The method by which files are copied from one computer to another depends on the size of the files. This can be done using an external storage device, over the network, or using Windows Easy Transfer technology.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using an external storage device
Step 1. Find or buy an external hard drive
These drives with capacities up to 1 TB are available in electronics stores.
- An external hard drive is best used for backing up data if you don't have cloud storage.
- If you are going to frequently copy files from one computer to another, buy another external hard drive rather than using an external backup drive.
- If you use cloud storage, check if you can log into it from another computer - some storages prohibit this, while others require computers to be checked (for security).
Step 2. Please use a USB flash drive if you want to copy files no larger than 64GB
Such a drive is especially suitable if computers are located far from each other.
- You can find flash drives in almost any electronics store, as well as in other stores; they are sold at affordable prices.
- You can use a CD / DVD instead of a flash drive. However, keep in mind that data can only be written to a regular disc once (information can be written to a rewritable disc many times, but such a disc is more expensive than a regular disc). On external hard drives and flash drives, files can be erased and others written.
Step 3. Connect the drive to your computer
Double click on the drive icon when it appears on the screen. A window with the contents of the drive will open.
Disable the software supplied with the external hard drive to use it to copy files. Some external hard drives come with backup software
Step 4. Open the "Start" menu
Now go to the folder with the files you want.
If the files are stored in different folders, move them into one folder. It is easier to copy folders than individual files
Step 5. Place the drive window and the file folder window next to each other
This will allow you to drag and drop files from your computer to your external drive.
Step 6. Click on the folder with the required files
Or click on individual files.
Step 7. Drag the selected folder or files to the external storage window
A window will open in which you can follow the copying process. If a large amount of files are being copied, this window will display the approximate completion time.
Step 8. Repeat these steps to copy all the required files to the external drive
Step 9. Return to the external storage window and close it
Open My Computer, right-click on the external drive and select Eject from the menu.
Unplugging the drive before removing it may damage some files
Step 10. Connect the external drive to another computer
Do this with a USB cable or optical drive. Double click the drive icon when the system recognizes it.
Step 11. Copy the files from the drive to a folder or to your computer desktop
Position the drive window and the folder window next to each other, and then drag files from the drive window to the folder window.
If you dragged files to your desktop, you can later move them to the appropriate folders
Method 2 of 2: Using the network
Step 1. Make sure both computers are connected to the same network
If you are using a wireless network, it must be high speed for this method to be effective.
Use this method if you are going to copy files from one computer to another frequently and over a long period of time
Step 2. Connect both computers to the same network
Step 3. Open the Start menu
Click "My Computer". Click on the desired local drive (C:, D:, and so on).
Step 4. Right click on the disk and select Properties
Or click File (on the top menu bar)> Properties.
Step 5. Go to the "Access" tab
Click Advanced Setup.
Step 6. Check the box next to "Share this folder" or "Change sharing settings."
The name of this option depends on the version of Windows.
Step 7. Click "Apply"
Step 8. Go to another computer
Open the Start menu and click Network.
Step 9. Find the first computer in the list of network computers
Double click on this computer. Enter your password to access it.
Enter the password you use to log into your computer
Step 10. Find the files you want on the first computer
Now drag them to another computer.