Best Free Laptop File Transfer APP for Windows 11/10/8

In this article, you'll find various free file transfer software options for PCs, designed to facilitate easy file transfers to new computers running Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7. The article outlines step-by-step instructions for each method.

By @Maggie Last Updated December 28, 2023

I just got a new laptop (Dell Inspiron 15, Windows 10) and need a seamless file transfer app. Anyone know a user-friendly one? I've got tons of files from my old HP laptop and I'm not too tech-savvy. Just looking for something hassle-free.

Overview of laptop file transfer app

Likely, when you receive a brand-new laptop and want to find data transfer app for laptop to move everything from the old to the new. This is an excellent idea! You can not only save a lot of time by choosing laptop file transfer app, but also avoid unnecessary data loss risks. So here we picked 4 best laptop apps for Windows for you. Let’s have a general overview first.

Transfer app

Supported OS

Transfer Contents

Transfer Through

Price

AOMEI Backupper Standard

Windows 11, 10, 8.1/8, 7, Vista and XP

√Files/folders

√External hard drive √USB flash drive √network and cloud drive

Free

OneDrive

Windows 11, 10, 8.1/8, 7, Vista and XP

√Files/folders

√OneDrive Cloud

5GB free storage

PCmover

Windows 11, 10, 8.1/8, 7, Vista and XP

√Files/folders √settings

√Network √Laplink USB cable and Laplink Ethernet cable

$29.95 per PC

Windows Easy Transfer

Windows 7, Vista and XP

√Files/folders √user accounts √email

√Internet favorites

√External hard drive √USB flash drive √Network and Easy Transfer cable

Free

How to transfer laptop to laptop file

Below is the full guide to transfer data from old to the new. And after the instruction, you may have a clear idea which one may suit you best. let’s start right now!

# 1. Transfer files via AOMEI Backupper

To simplify the file transfer process, it's strongly advised to use AOMEI Backupper Standard, a professional yet free file synchronization software compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP (both 32-bit and 64-bit systems).

Schedule sync: this software allows you to transfer files/folders automatically that free you out of tedious jobs. ✩Multiple sync: you can sync single files/folders, also you can choose multiple files/folders at the same time to enhance sync efficiency. ✩Easy to use: this software is user-friendly in terms of its interface and settings, even for non-technical users. ✩Full feature: it is comprehensive to allow you backup and restore, sync and clone. For example, if you upgrade the higher version, you can direct clone C drive to SSD easily.

Please download this software and launch it on your PC. Before you start, please make some preparations:

  • Ensure the two PCs stay in the same LAN or WIFI.
  • Create a network share folder on your destination computer
Download FreewareWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Select the Sync tab in the home interface, and choose Basic Sync.

Other ways to sync files: ☛Real-Time Sync: It will sync files immediately to the destination after the files or folder changes, and make all files or folders stay up to date in time. ☛Mirror Sync: It helps you prevent any unwanted change in the destination folder in a sync task. ☛Two-Way Sync: Unlike previous sync solutions, it syncs changes between source and destination once changes made in either of them.

Step 2. Press + Add Folder to choose which files on your old laptop will be transferred. You can modify the Task Name to differ from other tasks if need be.

 

✍Note: you can click on the Funnel button to open the Filter Settings to include and exclude the files.

Step 3. Select the inverted triangle icon at the second bar > Add Share or NAS Devices > input the Network Path of your target laptop and add a folder on it as the destination path.

Step 4. Click Start Sync to transfer files to new computer with best file sharing app for laptop.

More options for sync task:

★ Options: This option will help you to comment the sync task, and enable email or SMS notification, etc.

★ Schedule Sync: It enables you to automatically sync files on a regular basis, like daily, weekly, monthly, Event triggers, USB plug in.

# 2. Transfer files via OneDrive

Additionally, you can consider using cloud drive services like OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, etc., to facilitate your file transfer process. Microsoft specifically recommends using OneDrive for data transfers. We'll provide detailed instructions on how to transfer files from one PC to another PC using OneDrive.

Tip: While the free OneDrive account offers 5GB of storage space, you can upgrade to a larger capacity if needed. Additionally, if you have a Microsoft 365 account, you can enjoy 1TB of OneDrive storage.

After signing in with your Microsoft OneDrive account, follow the steps below to proceed.

Step 1. Click the OneDrive icon from the system tray, and then select Help & Settings > Settings.

Step 2. Under the Back up tab, please click the Manage back up button.

Step 3. Choose the folder that you would like to backup, click Start back up button to transfer files to OneDrive.

Please be aware that the "Important PC Folders" feature in OneDrive specifically backs up files from the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to OneDrive.

