How to Transfer Files from PC to PC

If you’re like most people, you probably have many files on your computer that you need to transfer to another PC. Maybe you’re upgrading to a new computer, or you need to send some files to a friend or family member. 

In any case, transferring files from one PC to another is pretty easy. There are a few different ways to do it. Our handy guide shows you how to transfer files from one PC to another quickly.

Using an External Storage Device

One of the quickest ways to transfer files from one PC to another is using an external storage device like a USB flash drive or an external hard drive. All you need is a storage device with enough memory. If you already have a storage device, follow these steps.

1. Connect your external storage device to the source PC

2. Open up File Explorer and find the files you want to transfer.

3. Copy files directly to your external storage device or create a new folder and move the files there.

4. Disconnect your external storage device and connect it to the other PC.

5. Open up File Explorer on the second PC and navigate to the external storage device

Safely disconnect your external storage device

Things to Keep in Mind Before Transferring Files

There are a few things to keep in mind when using this method. First, make sure that both PCs have their USB ports enabled and that they’re able to read/write to external devices. You should also ensure that the external storage device is compatible with your computer.

Second, back up any important files on your computer before transferring them to the external storage device. Third, eject the external storage device properly before unplugging it from your computer. 

Finally, check the file sizes of the files you’re transferring. Some storage devices have limited storage space, so it’s important to make sure that the files you’re transferring will fit on the device.

Pros of Transferring Files Using an External Storage Device

There are many benefits to using an external storage device to transfer files from one PC to another. One of the most significant advantages of using an external storage device is that it is much faster than other methods of transferring files. 

For example, if you were to transfer files using a USB flash drive, it would take a fraction of the time it would take to share those same files over a network connection with poor internet service. 

Another advantage of using an external storage device is that it is very easy to use. All you need to do is connect the device to your computer and copy the files you want to transfer. This is a much simpler process than setting up a network connection between two computers.

Another significant benefit is that you don’t have to worry about losing any data during the transfer process. With an external storage device, all your data is stored in one place and can be easily accessed by both PCs.

Finally, an external storage device is a great way to keep your data organized and safe. You can easily back up your data on the device and know that it will be there if anything happens to your PC.

Cons of Transfering Files Using an External Storage Device

There are a few potential downsides to using an external storage device to transfer files from one PC to another. One is that the files can become corrupted during the transfer process. 

Another is that if the external storage device isn’t properly ejected from the first PC before it’s connected to the second, data on the device could be overwritten or lost. 

Finally, there’s always the possibility that the external storage device could be physically damaged during the transfer process, which would render it unusable and any data on it unrecoverable.

Here is a brief video for further reference:

Method Two: Using Email

Email is one of the most popular ways to transfer files from one PC to another. The process is simple and can be done in a few steps.

Open the email client on your first PC and create a new email

Add the file you wish to transfer as an attachment to the email

Enter the email address of the second PC in the “To” field and send the email

Open the email on the second PC and download the attached file

Pros of Transferring Files Using Emails

• It’s quick and easy — you can send files of all sizes via email in just a few minutes.
• You don’t need any special software or hardware — all you need is an email account and an internet connection.
• Most people already have everything they need to get started — there’s no need to download any extra software or sign up for any new services.
• Email is a very reliable way to transfer files — unlike some other methods (like flash drives), there’s no risk of losing your data in transit.
• You can easily send files to multiple PCs at once — add various addresses to the “To” field in your email program or sign in to the recipient email address on the other PCs.

Cons of Transfering Files Using Emails

• Most email providers have file size limits, meaning you may not be able to transfer large files using this method.
• Email is not a secure method of transferring data, so there is a risk that your files could be intercepted or hacked during transit.
• Email is not designed for high-speed file transfers, so it can take a long time to send and receive large files using this method.
• Most email accounts have limited storage space, so you may need to delete old emails or attachments to make room for new ones.

Method Three: Using Cloud Storage

There are several ways to transfer files from one PC to another, but cloud storage is becoming increasingly popular. Cloud storage is a way of storing data online to be accessed from any internet-connected device.

Top Cloud Storages for Storing Files

There are several different cloud storage providers, each with pros and cons. However, when it comes to storing files for easy transfer between PCs, a few stand out above the rest.

Dropbox

Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage providers, and for a good reason. It’s simple to use, offers a free 2GB cloud storage space, and can store different types of files. Plus, it integrates well with several third-party services.

Google Drive

Google Drive is another excellent option for storing files in the cloud. It offers more free storage than Dropbox (15GB vs. 2GB), and its apps are just as comprehensive. In addition, Google Drive integrates tightly with the company’s other services like Gmail and Google Docs.

Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is yet another great choice for storing files in the cloud. It offers a healthy amount of free storage (5 GB), and its apps are available on just about every platform. OneDrive also integrates well with Microsoft’s other services like Office 365 and Outlook.com.

Amazon Cloud Drive

Amazon Cloud Drive offers 5 GB of free storage. It works with Amazon’s other products and services, making it a convenient option for Amazon users.

3 Steps to Transfer Files Using Cloud Storage

1. Sign up for a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
2. Once you have an account set up, you can upload files from your PC to the cloud by logging into your account and selecting the “Upload” option. 
3. Then, log into your cloud account on the other PC and download the desired files.

Pros of Transfering Files Using Cloud Storage

There are many advantages of using cloud storage to transfer files between PCs. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it is a very convenient way to do so. 

You can access your files from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. This means you can transfer files between PCs even when you’re on the go.

Another significant advantage of using cloud storage is that it is much more secure than other methods of transferring files. When you use a cloud storage service, your files are encrypted and stored on secure servers. This means they are much less likely to be accessed or stolen by third parties.

Finally, cloud storage is often much cheaper than other methods of storing and transferring files. Many cloud storage services offer free plans with limited storage space. Even if you need to upgrade to a paid plan, the prices are often very reasonable.

Cons of Transferring Files Using Cloud Storage

There are a few potential downsides to using cloud storage to transfer files from one PC to another. First, if the file is large, upload or download may take a while, depending on your internet connection speed. 

Additionally, if you’re transferring many files, you may quickly reach your storage limit, which could result in additional fees. Finally, there is always the possibility that your files could be hacked or lost in a data breach. 

Why Do People Transfer Files from PC to PC?

There are many reasons why people transfer files across PC. Some common reasons include.

Backing up Important Files

Backing up important files is one of the most important reasons people transfer files from PC to PC. It gives them peace of mind knowing that their important files are safe and sound in case something happens to their primary computer. This allows users to keep a copy of their important files stored on a separate device, so even if their computer crashes, they still have a copy of their data on the other computer. 

Sharing Files with Others

There are many reasons why people might want to share files between two PCs. Perhaps they are working on a project together and need to share documents, or they want to transfer some photos or music files between devices.

Moving Files to a New PC

When people get a new PC, they often transfer files from their old PC to their new one. This helps them keep all their important files in one place and makes the transition to the new PC easier.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock.com.