A portable SSD suits a sizeable local transfer when transfer time matters; an external hard drive is a local-storage option when capacity matters more, while a USB stick can work for a smaller batch. Cloud storage or Windows file sharing over a local network may avoid buying a drive if your account space, connection and setup suit the files. Check the largest file’s size and the destination drive’s file system, then confirm the files open on the new PC before wiping or retiring the old one.
If you are moving a sizeable photo or video collection, compare available capacity and check the largest individual file as well as the total size. Microsoft Learn documents file-system limits, while Which? discusses external-drive choices.
If you prefer not to upload personal files, a suitably sized external drive or Windows file sharing over a local network may fit. Microsoft Support describes both external-storage transfers and local-network sharing.
If you would rather avoid a new drive, check your account’s remaining storage and whether files have downloaded to the new PC for offline use. Microsoft Support explains OneDrive storage quotas and Files On-Demand.
Choose when: You have a substantial collection to move locally and transfer time matters.
Trade-off: Check the capacity and USB connection supported by both PCs; a product’s rated maximum is not a guarantee of the speed of a complete transfer.
Choose when: You need substantial temporary local capacity and can place less emphasis on speed.
Trade-off: Check the exact capacity and the ports on both computers; Which? describes SSDs as usually faster than HDDs.
Choose when: The selected documents and photos make up a smaller batch that fits on the drive.
Trade-off: Match the connector to both PCs and check the file system if an individual file is over 4 GiB; a USB interface label alone does not establish write speed.
Choose when: You can upload the selected files, sign in on the new PC and retrieve them there.
Trade-off: Check remaining account space and syncing; Files On-Demand can leave files online-only until downloaded.
Choose when: Both working PCs can connect to the same trusted local network and you can set up folder sharing.
Trade-off: Both computers need to be available during the transfer, and sharing permissions need to be set for the intended users.
For a one-off move, start with the files you need to transfer, then check whether the route leaves them accessible on the new PC.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Large-library capacity | Measure the selected folders and compare them with available drive space; check the largest individual file and the file system. | If I have a large photo or video library, I want enough room and a workable transfer time. Consumers whose first concern is fitting a large library account for around 31%. |
| Local transfer and control | Check that a drive has enough free space, or that both PCs can use the local network and the sharing permissions are suitable. | I want to move personal files without relying on a cloud upload, so I need a local route I can manage. Consumers who prioritise an offline, locally controlled transfer account for around 31%. |
| Cloud quota and offline access | Check remaining account storage and syncing; make files needed without internet available on the new device. | If I want to avoid buying a drive, I need enough cloud space and files downloaded where I need them. Consumers who prioritise cloud convenience account for around 23%. |
| Small-batch fit | Check the selected files’ total size, the stick’s available capacity, both PCs’ connectors and any individual file over 4 GiB. | If I am moving a small selection, I want a simple route that fits the files and connects to both PCs. Consumers who prioritise a straightforward small-batch transfer account for around 15%. |
A drive can have enough free space overall and still reject an individual file. Microsoft Learn lists a 4 GiB maximum individual file size for FAT32, with higher listed limits for exFAT and NTFS.
Check the largest video and the destination file system before copying. Safeguard any existing drive contents before reformatting.
Samsung states that the cited T7 can reach up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write only when the host and cable support USB 3.2 Gen 2 and UASP is enabled. These are manufacturer maximums, not a guaranteed speed for moving files between two PCs.
Check the connections and supported USB mode at both ends. If transfer time matters less than local capacity, compare an external hard drive as well.
Microsoft explains that OneDrive Files On-Demand can show files that are online-only; those files cannot be opened without an internet connection.
Check that syncing has finished, confirm remaining account space and make files needed offline available on the new PC before clearing the old one.
Samsung’s T7 portable SSD is one option to consider when you are moving a large local collection and transfer time matters.
The Expansion Portable range includes a specified 2 TB variant for a local transfer where capacity matters.
Kingston’s DataTraveler Exodia line includes a 128 GB USB-A option for a selected batch of files.
OneDrive is a drive-free transfer route when account space, connectivity and offline access suit the files.
This selection focuses on portable external SSDs for moving files locally; compare USB sticks, cloud storage and network sharing above if those routes better match your transfer.
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Its 4 TB capacity is a local-storage option for a large selected collection; check the connections on both PCs before choosing it.
Capacity: 4 TB. Connection: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2). Colour: Grey.
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Its 2 TB capacity provides a local-drive option for a selected collection; check that both PCs have a compatible connection.
Capacity: 2 TB. Connection: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2). Colour: Grey.
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This 1 TB USB-C drive is a local-transfer option for a selected batch that fits its capacity; check the connection on both PCs.
Capacity: 1 TB. Connection: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2). Model: MU-PE1T0S. Colour: Black.
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Its 2 TB capacity offers a local-storage option for a selected collection; check that the USB connection suits both computers.
Capacity: 2 TB.
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This 1 TB external SSD is a local-transfer option for a selected batch that fits its capacity; check that both PCs support its connection.
Capacity: 1 TB. Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C. Model: LPS2000M-3. Colour: Pink.
Check both the available space and the destination’s file system. Microsoft Learn lists FAT32’s maximum individual file size as 4 GiB, with higher listed limits for exFAT and NTFS. Safeguard files already on a drive before reformatting it.
Not necessarily. Microsoft Support explains that online-only Files On-Demand items are not downloaded until opened and cannot be opened offline. Make the files you need available on the device before disconnecting from the internet.
Not necessarily. Samsung conditions the cited T7’s maximum read and write speeds on a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and cable with UASP enabled. Check both PCs’ connections; those manufacturer-rated figures do not guarantee the speed of a complete file transfer.
It may require a different plan if the selected files exceed your remaining allowance. Microsoft Support lists 5 GB of shared Microsoft cloud storage on its free plan; check your account’s available space and plan allowance before relying on a cloud transfer.
Yes, Windows file sharing can transfer files over a local network when both PCs are connected and sharing is set up. Microsoft Support advises selecting which folders and people can access shared files, so check those permissions before starting.