Move files to a new Windows PC using OneDrive

Use OneDrive to move your files, photos, and videos to a new Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. After the files sync, you can access them on the new PC and from your other devices.

1. Set up and verify OneDrive on your current PC

You get 5 GB of free OneDrive cloud storage when you sign in with a Microsoft account. Microsoft 365 subscriptions include more storage. Compare OneDrive plans.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Open your OneDrive folder and confirm that it contains everything you want to move to your new PC.
3. Sign in to OneDrive on the web and confirm that the files and folders appear there.
4. If any files or folders are missing, upload them by following the steps in Upload missing files and photos to OneDrive.

If OneDrive isn't set up

1. In the search box on the taskbar, enter "OneDrive," and select it from the list of results.
2. When OneDrive Setup starts, enter your personal, work, or school account information. To set up a personal Microsoft account, use your current email address or phone number, or create a new Outlook.com email address for free. A personal Microsoft account gives you access to OneDrive, Office for the web, and more.
3. Follow the remaining steps to complete your OneDrive setup.

If you want to add a new OneDrive account

1. Open OneDrive settings (select the OneDrive cloud icon in your notification area, and then select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon then Settings.)

2. Go to the Account tab.

3. Select Add an account.

   Note

   You can only have one personal account.

OneDrive Setup opens. Enter your new account and select Sign in.

2. Upload missing files and photos to OneDrive

Upload any files, folders, and photos that don't already appear in OneDrive. Before continuing, confirm that the uploaded items appear in OneDrive on the web. Learn how to upload photos and files to OneDrive.

3. Access your files on your new PC

On your new Windows PC, sign in to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account that you used on your previous PC. To access your files, open File Explorer or select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area of the Windows taskbar.

4. Automatically back up folders on your new PC

After you can access your files on the new PC, use PC folder backup to sync new files in your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to OneDrive. You can then access those files from other devices, such as your phone or tablet.

1. Open OneDrive settings (select the OneDrive cloud icon in your notification area, and then select the OneDrive Help & Settings icon then Settings.)
2. Go to the Sync and backup tab.
3. Select Manage backup.

In the Back up your folders dialog, select the folders you want to back up, and then select Start backup.