Tansfer files from one PC to another
Whether you're switching from one PC to a new one, want to share files with a colleague or friend, or want to transfer a large volume of data across PCs, you want a fast and reliable solution. You need to transfer files from PC to PC without suffering a long time, data privacy threats, and corrupted files.
Therefore, we have listed the best methods about how to transfer files from PC to PC without any hassle.
Quick Overview of the Best Method to Transfer Files Between PCs
- When you have switched your computer or Laptop, transferring files from one PC to another with HDD, SSD, or USB Flash Drive is a good option when transferring large files or bulk data. Also, there are several PC migration tools you can capitalize on to transfer kinds of data files from one PC to another.
- When your computers are in close proximity, a transfer cable is a convenient method to transfer files across the PCs. Another alternative to file transferring is ethernet which connects two computers via an ethernet cable and facilitates faster data transfer for computers on the same network. You can also transfer files via WiFi, you don't need any hardware or flash drives to transfer data.
- If You want to share documents, photos, or smaller files with people across PCs, you can capitalize on file transfer over Email. You can also use more efficient transfer software like AirDroid Personal to quickly send files between PCs or other devices.
- Cloud storage transfer is a useful method to back up your files over the internet. It is an ideal method when your computers are physically away, and you have high-speed internet.
- If data security and integrity are the highest priority, you can rely on the SFTP and MFT tools to migrate data securely from one PC to another.
- You can also access files and folders on different PCs via remote desktop software like Teamviewer and copy all types and sizes of files.
- What to Prepare Before File Transferring?
- Best 10 Ways to Transfer Files from PC to PC
- Things to Remember When Transferring Data From One PC to Another
- Commons Issues You May Encounter While Transferring Files From PC to PC
- Tips to Avoid Problems During Data Transfer
- How to Choose the Best Suitable Way? - Key Takeaways
- FAQs
What to Prepare Before File Transferring?
What do you need to ensure before transferring files from PC to PC using WiFi or other methods? Here is the list of preparation areas you need to look at before transferring files across computers:
Preparation
- Make sure that you have a stable internet connection when depending on wireless data transfer methods.
- Necessary file compressions or folder encryption should be done before transferring files.
- Check your transfer tool or medium is working perfectly.
- Make sure both devices are charged and working fine.
What is desired when transferring files is the fastest way to transfer files from PC to PC. It is also necessary to take into consideration of privacy threats, data hacking, corrupt files, etc., when relying on any data transfer method.
You may also be interested:
10 Ways to Transfer Files from PC to PC
With External Storage Media
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You can use the SSD and HDD of one computer with data and connect it to the other computer for transferring data. The data transfer speed depends on the external storage media you're using. SSD is a faster way to transfer files from PC to PC than HDD.
Steps
- Copy files to the portable HDD or SSD of one computer.
- Connect or Insert SSD or HDD to the second PC.
- Copy files from external storage media and paste them to the folders where you want to save files.
- Once data is transferred, disconnect the external storage media, and you're good to go.
What Types of Files Can Be Transferred?
There is no restriction on what type of files can be transferred via external storage media like HDD or SSD. This method lets you transfer anything from a small document to multimedia, apps, and big folders. However, we advise encrypting or zipping up large files for space optimization and faster transfer speed.
How to Locate Transferred Files?
When you're pasting the files to your second PC, be mindful of the destination folder. You can also create a new dedicated folder on the desired Drive and access transferred files whenever needed.
Via PC Migration Tools
PC Migration tools can also be capitalized to wirelessly transfer files from PC to PC. The Migration software allows you to move data from older systems to newer ones via SFTP(Secure File Transfer Protocol). However, you can also capitalize the utility to transfer desired files from one PC to another.
Steps
- Launch the installed migration tool on sending the computer and select PC to PC.
- Select the receiving PC from the list of devices.
- Choose and share the content you want to transfer.
- Click on transfer, and the process will start.
- Once completed, save the files to desired folders or drives.
What Types of Files Can Be Transferred?
SFTP migration tools are commonly used when data security is the main concern. It supports all types of data files and formats.
How to Locate Transferred Files?
Go to the destination folder on receiving PC and access the transferred files whenever you need them. The popular migration tools are EaseUS Todo, Dextrus, and AWS Database Migration Service.
Via Transfer Cable
Transfer cables are a more unconventional method of transferring files from one PC to another, in this method. You can't use the regular USB cable but require the cable with USB to USB adapter that can be connected to both computers. Additionally, you will need USB adapter software on both computers before transferring files.
Steps
- Connect both computers with the USB-to-USB transfer cable.
- The next step is the installation of transfer software on both PCs.
- After installation is completed, launch the software on both computers. Once launched, you will show a side-by-side view of the remote computer and your computer.
- You can easily navigate through the remote computer and move the files you want to the destination folder on the second computer.
What Types of Files Can Be Transferred?
With the transfer cable method, you can transfer all types of apps, files, data folders, etc. However, the speed will depend on your computer processor.
