Full Guide: Use USMT on Windows 11 (with an Alternative)

About USMT

The User State Migration Tool (USMT) is a free tool from Microsoft that tech administrators use to move stuff like user accounts, files, settings, and even programs from one Windows computer to another. It's super handy when you need to upgrade lots of computers or change their hardware or operating systems.

USMT replaced Windows Easy Transfer in various Windows versions, and it uses the same core technology from Microsoft. You can find it in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK). If you're moving from a 32-bit to a 64-bit computer, be sure to install Windows ADK before using USMT for a smooth transfer.

Does USMT work on Windows 11?

USMT functions effectively on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 (or Windows 7). However, it's important to note that you may need to update the XML files or acquire updated ones for USMT. The default XML files that come with the ADK may not cover all the user settings and browser favorites related to Windows 10/11, so customizing them is often necessary for a comprehensive migration

How to migrate user profiles in Windows 11 using USMT

Phrase 1. USMT Windows 11 download

Step 1. Download the ADK for Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Step 2. Select the adksetup.exe file and choose the location to install the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit to this computer. You need to check the privacy statement and license agreement.

Step 3. Select the User State Migration Tool (USMT) and click the Install button.

Step 4. After installation finishes, follow the path to find the USMT files: C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\User State Migration Tool

You can see two command-line .exe programs here - loadstate.exe and scanstate.exe. Both programs require completing the migration process.

Phrase 2 - Run scanstate.exe loadstate.exe and Migrate User Data

Step 1. Type the command and hit Enter to migrate accounts and user settings:

scanstate \\fs1\migr\userdata /i:miguser.xml /i:migapp.xml /o

Step 2. Type the command and hit Enter on the target computer to load all data saved on the source computer.

loadstate \fs1\migr\userdata /i:miguser.xml /i:migapp.xml

The above operations can also answer "how to use USMT Windows 10". As you can see, using USMT involves working with command line commands and two .exe files. This method has its limitations, as mentioned earlier. If you find dealing with command lines challenging and want an easier approach, consider using AOMEI Backupper. This software can transfer Windows 10 profile to Windows 11 easily.

An easier alternative for USMT: AOMEI Backupper

Although USMT is good at migrating profiles and settings between computers, like Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10, it’s hard to use for ordinary users. And the UMST Windows 11 no longer migrates custom or standard background images, and the printers in the User Profiles are not being migrated as they did in the previous version.

Luckily, an easier alternative is here for you, that is AOMEI Backupper. This software is more friendly and easy for users to migrate user files and settings with its Sync feature regardless of the system. It is compatible for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 11. If you are a server user, please try AOMEI Backupper Server.

How to migrate user profiles with AOMEI Backupper

If you want to migrate your Windows data from your original computer to Windows 11, please follow the below graphical tutorials. Before you start, please download this free sync tool via the below link.

Phrase 1. Create a shared folder on your target Windows 11

Before you start, please create a shared folder on your target Windows 11 PC. If you have no idea, please refer to the below instructions:

Step 1. Right-click the folder that you want to store user profiles, and choose Properties > Share ... under the Network File and Folder Sharing.

Step 2. In the Network Share window, type everyone, and click Add > Share to grant access to everyone.

Step 3. Go back to the Properties window, and click Advanced Sharing... button.

Step 4. Tick Share this folder, set the Share name, number of users, Comments and Permissions, etc.

Step 5. Finally, click Apply and then hit OK.

Phrase 2. Sync your files from one device to another

Step 1. Please launch AOMEI Backupper and choose Sync > Baci Sync.

✍Note:
AOMEI Backupper offers 4 types of sync for you, basic sync, real-time sync, mirror sync and two-way sync. The latter 3 types are available in the advanced version.
▶Real-Time Sync: It will sync all files and changes (modified, deleted, or newly added) in real-time. Compared with Basic Sync method, the biggest difference is the sync frequency, not daily, weekly, or monthly, but real-time.
▶Mirror Sync: In this way, you can sync files and folders changed in the source, if you modify, deleted, or add any files in the destination, it will undo the changes in the next scheduled sync.
▶Two-Way Sync: Unlike the previous 3 sync methods, it will sync files and changes made in the source and destination. And you can make it run automatically.

Step 2. Then click Add Folder to choose the user profiles on your source computer.

Step 3. Click the inverted triangle icon > Add Share or NAS Devices, input the Network Path (Windows 10 IP address) and choose the Windows 11 network shared folder as the destination, click OK to confirm.

Step 4. Choose Start Sync to migrate user profiles to the new Windows 11 safely.

Conclusion

You can utilize USMT Windows 11 with the above step-wise guide. If you are tired of its complex operations, you can try its useful alternative----AOMEI Backupper. Apart from its useful sync feature, this software is also powerful cloning software that ghost copia hard drive perfectly to transfer everything with only a few clicks.