Install Programs, Settings, from PC to PC

  • Thread starter Thread starter WWGD
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
Transferring data files, programs, and settings from an old Windows 10 PC to a new one can be challenging. While data files such as text, photos, audio, and video can typically be moved using a compatible storage device, transferring programs is more complex. Most applications need to be reinstalled on the new computer due to their reliance on configuration data stored in the Windows Registry. Users are advised to be cautious of free trial applications that require credit card information and may complicate cancellation. For further guidance on transferring programs, a link to Microsoft's forum is provided, though the instructions may not be entirely clear.
WWGD
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Messages
7,745
Reaction score
12,951
TL;DR
There are " free" apps to do it that will charge
Hi all,
Trying to move data files, programs, settings from old PC to a new PC. Both Win10.
There are several apps with a free trial that require you leave your credit card number, start charging until you cancel, then give you trouble when you try to cancel, etc.

I've tried a data transfer USB, " Wormhole " , from j5 create, but my old PC is not recognizing it. Any other ideas?

Given my computer was allegedly hacked ( please see my other post in this forum , dated 7/20/23), not sure if I should do it right away, but just to have it available, in case I decide to use it.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Data files (text, photos, audio, video, etc) can usually be transferred, just use a storage device that both computers can use; copy files from old computer to storage device then from storage device to new computer.

Programs are a real problem though. The only practical method for almost all programs is to install them on the new computer. The problem arises because during installation most programs store configuration data in a data base called the Registry that Windows maintains.

For an explanation, and not very clear instructions, see:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...computer/8f5734b2-590e-4c7a-b3b2-810151372a4d
(above link found with:
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=transfer+programs+to+new+computer)

Cheers,
(and good luck)
Tom
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman and WWGD
A new phenomenon is AI-generated news videos pretending to be by well-known professors Jeffery Sachs and John Mearsheimer. The amazing thing is that they both seem very tolerant of this. Youtube will block these if they request it but this has been going on for months and such blocks never seem to happen. The other surprise is that while they may be visually ugly or even grotesque the news analysis is quite good. If given the sound alone I don't believe I could tell it from the real...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
9K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
675
Replies
3
Views
5K