Microsoft kills built-in PC-to-PC transfers in Home windows 11
Microsoft eliminated the choice for native PC migration on Patch Day in October 2026 with replace KB5127648. This transformation had already been introduced in September 2026 through the optionally available replace (Home windows Preview) KB5124010. So, with Home windows Backup, information now follows this path: outdated Home windows laptop > Home windows Backup > Microsoft cloud storage (OneDrive) > new Home windows laptop.
In addition to the extra value of additional storage on OneDrive, one other disadvantage is that your information leaves your native community and passes by means of Microsoft’s servers. Moreover, you could have a Microsoft account to do that. Anybody wishing to make use of Home windows 11 with out a Microsoft account can’t use Home windows Backup.
With the now-discontinued PC-to-PC migration, you could possibly switch information and account data from an outdated Home windows laptop to a brand new one through your native community. This course of befell totally over your native community; each Home windows computer systems merely needed to be on the identical community.
To study extra, see how Microsoft explains how the brand new Home windows PC-to-PC migration instrument works.
By the best way: In the event you’re utilizing Home windows 11 Dwelling, you’ll miss out on the numerous advantages of the Professional model, which we’ve outlined right here. The Home windows 11 improve is obtainable within the PCWorld Software program Retailer for simply $59.99 as a substitute of $99.
