feature allows for easy file and document transfers across Windows PCs and Macs. 

Follow the steps below to transfer your data from the old PC to a Mac:

Step 1. Set Up the Old PC

• First, install and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and select Data Transfer on the left panel of the main interface.

• Select "Transfer Directly" and click "Next" to continue. 

Step 2. Set Up the New PC

• Download and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on the new computer; select "This is New PC" and click "Next".

• Select "Transfer directly" and click "Next" to continue. 
• Select "Network" and click Next to continue. This will automatically scan the old PC. (Make sure the two PCs are connected to the same LAN.)

• Select the target PC and click Connect. Then, it will take some time to scan and analyze the data in old PC.

Step 3. Select the Files to Transfer

• Finally, on the new PC, select the Files tab, select the files you need to transfer. Then, click "Transfer" to start.

Compared to Migration Assistant, EaseUS Todo PCTrans is much simpler. Within a few clicks, your data will be transferred from PC to Mac. In addition, it can satisfy multiple transferring needs:

• Transfer files from PC to PC.
• Transfer programs from PC to PC.
• Transfer large files between computers.
• Transfer game saves to another PC.

In a nutshell, using a third-party application can be much easier and faster when transferring data. EaseUS Todo PCTrans is an excellent tool for a quick and trustworthy solution. So, what are you waiting for? Download this program and use its PC-to-PC transfer feature to transfer data effortlessly and efficiently.

How to Fix Migration Assistant Not Finding PC

It can be a frustrating experience when Windows Migration Assistant is not working. If you want to use Migration Assistant as a tool for Windows to Mac migration, here are some methods to solve the "Migration Assistant not finding PC" issue. We provide seven solutions in total. Let's read about them in detail.

Fix 1. Check Internet Connection

Both devices must be connected directly or on the same local network for the Migration Assistant to recognize the PC and start the data transfer procedure. A steady and shared network connection between your Mac and PC is necessary for Migration Assistant to function effectively.

Additionally, if the devices are on separate networks, they will be unable to recognize one another, resulting in the "Migration Assistant not finding PC" issue. So, ensure the Mac and PC are linked to the same network by following the steps below:

Step 1. Connect both your Mac and PC to the same Wi-Fi network or use a wired Ethernet connection.

Step 2. Verify the network connection by opening a web browser on both devices and confirming internet access.

Step 3. On your Mac, go to "System Preferences", click on Network, and on your PC, go to Settings, and then select "Network & Internet".

Step 4. Ensure both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID).

Click to read more if you have questions about transferring with the network:

 Fix 2. Check Migration Assistant Version

Using the right version of Migration Assistant is also critical since various versions may be incompatible. This mismatch may result in problems throughout the transfer procedure. Keeping your macOS up-to-date might help prevent compatibility difficulties.

So, while moving data from PC to Mac with Migration Assistant, you must select the correct version. If the versions do not match, problems may occur. Also, make sure to upgrade macOS and Windows if necessary. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to System Preferences and click on Software Update on your Mac to check for any available updates.

Step 2. On your PC, go to Settings, click on Update & Security, then on Windows Update, and check for updates. 

Step 3. Install any updates for macOS and Migration Assistant. You can also download and install the latest version of Windows Migration Assistant from Apple's official website. 

If you find this article helpful in solving the "Migration Assistant not finding PC" problem, feel free to share it to help more.

Fix 3. Check Softwares

Are you aware that some software, such as antivirus applications, firewalls, and VPNs, may hinder data transport by interfering with network communications? Disabling them briefly during the migration can help guarantee a smooth, interruption-free transfer.

Thus, you can examine the installed software on Windows PC and Mac, including antivirus, firewall, and VPN applications. Disable them throughout the transfer process by following these steps:

Step 1. Temporarily disable antivirus software on both your Mac and PC.

• For Windows: Open your antivirus software and disable the protection temporarily. For Windows Firewall, go to Control Panel and click on "System and Security". Choose Windows Defender Firewall and turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off. 

