Quick Overview
- 1#1: Laplink PCmover - Transfers programs, files, settings, and user profiles from an old PC to a new PC over a network or direct connection without reinstallation.
- 2#2: Zinstall WinWin - Automates complete PC migration including applications, files, settings, and accounts between two Windows PCs seamlessly.
- 3#3: EaseUS Todo PCTrans - Enables selective transfer of apps, files, user accounts, and settings between PCs via LAN or direct connection with a free version available.
- 4#4: Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office - Provides disk imaging, cloning, and backup to migrate entire systems or data from one PC to another efficiently.
- 5#5: Macrium Reflect - Offers reliable disk imaging and cloning for transferring operating systems, files, and partitions between PCs.
- 6#6: AOMEI Backupper - Supports disk cloning, universal restore, and app migration to move data and systems from one PC to another.
- 7#7: Paragon Hard Disk Manager - Comprehensive tool for OS migration, disk cloning, and data transfer to new PC hardware.
- 8#8: Clonezilla - Free open-source tool for disk and partition cloning to duplicate entire PCs or selected data.
- 9#9: Rescuezilla - Graphical live bootable tool based on Clonezilla for easy disk imaging and cloning between PCs.
- 10#10: MiniTool Partition Wizard - Includes OS migration and disk cloning features to transfer systems and data to new PCs.
The tools were selected and ranked based on their capacity to handle complex migrations, overall reliability, user-friendliness, and additional value such as cost-effectiveness and supplementary features like disk cloning or backup.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right PC-to-PC transfer software is key for smooth data migration, and this comparison table details top tools like Laplink PCmover, Zinstall WinWin, EaseUS Todo PCTrans, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, Macrium Reflect, and more. It compares features, compatibility, and ease of use to guide readers toward the best option for their migration needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laplink PCmover Transfers programs, files, settings, and user profiles from an old PC to a new PC over a network or direct connection without reinstallation. | other | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Zinstall WinWin Automates complete PC migration including applications, files, settings, and accounts between two Windows PCs seamlessly. | other | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | EaseUS Todo PCTrans Enables selective transfer of apps, files, user accounts, and settings between PCs via LAN or direct connection with a free version available. | other | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office Provides disk imaging, cloning, and backup to migrate entire systems or data from one PC to another efficiently. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Macrium Reflect Offers reliable disk imaging and cloning for transferring operating systems, files, and partitions between PCs. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 6 | AOMEI Backupper Supports disk cloning, universal restore, and app migration to move data and systems from one PC to another. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Paragon Hard Disk Manager Comprehensive tool for OS migration, disk cloning, and data transfer to new PC hardware. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Clonezilla Free open-source tool for disk and partition cloning to duplicate entire PCs or selected data. | other | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 4.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 9 | Rescuezilla Graphical live bootable tool based on Clonezilla for easy disk imaging and cloning between PCs. | other | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.0/10 | 10/10 |
| 10 | MiniTool Partition Wizard Includes OS migration and disk cloning features to transfer systems and data to new PCs. | other | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
Transfers programs, files, settings, and user profiles from an old PC to a new PC over a network or direct connection without reinstallation.
Automates complete PC migration including applications, files, settings, and accounts between two Windows PCs seamlessly.
Enables selective transfer of apps, files, user accounts, and settings between PCs via LAN or direct connection with a free version available.
Provides disk imaging, cloning, and backup to migrate entire systems or data from one PC to another efficiently.
Offers reliable disk imaging and cloning for transferring operating systems, files, and partitions between PCs.
Supports disk cloning, universal restore, and app migration to move data and systems from one PC to another.
Comprehensive tool for OS migration, disk cloning, and data transfer to new PC hardware.
Free open-source tool for disk and partition cloning to duplicate entire PCs or selected data.
Graphical live bootable tool based on Clonezilla for easy disk imaging and cloning between PCs.
Includes OS migration and disk cloning features to transfer systems and data to new PCs.
Laplink PCmover
otherTransfers programs, files, settings, and user profiles from an old PC to a new PC over a network or direct connection without reinstallation.
InPlace Transfer of installed applications, preserving settings and licenses without manual reconfiguration
Laplink PCmover is a leading PC-to-PC transfer software that effortlessly migrates files, applications, settings, and user profiles from an old computer to a new one. It supports transfers via direct cable, USB, or network connections, making it ideal for Windows upgrades or hardware migrations. Unlike basic file copiers, PCmover uniquely transfers installed programs intact, saving hours of reinstallation.
Pros
- Transfers installed applications fully without reinstallation
- Supports a wide range of transfer methods including direct Connect cable
- Proven reliability with enterprise-grade performance and inTransfer verification
Cons
- Higher price point compared to file-only migration tools
- Limited to Windows operating systems
- One-time use licenses may require repurchase for multiple migrations
Best For
Professionals and home users needing a complete, hassle-free migration of programs, files, and settings to a new PC.
Pricing
Starts at $59.95 for Professional (one PC transfer); Ultimate edition at $79.95 includes tech support and more features.
Zinstall WinWin
otherAutomates complete PC migration including applications, files, settings, and accounts between two Windows PCs seamlessly.
