Microsoft’s US support page says Windows 11’s built-in PC-to-PC Migration feature is no longer available and directs users to Windows Backup and Restore. The support page still includes detailed setup instructions for the old transfer, but its availability notice governs. ghacks reported that removal began with the optional September 2026 update KB5124010 and reached regular users through KB5127648 on October 13, 2026.
What the former transfer moved
The old feature copied selected files and personalization settings directly between PCs over Wi-Fi or a local network, using a one-time code to pair them. Microsoft’s documentation says it did not transfer installed apps, saved passwords or sign-in credentials, system and operating-system files, OneDrive files, or data on BitLocker-encrypted drives unless those drives were decrypted first.
Those details describe the former feature. The retained setup steps on Microsoft’s page do not offer a way to start a transfer now.
What Windows users can use instead
Microsoft points users to Windows Backup and Restore. ghacks reports that Windows Backup uses a personal Microsoft account and OneDrive to back up Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music. The report also puts free OneDrive storage at 5 GB, which may constrain a backup if those folders contain more data.
For a local transfer, ghacks lists copying files to a USB or external drive, or sharing folders over a local network. Both routes avoid OneDrive, but you choose which folders and files to move yourself.
