| Windows Easy Transfer | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Screenshot of Windows Easy Transfer | |
| Other names | MigWiz |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Operating system | Windows XP SP2 or later |
| Included with | Windows Vista throughWindows 8.1 |
| Predecessor | Files and Settings Transfer Wizard |
| Type | File transfer |
Windows Easy Transfer was a specializedfile-transfer program developed byMicrosoft that allowed users of theWindowsoperating system to transfer personal files and settings from acomputer running an earlier version of Windows to a computer running a newer version.[1]
Windows Easy Transfer was introduced inWindows Vista and included inWindows 7,Windows 8, andWindows 8.1. It replaced the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard included withWindows XP and offered limited migration services for computers runningWindows 2000 SP4 and Windows XP SP2.[2] For all versions of Windows, it did not transfer applications—only files and settings.[3]
Microsoft incorporated a key technology into the Windows Easy Transfer tool based on its acquisition of Apptimum in 2006.[4] Apptimum's technology complemented the transfer experience offered across multiple Windows operating systems, including Windows Vista, 7, 8.1, and 10.[4]
Windows Easy Transfer was discontinued withWindows 10.[5] From September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016, Microsoft partnered withLaplink to provide a free download ofPCmover Express, which allowed 500 MB of data and settings to be transferred from at least Windows XP to either Windows 8.1 or Windows 10.[6]
For Windows 2000, Microsoft developed theUser State Migration Toolcommand line utility that allowed users ofWindows 95,98, andNT 4.0 to migrate their data and settings to the newer operating system; it did not provide agraphical user interface.[7] An additional migration tool, Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (migwiz.exe) was developed for Windows XP to facilitate the migration of data and settings from Windows 98 andWindows Me.[8] It could be launched from the Windows XPCD-ROM and presented options to transfer data and settings via a3.5-inch floppy,computer network,direct cable connection, or aZip disk. Users could also create awizard disk to initiate the migration process when run from earlier operating system.[7]
A preliminary version of Windows Easy Transfer was demonstrated at the 2004Windows Hardware Engineering Conference byJim Allchin as the successor to the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, scheduled for release in the next client version of Windows, Windows Vista (then codenamed "Longhorn"). As with the final release, this preliminary version could use an optional specializedUSB cable to transfer data between computers.[9]
After therelease to manufacturing of Windows 7, Microsoftbackported the version of Windows Easy Transfer in that operating system to Windows XP and Windows Vista as an optional download to facilitate migration to the new operating system.
Windows Easy Transfer could transfer:[1][10]
For transferring from Windows versions later than Windows 2000:
As of Windows 8.1, Easy Transfer can no longer export data to another computer, but can still open files created on an earlier version of Windows.[11]
Windows Easy Transfer did not support transferring installed applications.[1][12][13] Microsoft planned to release a supplementaryWindows Easy Transfer Companion for transferring certain supported applications from Windows XP to Windows Vista, but it remained as aperpetual beta during development and a final version was never released.[14]
Several transfer methods could be used:[1]
Windows Easy Transfer did not support migration from a64-bit to a32-bit system.[16] Windows Vista and later versions did not support incoming connections overIrDA,serial, orparallel ports, but incoming connections overEthernet,HPNA, andwireless LAN were supported.[17]
In Windows 8.1, Windows Easy Transfer could only import settings from Windows 7, 8, andRT, but not from Windows Vista or from another Windows 8.1 computer.[18] The only transfer method supported in Windows 8.1 is by a USB flash drive; transfers by an Easy Transfer Cable or a network connection are not supported.[19]
