For a one-off move, an external drive or cloud storage can carry your personal files, but check that the copies open before resetting the old computer. Choose a portable hard disk drive for a continuing local archive, a portable SSD when repeated transfers and compatible connections make speed important, or cloud storage for access across devices. Network-attached storage makes more sense when a household will maintain shared backups; whichever route you choose, keep a separate copy of important files.
You need room for a substantial collection of personal files and want to keep making backups after the new computer is set up. Which? identifies portable hard disk drives as a route for longer-term file backup.
You want to copy selected files from the old computer, check them and use them on the new one without setting up permanent household storage. Microsoft Support describes external storage as one way to move files to a new Windows PC.
You want selected folders available on more than one computer. Cloud storage may suit that need if you can manage the account, available storage and internet connection; Microsoft Support describes this use for folders backed up with OneDrive.
Start with the files you must preserve and whether you need a one-time transfer or continuing backup. A small USB flash drive may suit a limited set of files; a portable drive provides a local route, cloud storage supports access across devices, and network-attached storage requires ongoing household administration.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| A usable second copy | Find the personal folders you need, then open sample files from the destination before resetting the old computer. Keep another separate copy of important files. | If I am about to replace my computer, I need to know my documents and photos can actually be opened elsewhere before I let the old copy go. Around 31% of consumers put a checked, separate copy first. |
| Capacity for future backups | Measure the files selected for copying and allow for backups you intend to keep making. Check the capacity of the exact drive you choose. | A growing collection of photos and videos needs space beyond the initial move if I plan to keep backing it up locally. For around 25% of consumers, continuing archive capacity is the primary need. |
| Repeat-transfer speed | Compare the old and new computers’ ports with the drive interface and required cable; check that the selected files fit. | When I will move large folders more than once, transfer time matters, provided both computers can use the connection. Around 19% of consumers prioritise a portable route for repeated copying. |
| Access across devices | Check which folders the cloud service includes, its storage allowance and how you would download or export files. | I want to reach my files on the replacement computer and other devices without carrying a drive, and I can rely on an internet connection. That ongoing access comes first for around 19% of consumers. |
| Shared household backups | Check network-attached storage compatibility with your computers and backup software, and plan a separate backup for the storage device itself. | If several computers need one maintained backup location, I am willing to configure and look after it after the move. Around 6% of consumers place shared, scheduled storage first. |
Files stored in different folders can be missed, and a completed copy operation does not show that the destination files open.
Browse the copied folders, open representative documents, photos and videos, and keep the old computer intact until the new setup and a separate copy of important files are confirmed.
A drive still needs enough room for the selected files and a connection that works with both computers. Apple Support also notes that Time Machine cannot back up to a disk formatted for Windows without reformatting it, which removes existing data.
Measure the files first, check both computers’ ports and the required cable, and settle file-system and backup-software requirements before formatting a drive.
Only folders included in the configured service can follow you to the new computer; continued access also depends on the account and service conditions.
Confirm the included folders and storage, check how to export your files, and retain a separate copy before changing or ending the service.
The National Cyber Security Centre notes that malware can affect a connected storage device. A portable drive can also be lost or stolen.
After copying and safely ejecting the drive, store it securely. Consider encryption for sensitive files and keep another separate backup.
Seagate’s One Touch portable hard drive range is relevant if you want a local drive for a continuing personal-file backup.
Samsung’s T7 portable SSD range is relevant when you expect to copy files repeatedly between compatible computers.
Synology is relevant to households considering maintained network-attached storage rather than a one-off transfer device.
These Joybuy products are portable SSDs and a portable hard disk drive for copying personal files locally before a computer replacement. Measure your files and check both computers’ connections and backup requirements before choosing a capacity or drive type.
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Consider this portable SSD for repeated local file transfers if its capacity accommodates the folders you need to move.
2 TB; USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. Check the ports, cable and file-system requirements for both computers, then open copied files before resetting the old one.
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Consider this portable SSD for copying selected personal files between computers if the folders fit within its capacity.
1 TB; USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. Measure the files and check connection and file-system requirements before relying on it for the move.
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Consider this portable SSD for a local transfer when your selected files fit and its connection suits both computers.
1 TB; USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check the required cable and file system before use; formatting a drive removes files already on it.
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Consider this portable hard disk drive if you need a larger local archive that you intend to update after the computer move.
5 TB; for Mac. Check the exact file-system, Windows and backup-software requirements if either computer will use Windows or Time Machine. Confirm the applicable warranty terms before buying.
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Consider this portable SSD for moving selected files locally if 1 TB accommodates what you need to copy.
1 TB; USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check the cable needed for each computer, file-system compatibility and the copied files before resetting the old device.
An external drive can handle the transfer if you copy the required folders and check that the files open before moving them to the new PC. Microsoft Support describes this transfer route, while the National Cyber Security Centre recommends considering another separate backup so one lost or failed drive is not your only recovery route.
Check the drive’s format before planning both uses. Apple Support says Time Machine cannot back up to a disk formatted for Windows; reformatting such a disk removes its existing data. Plan how the drive will be used before copying files onto it.
Choose cloud storage when you need selected files across devices and can depend on the internet and your account; choose an external drive when you need a local transfer copy. For important files, the National Cyber Security Centre recommends considering both online and storage-device backups rather than relying on just one route.
Check that the service includes the folders you need, has enough storage and lets you export your files if you change services. Review its renewal, cancellation and account-inactivity conditions before making it your continuing backup route.