How to Locate Transferred Files
When you're pasting the files to your second PC, be mindful of the destination folder. You can also create a new dedicated folder on the desired Drive and access transferred files whenever needed.
Via Ethernet Cable
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Using the ethernet cable, you can connect two PCs and transfer data over LAN. LAN stands for Local Area Network, and you need an ethernet cable to connect two computers on the same network for data transferring.
Steps
- Connect both computers with the LAN cable that supports both PCs.
- Follow the steps on both PCs: Start Menu > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced Sharing Settings.
- Turn on Network Discovery features.
- Enable network sharing feature to read/write files on both computers.
- Save Changes and set up local networks on your systems.
- Go to the networking tab and select TCP/IPv4 and check properties.
- Configure the network and enter the subsequent values.
- Go to network folders, copy files, and paste them to the receiving computer.
What Types of Files Can Be Transferred?
You can transfer all types and sizes of files using remote desktop tools.
How to Locate Transferred Files?
You can access the transferred files in the network tab of the Windows file explorer.
Share Over WiFi
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You can also share files from PC to PC using WiFi across different computers. Nearby sharing option on PC allows you to transfer different types and sizes of files from one computer to another.
Steps
- Open Nearby Sharing on your PC by right-clicking Windows Icon > Settings > Shared Experience > Nearby Sharing.
- Turn on the toggle switch against Nearby Sharing and choose Everyone Nearby or My Devices Only, depending on your desired settings.
- Choose the location of shared files to the desired destination folder. By default, it is Downloads.
- Now select the files in Windows File Explorer and click on the Share icon.
- Select the device you want to send files to and click on Save & Open or Save on receiving computer.
What Types of Files Can Be Transferred?
All types and sizes of files and folders can be transferred via WiFi.
How to Locate Transferred Files?
Open the destination folder or default folder(Downloads) to access transferred files when needed.
Via Email
You can also email small files, documents, excel sheets, PDFs, etc. It is a simple, fast, and convenient method of transferring data from one computer to another.
Steps
Here is how to transfer files from one PC to another PC via email:
- Log in to your email account to transfer the pc.
- Send files to the email address of the remote pc owner.
- Log in receiver email on the remote PC.
- Download the files to the destination folder on the second PC.
What Types of Files Can Be Transferred?
You can't transfer larger files, applications, or folders via email. Most email accounts support file transfer up to 100 or 50 Mbs. You need to upload files to Drive and share the link via email for larger files.
How to Locate Transferred Files?
When you're downloading your files to the destination folder, remember where you have saved the files. You can access your files in the destination folder whenever needed.
Via Transfer Software
Transfer software like AirDroid Personal can also be used to transfer files from one PC to another wirelessly. It is a faster, hassle-free, and more convenient method to transfer files across computers.
Steps
- Login into AirDroid Desktop or AirDroid Web on your PC.
- Open AirDroid and click on the "Transfer Files" > "Add Friends" icons, then input the friend's email.
- Once added, simply copy files from your PC and paste them into the box. You can alternatively use the drag-and-drop function to copy files. Click on the "Send" button.
- Once the transfer is complete, the receiver can access the transferred files on a PC.
What Types of Files Can Be Transferred?
Transferring files like images, documents, videos, and folders from one PC to another is convenient via this method.
How to Locate Transferred Files?
You will need to access the destination folder on your PC and open the files when needed.
Via Cloud Storage
You can also capitalize on cloud storage like OneDrive, Apple, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc., to transfer files from one PC to another. This method is the fastest way to transfer files from PC to PC using WiFi.
Steps
- Open the web browser of the first computer and log in to your cloud storage account like Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, etc.
- Upload the files or folders you want to transfer to the second computer.
- Open the web browser on the second PC and login into the cloud storage account.
- Download the files and folders to your second computer's destination drive or folder.
What Types of Files Can Be Transferred?
You can transfer all types of files via cloud storage. However, the size of files depends on the drive account's admissible upload limit.
How to Locate Transferred Files?
Open the Downloads folder on your PC or the destination folder where you downloaded files from cloud storage.
Via MFT Tools
MFT stands for Managed File Transfer. These file transfer protocols are commonly used to transfer sensitive, high-volume data across devices. Recommended Tools:Go Anywhere Diplomat MFT, IBM Aspera.
Steps
- You will need to transfer the original file or folder from the MFT tool or plugin.
- The MFT tool will encrypt the file, which will be securely transferred to the destination email.
- Login to your email address on the receiving computer, access it, and decrypt the file.
What Types of Files Can Be Transferred?
You can transfer different file types over MFT/ SFTP, like emails, PDFs, documents, multimedia, EDI, XML, etc.
How to Locate Transferred Files
You will need to access the destination folder where you saved the decrypted data received via MFT or SFTP.
Using Remote Desktop Software
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Remote desktop software is commonly used to access remote PCs to eliminate technical errors and glitches. However, you can also capitalize on such software to remotely transfer files from PC to PC. The most convenient and secure remote desktop tools are TeamViewer, Anydesk, Remote Desktop, etc.
