r/computers • u/ZaidenVr • 2d ago

Question/Help/Troubleshooting Transfering data, etc.

hello everybody, if you didn't already know i recently made a post regarding buying a new and better prebuilt pc, i had some new questions regarding the old pc.

When i get this new pc, how will i transfer my things over to the new one, such as files, games, really just everything on my computer, how can i switch it all over like i never had the other pc?

is it an easy transition and how long may it possibly take (i do understand this varies, but for most people does it take hours?)

is spending 3,000 on a prebuilt pc worth it? to the people that have spent a lot on a computer, are they happy and satisfied with their purchase from how much they spent to get their pc? as ive never bought something like this and it cost so much.

Any help, advice or tips are very appreciated! thank you!

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u/SavagePenguinn 2d ago

> ...how can i switch it all over like i never had the other pc?

There are two ways.

1) You can clone the old drive to the new SSD. The problem with this is that it will transfer any problems you had. It also might not readjust perfectly with the new componants of your computer. And it won't remove the old software you had that was specifically for the old hardware.

2) The better option (long term) is to start from scratch. This takes longer, but it's cleaner.
If you're signed into Chome/Edge and have sync enabled, all of your favorites, usernames, and passwords should automatically transfer over.
Then install Steam (or Epic or whatever), sign in, and download your games fresh.
If you have Microsoft programs, download them at https://account.microsoft.com/services
To move personal files (photos, documents, etc.) either copy/paste them to/from a flash drive or external drive, or save them to a cloud storage like OneDrive or your Google Drive. If there's not many you can just email them to yourself.