A new laptop should feel exciting, not stressful — but the “how do I get everything across?” question stops a lot of people enjoying it. Here’s a clear way to move your files, photos, emails and settings over, and to deal safely with the old machine.
Before you touch the new one: back up the old one
Whatever method you use to transfer, start with a backup of the old computer. If anything goes sideways mid-move, your data is safe. An external drive or a cloud backup both work.
Moving your stuff across
- Files and photos. Copy them via an external drive, or sync through OneDrive/Google Drive/iCloud so they simply appear on the new machine.
- Email. If you use Microsoft 365, Gmail or similar, your mail lives in the cloud — just sign in on the new computer and it’s all there.
- Browser bookmarks and passwords. Sign in to your browser (or password manager) and they sync across automatically.
- Programs. These generally need reinstalling, not copying. Make a list of what you use and have your licence keys or logins handy before you start.
- Check it all landed before you wipe anything — open your photos, send a test email, make sure nothing’s missing.
Setting up the new one well
- Install updates straight away.
- Turn on backups from day one so you’re never caught out.
- Set up multi-factor authentication and your password manager while you’re at it.
Then: safely wipe the old laptop
Don’t just delete files or “empty the bin” — that doesn’t truly remove them, and the next owner (or a buyer of a second-hand machine) could recover them. Use the built-in “reset this PC and remove everything” (Windows) or erase and reinstall (Mac), which properly clears your data. Only then is it safe to sell, donate or recycle it.
Want it done without the worry — everything moved across, nothing lost, and the old one safely wiped? Book us in. We’ll set up your new computer and handle the old one properly.