Steps
- Launch the remote desktop software and go to the remote control tab.
- Select File Transfer through the drop-down menu and enter the partner ID(remote device).
- Click Connect. You will be asked to enter the random or personal password as set by the remote device.
- Once connected, choose the files you want to transfer and save them on your receiving computer. You can use the drag-and-drop method to transfer files with some tools.
What Types of Files Can Be Transferred?
Remote Desktop Software is usually recommended for sensitive data and files.
Things to Remember When Transferring Data From One PC to Another
When you are transferring data from PC to PC, here are the things you need to remember:
1Maintaining the Data Security
Data is an inevitable resource for every individual and business in the current era. At the same time, our data present in machines and online resources is always at risk of cyber attacks or theft. Therefore, maintaining data security is very important when aiming to transfer data between devices or from PC to PC.
Whether an individual or a business, you need to be very well-informed and vigilant about your data-transferring tools and strategies. Data encryption and password-protected folder transfers can be a safe option for individuals when transferring data from one device to another. It can also include deploying data protection systems and protocols like Secure Shell(SSH), FTP, HTTP, etc., to avoid any data breaches, leakages, or mishaps during data transfer across systems or devices.
2Verify The Software
Be informed when looking for migration, MFT, remote desktop, or data transfer tools to help you transfer data. It implies that you should be very specific about the software you're using to transfer data from PC to PC. Whether you're employing an MFT or remote desktop tool, verify that the software is legit and will not put your data integrity at risk.
3Organizing Files
Organizing your data and files on your working or personal machine is as important as managing your wardrobe. You should be able to access the right file and folder in no time when needed. Therefore, ensure you have organized your data and files before starting the data transferring process. It will save you time in finding the right files as well as reduce the risk of sharing the wrong files or personal data with someone else.
Commons Issues You May Encounter While Transferring Files From PC to PC
The common issues you might face while data transferring across PCs:
1Time Limit Exceeded
When transferring large files or voluminous data from one PC to another, you might experience a time limit exceeding error. The digital data transfer must be completed within a specified time; if the time limit exceeds, you might lose all the data being transferred.
2Restricted File Type
Some of the software might not support specific types of files for transferring or sharing with other devices. This implies the limitation on convenient transfer across PCs. The problem of the restricted file type is more common among business users where the industry-specific software puts them in the restricted file type category.
3System Compatibility And Network Problems
The system compatibility issues might hinder the file and data transfer. Similarly, the network issues like DNS errors, unstable internet, firewall problems, and network failures can also be a hindrance in data transfer via remote desktop software or migration tools.
4Data Security Protocols
Data security and compliance challenges can also occur when you're using a temporary file transfer method. The lack of security protocols during file transfers can result in data breaches and leakage. The issue of data security compliance is more common among enterprise users than individual users.
Tips to Avoid Problems During Data Transfer
Here are the tips on how you can bypass any problems coming your way during the data transfer process:
- You should look for more optimized and faster file transfer technologies that overcome the shortcomings of FTP, TCP-based FTP, etc., and provide faster and lossless data transfer.
- Another way to avoid a time limit problem is to transfer data in parts if you have to move several large files.
- Internet-related issues can be resolved using Bluetooth, LAN, and data cable alternatives for wireless connections. However, the first priority should be locating and resolving the network connectivity problems.
Key Takeaways
If you are looking for a simplistic and convenient method to transfer data, AirDroid Web or AirDroid Personal are transfer software you can go with. For those who don't want any third-party tools or software, a transfer cable, LAN transfer, or WiFi transfer can be a good alternative. For large and sensitive files, you might choose migration tools or SFTP and MFT tools to avoid the risk of data breaches.
As an individual user, external media storage transfer is the convenient option when switching from one PC to another. You can opt for email or cloud storage as a quick data transfer method for certain types of files, multimedia, and machines at remote locations. However, the data size limitation is real in the case of email and cloud storage. We have discussed different methods of how to transfer files from PC to PC. Every method we share has its own pros and cons. You have to choose the best method according to file types, file size, internet speed, etc. You can analyze and choose any of the listed methods to transfer data from one PC to another according to your needs and requirements.
FAQs
Can I transfer files with an HDMI cable?
No, you can't transfer files with an HDMI cable and will need a USB cable to transfer files.
What's the best way to migrate to a new PC?
You can choose migration tools to transfer data from the old computer to the new PC. Migration software like Rsync, AWS database migration, etc., having high data integrity and security compliance, can be employed for data migration to new devices.
How can I send files directly to another computer?
You can send files directly from one computer to another computer with data transfer software. AirDroid Personal and AirDroid Web are two free and best tools when you want to transfer data from PC to PC or even across different operating systems.
How to transfer files from PC to PC without the internet?
You can transfer files from PC to PC without the internet by using an ethernet cable, USB transfer cable, or external media storage file.
How to transfer files from pc to pc wirelessly?
You can capitalize on a WiFi connection, migration tools, or remote desktop software to transfer files wirelessly.
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