Published 16 June 2026 · Windows · by the 365 Techies team — Microsoft Partners & Dell specialists, looking after Dorset since 1995
Good news: your documents, photos and favourites are easy to move. The one thing that does not copy across is your programs — those need reinstalling — but your files come with you.
The easiest way: the cloud
If you use OneDrive, simply sign in on both computers and your files appear on the new one automatically. No cables, no fuss. Move your browser bookmarks and saved passwords too (a password manager makes this effortless across devices).
No cloud? Use a drive
Copy your documents, photos and other files onto an external drive or USB stick, then copy them onto the new PC. Reinstall your programs from their apps or websites, set up your email, and — crucially — check everything has arrived safely before you wipe and recycle the old computer. Prefer to hand it over? We move everything across as part of new computer setup.
Key points
- Decide what to move (documents, photos, favourites, email)
- Easiest way: sign in to OneDrive on both computers
- No cloud? Copy everything to an external drive or USB stick
- Move your browser bookmarks and saved passwords
- Reinstall your programs — apps do not copy across, only files do
- Set up your email on the new computer
- Check everything arrived before wiping the old PC
Prefer to let us handle it? Our monthly IT support plans include this and much more, from £18.25/month per computer — with a friendly techie on hand whenever you need one. Call 01202 775566 or view our plans.