Getting a new computer can be exciting but getting all your data from your old computer to your new one is usually a tedious process and not something that anyone looks forward to doing. Fortunately, there are third party apps out there that can help make this process much faster and easier for Microsoft Windows users.
Laplink PCmover Professional (Download) is the quick and easy way to transfer from one PC to another. This powerful application transfers all your selected programs, files, and settings from the old PC to the new PC. PCmover Professional can transfer your PC across a network, Laplink USB cable, or Laplink Ethernet cable. If your computer has multiple user accounts, PCmover gives you the option to transfer some or all the users. The security information about file ownership and access control is preserved for each user.
**Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
PCmover Professional also includes its Laplink AI Assistant which is available to answer any PCmover-related questions about setting up a transfer. Additionally, you can customize your transfer using the Transfer Plan part of AI Assistant, which allows you to make explicit requests regarding the transfer or exclusion of users, applications, or file types. Click AI Assistant on any PCmover screen to access PCmover Help.
Additional Transfer Options
PCmover comes with some extra features that you might find helpful to ensure your data is transferred successfully.
- PCmover Image & Drive Assistant: With PCmover Image & Drive Assistant, you can restore the programs, files and settings from an image or an old hard drive, even if the image is from an earlier version of Windows.
- File Based Transfer: Transfer to the new PC by creating a Transfer File which is stored on an internal drive or on external media, such as an external hard drive.
- PCmover Profile Migrator: Transfer files, settings, and user-specific applications between two user profiles on the same PC. PCmover supports transfers for Azure Active Directory users, local Active Directory users, and local non-domain users.
To use one of these transfer options, click Advanced Options on the Welcome screen and follow the on-screen prompts.
Pre-Installation Checklist (Both PCs)
Here are the system requirements for each PC that will be running PCmover:
- CPU: Same as required by operating system.
- RAM: Same as minimum required by operating system.
- Available hard disk space: 200 MB.
- Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 SP1 64-bit.
- A 32-bit OS requires a special version that you can get from the company.
- The operating system on the new PC must be the same as or newer than the operating system on the old PC.
- All Windows Important Updates must be applied to the NEW PC.
Installation Process
Installing from a Downloaded File
- Locate the downloaded PCmover EXE file.
- Double-click the file to start the installation.
- If you see a User Account Control dialog, click “Yes” to allow “Setup Launcher” to run.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
- Repeat these steps on the second PC.
Installing from a CD
- Insert the PCmover CD into the CD-ROM drive.
- In the AutoPlay dialog, click “Run Welcome.exe”.
- If you see a User Account Control dialog, click “Yes”.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
- If AutoPlay doesn’t appear, use Windows Explorer to find and double-click pcmover_en.exe on the CD.
- Repeat these steps on the second PC.
Setting Up and Using PCmover Professional
Start PCmover on the Old PC
- Launch PCmover on your old PC.
- If you see a Windows Security Alert, select ‘Unblock’ or ‘Yes’.
- If prompted about a new version, download and install it on BOTH computers.
- On the Welcome screen, click “Transfer Between PCs”.
Run PCmover on Both PCs
- Go to your new PC and repeat steps 1 and 2
- On both PCs, you’ll see the “Run PCmover on Both PCs” screen
- Do not click ‘Next’ on either PC until the next steps are completed
Connect Your Old and New PCs
Choose your connection method
Wi-Fi or Wired Network:
- Ensure both PCs are on the same network
- Click “Next” on both PCs
Laplink Ethernet Cable or Laplink USB Cable:
- Connect the Laplink cable to both PCs
- Click “Next” on both PCs
Old PC – Find Other PC
On the old PC, you should see both PC names listed on the “Find Other PC” screen
- If not visible, click “Scan Again”
- If your new PC appears in a dialog, select it and click “OK”
New PC – Set Up Transfer
Find Other PC
On the new PC, click “Analyze PC”
- After analysis, choose between “Transfer Everything” or “Choose What to Transfer”
- Choose What to Transfer (if applicable)
Select one of these options:
- User Accounts, Files, and Settings (No Applications)
- Files Only Transfer
- Let Me Choose: Click “Customize” for more options
Customize (if “Let Me Choose” was selected)
You can customize the following:
Applications:
- View the list of applications on your old PC.
- Deselect any you don’t want to transfer.
- Avoid transferring incompatible applications, those already on the new PC, or system tools.
Documents / Pictures / Videos / Music / Other Files:
- For each category, select or deselect specific folders.
- To change a folder’s transfer destination, select it and modify the ‘Target’ field.
User Accounts:
- Review how user accounts will be transferred.
- To modify, select a user and click “Edit”.
- You can transfer to a different user, create a new user, or not transfer a user.
Advanced:
- Modify drive transfers
- Set up file filters to exclude certain file types
- Make other custom changes (for advanced users only)
Start Transfer
Review your selections
Click “Start Transfer” to begin the migration process
- PCmover will now transfer your selected items to the new PC
- The transfer time varies depending on the amount of data and your connection speed
- If you don’t see progress for over an hour, consider restarting the transfer
Transfer Complete
- Once the transfer is complete, you’ll see a “Transfer Complete” message
- If you used a Laplink Ethernet cable, disconnect it and reconnect your internet cable if necessary
- Restart your new PC to apply all settings
Post-Transfer Steps
Some applications may need to be reinstalled or reactivated, including:
- Antivirus and antispyware applications
- Hardware-specific drivers
- Files with Digital Rights Management
If an application doesn’t work correctly:
- Try repairing it through the Windows Control Panel.
- If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling it.
- You may need to run the installation as an Administrator.
- Check for updates for transferred applications, especially if moving to a newer OS.
- For issues with transferred email applications (Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail), consult the Laplink knowledge base.
- Consider using PCmover Reconfigurator to optimize drive usage on your new PC.
Undoing a Transfer
If needed, you can undo the transfer:
- Start PCmover on your new PC
- Click “Undo Transfer” on the Welcome screen
- Follow the wizard to complete the process
Final Thoughts
Laplink PCmover Professional is designed to make your PC migration process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. By following this guide, you should be able to successfully transfer your applications, files, and settings from your old PC to your new one. Remember that Laplink offers extensive support options if you encounter any issues during the process. With PCmover, you’re not just moving data – you’re ensuring a seamless transition to your new PC environment.
For additional training resources, check out our online training courses.