How to Transfer Photos to a New Windows PC

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Locate the source folder

   Open File Explorer on your old PC and navigate to the Pictures folder, typically found under C:\Users\[Username]\Pictures. Verify the total file size by right-clicking the folder and selecting Properties to ensure your destination drive has sufficient capacity.

   Note: Win + E
2. 5 min

   Copy files to external storage

   Connect your external drive to the old PC. Select your photo folders, right-click, and select Copy. Navigate to your external drive in File Explorer, right-click in an empty space, and select Paste to initiate the data transfer.

   Note: Use a drive formatted as exFAT for compatibility between Windows versions.
3. 2 min

   Utilize OneDrive for cloud migration

   If your library is under 5GB, sign in to OneDrive on your old PC and drag your folders into the OneDrive directory. Once the status icons change to a green checkmark, your photos are safely uploaded to the cloud.

   Note: Ensure the cloud sync process is complete before moving to the next step.
4. 1 min

   Connect to the new PC

   Connect your external drive to your new Windows PC. Open File Explorer and locate your external storage device in the sidebar. Select your photo folders from the drive, right-click, and select Copy.

   Note: Win + E
5. 2 min

   Paste files to the target directory

   Navigate to the Pictures library on your new PC, right-click within the window, and select Paste. Windows will begin moving the files to the local solid-state drive.

   Note: If duplicates exist, Windows will prompt you to replace or skip files.
6. 1 min

   Index the new library

   Open the Photos app on the new Windows PC. Click Settings, then under Sources, ensure the Pictures folder path is included in the scan list. The application will automatically index your newly imported files for viewing.