Using Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 8.1 and Windows 10

One issue that we came across while deploying new machines at the office was being able to transfer people’s files easily. In Windows 7 we used Windows Easy Transfer to move someone’s files to their new computer. When Windows 10 first came out, we were initially not impacted as we simply did the upgrade in place install of Windows 10. However, now that we are moving people from one Windows 10 machine to another, we discovered that there was no built in tool for an easy migration. What is a tech to do, especially in an environment where we avoid 3rd party tools?

After some research I discovered that the Windows 7 Easy Transfer tool will still work on newer versions of Windows. The only rub is that you need to have a live Windows 7 machine still running and you have to copy the Easy Transfer tool’s files onto a thumb drive. You will also need to know whether you are running on 32-bit or 64-bit windows as the files come in both flavors. Alternatively you can download them from the links below.
Migwiz 32-Bit
Migwiz 64-Bit

If you want to know where to get the Windows Easy Transfer tool from Windows 7 and how to use it in Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, follow these steps –

For 64-Bit machines:

Step one:
Go to your start button and type C:\Windows\system32, press enter, and then navigate to the folder named migwiz.

Easy Transfer Tut 1

Easy Transfer Tut 2

Step two:
Copy the folder and paste it into a thumb drive.

Step three:
Unplug the thumb drive and plug it into the Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 machine you wish to use it on.

Step four:
Open the location where you saved the migwiz folder and open it. Then double click on “migwiz”.

Easy Transfer Tut 3

Step five:
Use easy transfer like you would on a Windows 7 computer. Note: You can run it directly off the thumb drive!

For 32-Bit machines:

Step one:
Go to your start button and type C:\Windows\SysWOW64, press enter, and then navigate to the folder named migwiz.

Easy Transfer Tut 1-2

Easy Transfer Tut 2

Step two:
Copy the folder and paste it into a thumb drive.

Step three:
Unplug the thumb drive and plug it into the Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 machine you wish to use it on.

Step four:
Open the location where you saved the migwiz folder and open it. Then double click on “migwiz”.

Easy Transfer Tut 3

Step five:
Use easy transfer like you would on a Windows 7 computer. Note: You can run it directly off the thumb drive!

It really is that simple! No need to use 3rd party apps or programs to do the same thing. This is also useful for going from a Windows 7 machine to a new Windows 10 machine.

Have any questions or thoughts about Windows Easy Transfer? Leave a comment below!