In-place program migration that recreates apps on the target PC with original settings, no installation media needed
Zinstall WinWin is a specialized PC migration tool designed to transfer programs, files, settings, and user profiles from an old Windows PC to a new one without requiring reinstallation or reconfiguration. It supports seamless transfers over a local network or from a disk image, handling even complex applications and preserving customizations. Ideal for Windows upgrades across different versions, it automates what would otherwise be a time-consuming manual process.
Pros
- Transfers full applications with settings intact, unlike file-only tools
- Supports migration between different Windows versions and hardware
- Automated wizard interface minimizes user intervention
Cons
- Requires both PCs to be operational for network transfers
- One-time cost is higher than free alternatives
- Occasional compatibility issues with highly customized or DRM-protected apps
Best For
Windows users upgrading PCs who need to migrate installed programs and profiles without starting from scratch.
Pricing
One-time purchase at $119.99 for unlimited use on two PCs; volume licenses available.
EaseUS Todo PCTrans
otherEnables selective transfer of apps, files, user accounts, and settings between PCs via LAN or direct connection with a free version available.
App Migration feature that transfers over 2,000 compatible programs fully functional to the target PC
EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a dedicated PC-to-PC transfer software that allows users to migrate files, applications, user accounts, and settings between Windows computers without reinstalling programs. It offers multiple transfer modes, including direct connection via image file, network sharing, or portable connection, making it versatile for local migrations. The tool is particularly useful for simplifying PC upgrades by preserving app data and configurations intact.
Pros
- Transfers full applications with settings intact, reducing reinstallation needs
- Multiple connection methods for flexible PC-to-PC migration
- Intuitive wizard-based interface suitable for non-technical users
Cons
- Free version severely limited to 2 apps or 500MB data transfer
- Windows-only compatibility, no macOS or cross-platform support
- Occasional issues with complex or DRM-protected applications
Best For
Windows users upgrading to a new PC who need to transfer installed applications and data quickly without expert IT knowledge.
Pricing
Free version with strict limits; Pro edition starts at $49.95 one-time for 2 PCs, up to $159.95 lifetime license.
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office
otherProvides disk imaging, cloning, and backup to migrate entire systems or data from one PC to another efficiently.
Universal Restore for seamless migration to dissimilar hardware
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is a comprehensive cybersecurity and backup solution that includes robust disk imaging and cloning capabilities, making it suitable for PC-to-PC transfers by creating full system images or direct clones. It supports migration to dissimilar hardware via Universal Restore, ensuring compatibility across different PCs. While primarily designed for ongoing backups and protection, its transfer tools allow users to migrate OS, apps, and data efficiently between computers.
Pros
- Advanced disk cloning and imaging for reliable PC transfers
- Universal Restore feature handles dissimilar hardware seamlessly
- Bootable rescue media simplifies the transfer process
Cons
- Subscription model required, no perpetual license for one-time use
- Overkill for users needing only basic PC transfer without backups
- Steeper learning curve for optimal dissimilar hardware migration
Best For
Tech-savvy home users who want integrated backup, cybersecurity, and PC migration in one tool.
Pricing
Starts at $49.99/year for 1 PC (includes 250GB cloud storage); higher tiers up to $99.99/year for 5 PCs with more storage.
Macrium Reflect
otherOffers reliable disk imaging and cloning for transferring operating systems, files, and partitions between PCs.
One-click disk cloning wizard with intelligent sector-by-sector copying
Macrium Reflect is a powerful disk imaging and cloning software that facilitates PC-to-PC transfers by creating exact replicas of drives or entire systems from a source PC and restoring them to a target machine. It supports both direct disk cloning and image-based migrations using bootable rescue media, making it suitable for hardware upgrades or OS migrations. Primarily designed as a backup tool, it offers robust verification and incremental imaging for reliable transfers.
Pros
- Reliable and fast disk cloning with built-in verification
- Free edition available for basic imaging and cloning
- Supports rescue media for offline transfers
Cons
- No direct network-based PC-to-PC migration
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Advanced features require paid license
Best For
Tech-savvy users or IT professionals needing a versatile backup tool for occasional PC migrations.
Pricing
Free edition; Home ($69.95 one-time), Workstation ($99.95 one-time), Server editions higher.
AOMEI Backupper
otherSupports disk cloning, universal restore, and app migration to move data and systems from one PC to another.
Universal Restore technology that automatically injects drivers for seamless cloning to dissimilar hardware
AOMEI Backupper is a versatile backup and cloning software that enables PC-to-PC transfer primarily through its disk, partition, and system cloning features, allowing users to migrate entire operating systems, data, and settings to a new computer. It supports creating bootable media for cloning without interrupting the source PC and includes Universal Restore for adapting clones to dissimilar hardware. While effective for full system migrations, it lacks specialized tools for selective application transfers over a network.
Pros
- Robust system and disk cloning for complete PC migrations
- Universal Restore ensures compatibility with new hardware
- Free Standard edition handles basic cloning needs effectively
Cons
- No direct network-based app and profile transfer between running PCs
- Advanced features like Universal Restore require paid upgrade
- Interface can feel cluttered for users seeking simple transfers
Best For
Users performing full disk or OS migrations to new PCs, especially with hardware changes.
