When upgrading your PC from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1, one of the most important things that you need to consider is how to transfer files from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1. In this blog, we will discuss different ways that you can use to transfer files from old PC to new Windows 8.1 computer. We will also look at the common problems that you may face during the file transfer.
Video Tutorial:
Method 1: Use Windows Easy Transfer
Windows Easy Transfer is a built-in tool in Windows that allows you to transfer files, user accounts, settings and programs from one computer to another. Follow these simple steps to use Windows Easy Transfer:
1. On your old Windows 7 PC, open Windows Easy Transfer by clicking on the Start button and typing ‘Easy Transfer’ in the search box.
2. Click on Windows Easy Transfer and then click Next.
3. Select whether you want to transfer files over a network or an external hard drive and then click Next.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the files that you want to transfer and then click on the Transfer button.
5. Wait for the transfer to complete and then click on the Finish button.
6. On your new Windows 8.1 PC, open Windows Easy Transfer by clicking on the Start button, typing ‘Easy Transfer’ in the search box and then clicking on Windows Easy Transfer.
7. Select whether you want to continue from a saved Easy Transfer file or start a new transfer and then click Next.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transfer.
Q. What type of files can I transfer with Windows Easy Transfer?
A. You can transfer most of the commonly used files such as documents, music, pictures, videos and settings. However, you cannot transfer installed programs, apps or system files using Windows Easy Transfer.
Q. Can I transfer files over the Wi-Fi network?
A. Yes, you can transfer files over a Wi-Fi network. However, it is recommended to use a direct network cable or an external hard drive for faster transfer speeds.
Q. Can I transfer files from a 64-bit Windows 7 PC to a 32-bit Windows 8.1 PC?
A. No, Windows Easy Transfer cannot transfer files between 64-bit and 32-bit operating systems.
Method 2: Use External Hard Drive
Using an external hard drive is the simplest and most common method to transfer files from one PC to another.
1. Connect the external hard drive to your old Windows 7 PC.
2. Copy the files that you want to transfer into the external hard drive.
3. Disconnect the external hard drive from your old PC and connect it to your new Windows 8.1 PC.
4. Open the external hard drive and copy the files to your new PC.
Q. How do I transfer large files using an external hard drive?
A. If you want to transfer large files (such as movies or game files), it is recommended to use a USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt external hard drive to ensure faster transfer speeds.
Q. Can I transfer files between Mac and Windows using an external hard drive?
A. Yes, you can transfer files between Mac and Windows by using a compatible external hard drive such as FAT32 or exFAT formatted drive.
Q. How do I ensure that the files are copied correctly?
A. After copying the files to the external hard drive, verify that the files have been copied correctly by comparing the file sizes and contents.
Method 3: Use Cloud Storage
Cloud storage services such as OneDrive, Dropbox and Google Drive can also be used to transfer files between two PCs.
1. Sign up for any of the cloud storage services and download the desktop client.
2. Upload the files that you want to transfer to the cloud storage.
3. Install the same cloud storage service on your new Windows 8.1 PC and then download the files from the cloud storage.
4. Alternatively, you can access your cloud storage account from any PC with an internet connection and download the files.
Q. Can I transfer large files using cloud storage?
A. Yes, you can transfer large files using cloud storage. However, the transfer speed may depend on your internet connection speed.
Q. Is my data safe in the cloud?
A. Yes, most of the cloud storage services use encryption and other security methods to ensure that your data is safe.
Q. How much does cloud storage cost?
A. The cost of cloud storage depends on how much storage space you need. However, most of the cloud storage services offer free plans with limited storage.
Why Can’t I Transfer My Files?
There could be several reasons why you are unable to transfer your files from your old Windows 7 PC to your new Windows 8.1 PC. Here are some of the common issues and their solutions:
1. The files may be in use: Ensure that the files you are trying to transfer are not currently in use by any program.
2. Permission issues: Make sure that you have permission to access the files on your old PC. If you have password-protected your user account on your old PC, you may need to enter the password.
3. Hard drive errors: If the files are located on a damaged hard drive, you may not be able to transfer them. You can try running disk error check and repair utility to fix the errors.
Q. How do I fix permission issues while transferring files?
A. You can try taking ownership of the files on your old Windows 7 PC before attempting to transfer them. Right-click on the file and select Properties > Security > Advanced > Owner > Edit > select your user account.
Q. What do I do if the files are too large to transfer?
A. If the file is too large to transfer using any of the above methods, you can try compressing the file using a file compression software such as WinZip or WinRAR before transferring it.
Conclusion
Transferring files from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 does not have to be a complicated process. By following any of the above methods, you can quickly and easily transfer your files, user accounts, settings and programs to your new PC. If you encounter any issues during the transfer, refer to the above FAQs for troubleshooting guidance.
