Last Updated on May 27, 2026
Getting a new computer is usually an exciting event (except for the cost of course), and it usually takes some time to get it set up correctly because you need to install all your applications and transfer your files from your old computer. If you have a lot of programs and files, this can be a time consuming task. And if you do not have copies of your software to install on your new computer, then this can be a problem.
So rather than manually copying your personal files such as documents and photos as well as trying to remember what software you have installed on your old computer, there is an easier way to get your new computer set up. In this article, we will show you how to transfer your programs, users and data from your old PC to your new PC in just a few steps using an app called EaseUS Todo PCTrans.
To begin the process, you will need to download and install the PCTrans software on both the new computer and the old computer. You will also need to make sure both computers are running and on the same network. As long as you have them both connected to your home router used for your internet connection, it should be fine.
Before we begin, you will need to know that the free version of the software will allow you to migrate 2 GB of data and 5 programs for free so if you have more than that, you will need to buy the full version which will cost you around $40 for a single month license or $60 for a lifetime license.
Connecting Your Old and New Computers
1. Launch the PC to PC Transfer Mode
When you first open the PCTrans software on your computer, you will see that it has some additional options such as backup, system cleanup and data rescue features. We will be using the PC to PC option for our demonstration. Click this specific module on the left sidebar to initiate the network bridge setup.
2. Designate the Old and New Machines
You will need to open the PCTrans software on each computer simultaneously. For the old computer, you will need to select the “This is Old PC” option on the screen. On the new computer you will need to select the “This is New PC” option. We will start the physical connection process on the old computer.
3. Connect the Two Computers
After you click on the Next button, the software will actively scan your local network. It will find the other computer on the network and show the logged in user on that specific target machine. Then you can click on the Connect button to link the two systems together.
4. Verify the Connection Status
If you go to the new computer, it should show it as officially connected. The screens on both devices will sync up to confirm the network bridge is stable. Do not close the software on either machine during this pairing phase.
Selecting Your Programs, Files, and Users
1. Analyze the Old Computer Data
The PCTrans software will then analyze your old computer to find your applications, files and user accounts. This scanning process takes a few minutes depending entirely on the storage size of your hard drive. Wait for the progress bar to finish sweeping your local system.
2. Choose the Programs to Transfer
When the analysis is complete, you will be able to select which programs you want to transfer from the old computer to the new one. As you can see in the image below, when you use the free version of PCTrans, you will not be able to transfer certain applications without upgrading to the Pro version. Check the boxes next to your desired software titles to queue them up.
3. Select Specific Files and Folders
After you select which programs you want to transfer, you can then choose which files you want to transfer to the new PC. You may want to go through the selected items manually in case there are some files or folders that you don’t need to have transferred over. At the top of the window, it will show you exactly how many files you have selected and their total raw size.
4. Filter Your User Accounts
You can then choose which user accounts you want to transfer to the new computer, assuming you have more than one. If you have already created a matching user account on the new computer, you should skip the account with the exact same name. You can also exclude certain user account data from this screen if desired.
Finalizing the Data Migration
1. Monitor Your Transfer Limits
If you are using the free version of the program, keep a close eye on the total size of your data transfer under the Transfer button. PCTrans uses the combined data from your applications, files and user accounts towards the total free data amount. The software blocks the transfer completely if you exceed this strict limit.
2. Configure Advanced Migration Settings
If you click on Migration settings, you will have some additional options for file filtering and managing duplicate files. You can tell the software to skip hidden system folders or replace existing documents on the new machine. Make your selections and save the prompt.
3. Start the PC to PC Transfer
Once you are ready to go, simply click on the Transfer button to start the process. PCTrans will show you real-time details of the transfer as it goes along. A progress ring displays the active completion percentage for your applications and user files.
4. Check the Target Computer Progress
If you were to look at the new computer, it would show a completely different screen indicating the transfer is in process. The target machine locks its interface to prevent user interference. You just need to let both machines sit idle until the network transfer finishes over your router.
5. Review the Final Summary Screen
Once the transfer is complete, you will see a detailed summary screen with the exact results. It lists every application and document path that migrated successfully. Green checkmarks indicate a perfect copy with zero data loss.
6. Restart the New Computer
The new computer will also show that the transfer has been completed. You will be prompted to restart the new computer to finish the registry integration process. Click the restart button. Then you can confirm that everything has transferred over successfully.
As you can see, using PCTrans is a fairly easy way to transfer your programs, users and data from your old PC to your new PC. You can download PCTrans from their website here.
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