Moving to a new Windows PC: files, apps, licences and dev environments
A migration checklist that avoids cloning a dying disk: inventory, backup, browser profiles, licences, WSL, SSH keys, VMs and decommissioning.
Tested onPro (26H2) · Build 26300.9457 · x64
E1- Build
- 26300.9457
- Edition
- Pro (26H2)
- Architecture
- x64
- Support
- Checklist (E1)
- Evidence
- E1Official documentation
- Verified
- 2026-10-28
- Page type
- Checklist
The short answer
Section titled “The short answer”Do not clone a working Windows install onto a new PC unless the hardware is identical. Reinstall Windows, then migrate data, settings and licences. Cloning carries old drivers, old OEM software and old problems into the new machine.
The order is: inventory → back up → export → clean install → restore → verify → wipe the old PC.
1. Inventory before you touch anything
Section titled “1. Inventory before you touch anything”Make a list of:
- Files that are not in OneDrive/cloud storage (photos, projects, tax documents).
- Apps you actually use, with licence emails or account logins.
- Browser profiles and extensions; know your sync account.
- Developer tools: Git, SSH keys, GPG keys, package manager lists, WSL distros, databases.
- VMs and their virtual disks.
- Email/chat local archives.
- Licences for Windows, Office, creative tools and games.
- Security: BitLocker recovery key, password manager export, 2FA backup codes.
2. Back up and export
Section titled “2. Back up and export”- Copy files to an external SSD; verify checksums for critical archives.
- Export browser bookmarks/passwords if you do not trust sync.
- Export WSL distributions:
wsl --export Ubuntu D:\backup\ubuntu.tar. - Export VM images or at least the data inside them.
- Save SSH/GPG keys and their passphrases in a password manager.
- Record app licence keys and the Microsoft account used for the Store.
- Save the BitLocker recovery key outside the old machine.
3. Choose the transfer path
Section titled “3. Choose the transfer path”| Data | Best path | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Documents/photos | External SSD or cloud | Verify before wiping |
| Browser | Account sync or export file | Sync is not a backup |
| Apps | Reinstall | Do not copy Program Files |
| Games | Launcher redownload or backup | Steam/Epic libraries can move |
| WSL | wsl --export / --import |
Keep the tar until verified |
| VMs | Copy the virtual disk | Check the hypervisor version |
| Account sync or export | Know where the archive lives |
4. Clean install the new PC
Section titled “4. Clean install the new PC”Follow the clean install guide. Install Windows first, then drivers, then apps. Do not restore a full disk image from the old PC unless the hardware is identical and you accept the driver debt.
5. Restore and verify
Section titled “5. Restore and verify”- Copy data into the new profile, not into
C:\Windows. - Reinstall apps from official sources.
- Import WSL and verify the distro starts.
- Restore SSH/GPG keys with correct permissions.
- Sign in to browsers and check bookmarks/passwords.
- Open one file from each important category.
- Launch one game or one GPU workload to confirm the driver stack.
6. Retire the old PC
Section titled “6. Retire the old PC”- Sign out of accounts and remove the device from password managers.
- Copy anything you missed one last time.
- Remove the drive or wipe it: Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC, or a bootable wipe tool for a sold drive.
- If the drive is encrypted, confirm the key is saved before wiping.
- Recycle the hardware responsibly.
What not to do
Section titled “What not to do”- Do not use a “PC transfer” cable/software to clone an OEM Windows install to dissimilar hardware.
- Do not copy
Program Files, the registry or drivers. - Do not keep the old PC signed in “just in case” for months.
- Do not rely on OneDrive “Known folder move” as your only copy.