How to Transfer Files Between Two Different Operating Systems
Transferring data, files, folders, and applications between computers, operating systems, or storage media can be achieved using a proper method, whether it's from PC to PC, PC to laptop, PC to storage media, or within one computer after an in-place OS upgrade. In earlier Windows OS versions before Windows 10, the Windows Easy Transfer Tool was available for accomplishing most transfer tasks, and this page shares thoughts on transferring everything between two different operating systems, whether on a dual-boot computer or between two separate computers.
There are limitations to choosing a transfer approach, such as Windows Easy Transfer not being available in Windows 10, requiring an alternative tool when upgrading to Windows 10. Additionally, transfer tools have specific limitations on the items they can move, such as.
- User accounts
- Documents
- Music
- Pictures and videos
- Contacts and messages
- Internet favorites
- Program settings
Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue the Windows Settings app, which is used to migrate system personalization settings, such as background settings and power settings, as well as application software and Windows programs. This means that users will no longer be able to use the inbuilt tool for these purposes.
Download Qiling Disk Master Free
Qiling Disk Master Free is a free and comprehensive file transfer software that can fully replace the role of Windows Easy Transfer. It allows users to migrate files and apps from one computer to another in a few minutes, making it a convenient and efficient solution.
To transfer files between two operating systems using the Qiling transfer utility, you can either transfer files on the same computer with a dual boot system or between different computers. For the same computer, you would follow the steps to set up the Qiling transfer utility on both operating systems, then select the files you want to transfer and follow the prompts to complete the transfer. For different computers, you would need to set up the Qiling transfer utility on both computers, then use the utility to establish a connection between the two computers and follow the prompts to transfer the files.
Next, you will find solutions to both situations below.
There are three modes that enable file transfer between different operating systems, including via network connection, via an image file, and transferring local applications.
Step 1. Select the transfer mode.
- Download and install Qiling Disk Master on both computers.
- Launch Qiling Disk Master on the PCs and choose "File sync" to transfer files based on the network connection, or choose "Backup and Restore" if the PCs are not on the same LAN.
- Ensure your PCs meet the requirements of network-based transfer and click "Continue".
Step 2. Connect the two computers.
- To access the target PC, you need to first establish a connection to it. Once connected, you will be prompted to enter the account password or verification code associated with the target PC.
- Check the verification code on the top right corner of the main screen on the target PC.
- Specify the transfer direction and click "Connect".
Step 3. Choose the files you want to transfer.
- Hover on the "Files" option and click "Edit".
- Check the files you want to transfer.
- To change the default storage path, click the "Edit" icon.
- Afterward, click "Finish".
Step 4. Transfer files between two different operating systems.
- After selecting the files you want to transfer, click "Proceed" to initiate the transfer process.
- When it has done, click "OK" and you can go to check the files on the target PC.
An Important Tip
None of the transfer tools mentioned on this page can migrate data from a higher Windows version to a lower one, so you'd need to use a free backup software to create a backup of your data and then restore it.
The software can transfer files across Windows platforms from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7/8/8.1/10 without any issues. If you need to do so, you can follow the guide above for assistance.
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