Migrating from Windows 10 to 11 across machines

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I am moving from old laptop (HP) to new (Dell or LG) and from Windows 10 to 11.  Any suggestions on using a tool such as PC Mover Pro (reviews would be appreciated) vs.  individual data, apps, transfer?  I understand Microsoft 365 could be a problem; comments there as well are welcome.

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If you find a satisfactory migration tool, make sure that it does not bring over the contents of the <windows>/Installer folder.  That will contain all the traces of software installations and operating system updates that you  have done over the life of your machine.  That folder on my six year old 128 GB Surface Pro 3 had swollen to nearly 50 GB; now it’s 5 or 6 GB after a fresh install.

Consider taking the time to do a fresh install; it may be time well spent.

Dell E5570 Latitude, Intel Core i5 6440@2.60 GHz, 8.00 GB - Win 10 Pro

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Hilo boy

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This article is favorable about PCMover https://www.howtogeek.com/413193/how-to-migrate-a-windows-user-to-different-windows-10-pc/

But I agree for the cleanest, most bug free method, reinstall software from its installer files and copy appropriate data (using onedrive, or an external drive if you have a lot).

Have you already bought the new laptop?  If not, Windows 11 is a bit rough around the edges still.  If you need to upgrade I would suggest getting a cheap refurb computer and locking it to Windows 10 for a couple years.  You don’t have to move to Windows 11 until software you use requires it (not very likely) or until 2025.

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It is a good chance at thie point in Win11’s life span, you can order a new computer speced for Win11 and have the vendor install Win10 instead. It is often done that way when there is a new release of a later version. That way, you can wait on Win11, and know that the PC will be ready when you are. 🙂

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Hilo boy

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