If there are additional important folders you wish to back up, simply drag and drop them into the OneDrive folder on your computer. They will automatically sync to OneDrive. Then, sign in to the same OneDrive account on your new PC, and all files and folders will be synced to your new computer.

# 3. Transfer files via PCmover EXperss

PCmover Express is a free PC to PC file transfer software compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. It facilitates the transfer of files, data, settings, and user profiles from an old PC to a new PC.

Before transferring, please:

  • Install and run PCmover Express on both laptops.
  • Close all running programs.
  • Disable Power saving options, and scheduled Windows tasks.

Step 1. Run PCmover Express on the old computer, and click TRANSFER BETWEEN PCs on the main window.

Step 2. Before hit Next, make some configurations of the PCmover Express on the new computer like the below steps:

  • Run PCmover Express on the new computer and click TRANSFER BETWEEN PCs on the main window,
  • Enter your email address, serial number, and user name, and hit Next.
  • Hit Next in next window.
  • And it will find other PCs that stay the same LAN.

Step 3. After the two PCs are connected, click ANALYZE PC on the new computer.

Step 4. Click Choose What to Transfer besides the Next button.

Step 5. Choose one of the three ways to transfer and hit Next. (choose the first option here)

STANDARD (RECOMMENDED)

FILES ONLY TRANSFER

LET ME CHOOSE

Step 6. Press Start TRANSFER to transfer files from an old laptop to a new one.

# 4. Transfer files via Windows Easy Transfer

According to Microsoft, Windows Easy Transfer is a software designed for transferring user accounts, email, documents, music, videos, pictures, programs, internet favorites, and more from an old version of Windows to a new version of Windows.

The supported OS includes Windows XP, Vista, and 7, which means you could only migrate files and programs from:

  • Windows XP to Windows 7
  • Windows Vista to Windows 7

This PC to PC file transfer software operates without the need for the internet. It enables file transfer using a straightforward transfer cable, making the process simple and efficient.

Bonus: Other easy ways to transfer data from laptop to laptop

  • With External Storage Media: External storage media like SSD and HDD is the best way to transfer large files or bulk data from PC to PC.
  • Over Wi-Fi: Nearby sharing makes transferring files from one PC to another possible over Wi-Fi. You can also share files via Bluetooth if you are using different Wi-Fi.
  • Via Ethernet Cable: You can connect two PCs and transfer data over LAN using the ethernet cable. LAN stands for Local Area Network, and you need an ethernet cable to connect two computers on the same network for data transferring.
  • Via Email:  You can also email small files, documents, excel sheets.

FAQs:

1. What Kind of Files Can I Transfer from PC to PC?
 

You can transfer all kinds of files from one PC to another, whether it's movies, photos, documents, or audio files. The process allows for seamless transfer of various file types.

2. Is It Available to Transfer Files Among Different Window Systems?
 

Certainly, you can transfer files between different Windows systems using file transfer over LAN and Wi-Fi. Additionally, AirDroid Personal also allows file transfers across various Windows systems.

3. How to Transfer Files from PC to PC without the Internet?
 

Certainly, you can transfer files from one PC to another without the internet by using methods such as an Ethernet cable, USB transfer cable, or external media storage devices. These options provide offline file transfer capabilities.

4. How to Transfer Files from PC to PC Wirelessly?
 

You can leverage a Wi-Fi connection, migration tools, or remote desktop software to transfer files wirelessly between devices.

To sum up

Here offers 4 laptop file transfer apps for you, AOMEI Backupper, OneDrive, PC mover and Windows EasyTransfer. You can choose the one that suit you best. to make the choice simpler, I have made a distinction as below:

  • If you prefer using Windows built-in tools, options like OneDrive or Windows Easy Transfer are available. Please note that Windows Easy Transfer is compatible only with Windows XP, Vista, and 7.If you want tomove your files, settings, and user profiles from one PC to another, PCmover is a good choice. However, you need to pay for it.
  • For an automatic file transfer solution, consider AOMEI Backupper Standard. This tool allows you to sync files between different locations, including from one folder to another, from one disk to another, and from one PC to another.
  • If you need an automated file transfer tool, consider using AOMEI Backupper Standard. It allows you to synchronize files across different locations, including moving files from one folder to another, from one disk to another, and from one PC to another.

It’s worth to note that AOMEI Backupper offers a unique feature called Cloud Backup, allowing you to back up folders to AOMEI Cloud, a cloud drive with 1TB of free storage. After registration, you can enjoy 15 days of free access to this service.

You can choose the laptop to laptop file transfer app per your needs.