Pricing
Free Standard edition; Professional edition starts at $49.95/year or $99.95 lifetime per PC.
Paragon Hard Disk Manager
otherComprehensive tool for OS migration, disk cloning, and data transfer to new PC hardware.
P2P Adjust Wizard for automatic OS adaptation after transfer to dissimilar hardware
Paragon Hard Disk Manager is a robust disk management suite from paragon-software.com that includes specialized tools for PC-to-PC transfers, such as system cloning and OS migration to new hardware. It supports direct disk-to-disk copying, SSD migrations, and adjustments for dissimilar hardware via wizards like Migrate OS to SSD and P2P Adjust. While primarily a full-featured partitioning and backup solution, its migration capabilities make it suitable for transferring entire systems between PCs without reinstallation.
Pros
- Excellent support for migrating OS to dissimilar hardware
- Comprehensive suite with backup, partitioning, and recovery tools
- Creates bootable WinPE-based media for easy transfers
Cons
- Interface feels dated and overwhelming for novices
- Full migration features require paid edition
- Occasional performance issues with large drives
Best For
IT professionals or advanced users needing robust system migration alongside full disk management capabilities.
Pricing
Free edition with limits; paid versions start at $49.95 one-time for Standard, $79.95 for Professional.
Clonezilla
otherFree open-source tool for disk and partition cloning to duplicate entire PCs or selected data.
Direct disk-to-disk cloning with intelligent sector-by-sector or partition resizing capabilities
Clonezilla is a free, open-source live disk cloning and imaging tool that creates exact copies of entire drives, partitions, or filesystems. For PC-to-PC transfers, it excels at direct disk-to-disk cloning or imaging to a network location for restoration on another machine. It supports a wide range of operating systems and file systems, making it suitable for full system migrations, though it requires booting from USB or CD.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- Reliable exact cloning with compression and encryption options
- Supports multicast for cloning multiple machines simultaneously
Cons
- Steep learning curve with text-based interface
- Requires creating and booting from live media on source and target PCs
- Limited support for dissimilar hardware without additional tweaks
Best For
Advanced users or IT admins performing full disk clones between similar hardware PCs.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no paid tiers)
Rescuezilla
otherGraphical live bootable tool based on Clonezilla for easy disk imaging and cloning between PCs.
Intuitive graphical interface that makes professional-grade disk cloning accessible without command-line expertise
Rescuezilla is a free, open-source bootable Linux tool forked from Clonezilla, designed primarily for disk imaging, cloning, and backup/restore operations. For PC-to-PC transfer, it enables users to create an exact image of the source drive (including OS, apps, and data) via a USB boot, save it to external storage, and restore it to the target PC, facilitating full system migration. It supports a wide range of filesystems and hardware but requires technical steps like partitioning awareness and boot media preparation. While powerful for complete drive copies, it lacks selective app/user data transfer features found in dedicated migration tools.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no hidden costs
- Reliable full-disk cloning and imaging for exact system replication
- User-friendly GUI simplifies Clonezilla's powerful backend
- Broad hardware and filesystem compatibility
Cons
- Requires creating bootable USB and rebooting both PCs
- No selective transfer of apps, users, or data—full clone only
- Steep learning curve for partitioning and resize operations
- Indirect process via external storage; no direct PC-to-PC cable/network migration
Best For
Tech-savvy users or IT admins needing to migrate entire disk images between PCs without data loss.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no paid tiers)
MiniTool Partition Wizard
otherIncludes OS migration and disk cloning features to transfer systems and data to new PCs.
OS to SSD/HD Migration Wizard for seamless system transfers to new hardware
MiniTool Partition Wizard is a comprehensive disk management tool from minitool.com that includes disk cloning and OS migration features for PC to PC data transfer. It allows users to copy partitions, clone entire disks, or migrate Windows OS to new drives, making it viable for transferring system and data between computers via connected storage. While not a dedicated PC transfer app, its robust partitioning capabilities enhance transfer workflows. The free edition covers basics, with pro versions unlocking advanced options.
Pros
- Powerful disk cloning and partition copy for reliable data transfer
- Free edition with core transfer functions
- Additional partition management tools like resize and recovery
Cons
- Lacks direct network-based app and settings migration
- Requires bootable media for full system transfers
- Interface can overwhelm beginners
Best For
Tech-savvy users comfortable with disk imaging who need partition tools alongside PC transfers.
Pricing
Free edition available; Pro lifetime license starts at $59, Pro Ultimate at $159.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse solutions for migrating data, settings, and applications between PCs, with the top three standing out: Laplink PCmover leads as the top choice for its seamless transfer of programs, files, user profiles, and settings without reinstallation. Zinstall WinWin excels as a strong alternative for automated complete migrations, while EaseUS Todo PCTrans impresses with selective transfer options and a free version. Each tool addresses specific needs, ensuring there's a fit for nearly every user.
Don't let PC migration stress you—start with Laplink PCmover to efficiently transfer your system, settings, and files with minimal hassle, and experience a smoother transition to a new or upgraded device.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison