Transfer to a new Dell: Dell Migrate and other options
So you’ve purchased a new Dell computer and you want to have all your documents, settings, and apps transferred from your old PC. There are some solid options out there, allowing you to migrate to your new Dell Latitude, Dell XPS, Alienware, Dell Inspiron, or Dell G Series.
One of these options is the manufacturer’s own migration tool called Dell Migrate. It was designed to transfer common files and settings from any Windows 8.1 (or higher) computer to a Dell computer (Windows 10). However, Dell Migrate does not transfer your applications, accounts, profiles, Outlook, Office, Tax Software, emails, or even user files outside of the standard user profile folders.
Dell Migrate is an on-demand service that allows you to migrate your personal files and settings to your Dell computer (Windows 10). Migration is possible from any other computer running the Windows operating system 8.1 or later.
This tool transfers common file types such as documents, images, and music, as well as some user files and settings. These include calendar and clocks, wallpaper, file explorer options, taskbar, colors, phone and modem settings, IE favorites, Google Chrome/Mozilla Firefox/Microsoft Edge (version 79 or later) bookmarks, mouse and keyboard properties, PC sound, gaming options, magnifier, color filters, and toggle keys.
That said, it doesn’t transfer everything. This includes applications, accounts, Outlook, Office, etc. It doesn’t even migrate user files that are not part of standard user profile folders. It also cannot carry out migrations via a USB drive or cable – only via a network. On top of that, the process entails a lot of steps you’ll need to carry out.
Fortunately, there’s a tool that will transfer literally your entire device, with everything on it, including programs, accounts, and settings. It works with multiple connection methods and only requires a few steps. To learn how to use this tool now, click here.
If you still want to try Dell Migrate, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Buy Dell Migrate online or by calling the number on the website. Add it to your Dell computer or while customizing your Dell computer purchase.
Turn on both your source and target Dell computer and connect them to AC power.
Sign in as Admin on both devices as migration requires advanced permissions.
Make sure both computers are connected to the same LAN network.
No applications can be running on either device at the start of the migration.
On your target Dell computer, click Start.
Find SupportAssist and launch it.
You’ll need to have Dell SupportAssist installed for this to work.
Go to the SupportAssist Home menu.
Click Yes on the green banner that says ‘Would you like to start using Dell Migrate?’
Alternatively, click Go Now at the bottom of the menu, where it says ‘Dell Migrate can help you…’.
Another option is to go to Troubleshooting > Copy my files and settings from another PC > Go now.
Select Let’s Get Started on the Dell Migrate welcome screen. This will begin connecting both computers.
SupportAssist will check if you’re on a trusted network. To proceed, either:
Click Trust Network if you trust it, or
Click Cancel, reconnect to a trusted network, and restart the procedure.
A new screen will open instructing you to download Dell Data Assistant.
Download the .exe file on your source computer and run it. Data Assistant will run pre-checks on your computer and notify you if it doesn’t meet the prerequisites for the migration.
You’ll then see the Migrate page. Click Let’s get started.
On the next page, you’ll see steps to follow on both devices to connect them.
When Dell Data Assistant recognizes the new computer on the network, it will create a verification code. You’ll need to enter it on the new computer. Once the tool has paired the devices, you’ll see a green verification code on both.
Dell Migrate will then scan the source PC for any data it can migrate.
On your source computer, Data Assistant will give you the option to Erase This PC. Only click on it once all your desired data has migrated.
As far as data transfer goes, on your target computer, you will need to choose one of the following options:
Move everything for me (this will move all supported files and settings detected on the old PC).
Let me choose what to move (this lets you see what data the tool discovered and then you can choose what to transfer or not).
Click on Migrate now.
Your data will now migrate and you can view a brief summary of how the operation went, and if everything is OK. Click Finish to complete the process.
Phew. Your new Dell device now finally has the user files and settings you selected for the transfer. But you are far from done. Now – you need to reinstall all the apps you need, move all the files that Dell Migrate couldn’t, reconfigure everything, and recreate your email accounts.
Or, you could use a transfer software that transfers those automatically, like this:
How to transfer to a new Dell – Automatically
A much simpler approach involves using dedicated transfer software, that automatically copies applications, profiles, settings, personalization, and all files, to your new Dell – Zinstall WinWin.
It supports Windows 11, as well.
Here’s how:
Download and run Zinstall WinWin on your current computer (the one you are transferring to the new Dell from).
Note: You can get Zinstall WinWin here.
Download and run Zinstall WinWin on the new computer
You don’t need to do any configurations for the computers to connect – it’s automatic
If the computers are already connect to same router, same Internet connection, or same wireless connection, you don’t need anything else
If the computers are not connected at all, connect them with a network / Ethernet cable
If you’d like to select which applications and files you want to transfer, press the Advanced menu. If you just want to transfer everything, you don’t need to go to the Advanced menu.
Press “Go” on the new computer to start the transfer
And that’s all there is! You have successfully transferred all of your data – documents, images, music, user settings, profiles, applications, accounts, Outlook, Office, plugins, registry entries, as well as any user files that are not part of standard user profile folders.
All of them are right where you wanted them – on your new Dell computer so you can continue where you left off.