Click to learn in detail if you are interested:

• For Mac: Go to System Preferences and click on "Security & Privacy". Choose the Firewall and turn it off temporarily.

Step 2. Disconnect any active VPN connections on both devices.

Fix 4.  Disable Edge from Running

Microsoft Edge running in the background might interfere with the migration process. Closing this browser can free up system resources and prevent it from blocking the transfer. Follow the steps below to disable Edge:

Step 1. Open Microsoft Edge, go to Settings, and click on "System and Performance".

Step 2. Disable the "Startup boost" and "Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed" toggles.

Fix 5. Disable Startup and Backgrounds Apps

Startup and background apps might deplete system resources and interfere with the Migration Assistant. Disabling these apps might help speed up the data transfer process. Just follow the steps below to turn off startup and background apps:

Step 1. On your PC, open Task Manager by pressing "Ctrl + Shift + Esc".

Step 2. Go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary startup applications by right-clicking on them and selecting Disable.

Step 3. Open Settings, click on Privacy, and select Background apps.

Step 4. Turn off the toggle switch for apps that you don't need running in the background.

Fix 6. Use Check Disk Utility (CHKDSK)

Running the Check Disk program (CHKDSK) on your PC helps detect and resolve disk issues blocking a successful transfer. Disk problems might cause delays and errors during the data transmission procedure. So, to check for faults that may hamper a successful transfer, use your PC's command prompt and use the Check Disk (CHKDSK) command by following the steps below: 

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing cmd in the Start menu, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.

Step 2. In the Command Prompt, type chkdsk /f and press Enter.

Step 3. Follow any prompts to schedule the scan at the next system restart if necessary.

Fix 7. Run Migration Assistant in Compatibility Mode

Running Migration Assistant in compatibility mode might help to fix compatibility issues across operating systems. This option configures the software to function as if operating on a compatible version of Windows, which can help smooth up the transfer process.

Set Migration Assistant to run in compatibility mode on your computer to fix any compatibility difficulties by following the steps below:

Step 1. Right-click on Migration Assistant and select Properties.

Step 2. Go to the Compatibility tab, check the box "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select an earlier version of Windows from the dropdown menu.

Step 3. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.

You can try these methods to help bring your Migration Assistant back to work. If your Migration Assistant fails to work after upgrading, you can consider using other migration assistant tools to assist in transferring. 

Conclusion

When switching from a Windows PC to a Mac, the "Migration Assistant not finding PC" problem could pose a serious obstacle. To remedy this issue, verify your internet connection, confirm you have the right Migration Assistant version, disable any interfering applications, and use compatibility mode. These measures can help guarantee that the data transfer process runs smoothly.

However, if these troubleshooting solutions do not help you get rid of this situation, try using a third-party program such as EaseUS Todo PCTrans for safe and effective data transfers. This user-friendly app provides several data transmission standards, saves time and energy, and prevents data loss. It allows transfers across Windows PCs, making it suitable for various circumstances. You can make migrating between Windows and Mac much easier. 

FAQs About Migration Assistant Not Finding PC

If you're still experiencing issues with Migration Assistant or have other questions, here are some common FAQs that can help further clarify the process and provide additional solutions.

1. What does Windows Migration Assistant transfer？

Windows Migration Assistant moves contacts, calendars, email accounts, and other data from your Windows PC to your Mac. It also transfers your papers, photos, music, and other files, ensuring you have everything on your new Mac.

2. How long does it take for Migration Assistant to find another computer?

The time it takes for Migration Assistant to locate another machine varies. It should take a few minutes if both devices are connected to the same network and set up correctly. However, network faults or program incompatibilities may cause delays.

3. How to transfer from PC to Mac without Migration Assistant？

If Migration Assistant continues to fail, you can utilize third-party solutions such as EaseUS Todo PCTrans to transfer your data. This program offers a dependable and user-friendly option for transferring your data, apps, and settings from a PC to a Mac, ensuring a smooth transition without Migration Assistant.