Windows: Now file transfer requires… a Microsoft passport

Microsoft is removing local PC-to-PC file transfer in Windows 11. Want a new device? Take a look at OneDrive and its Cloud first!

Microsoft began rolling out Windows preview updates on Wednesday night. They are designed to test out non-security Patch Tuesday features in advance. This time, they include several small improvements, but also one major feature removal: the PC-to-PC data transfer tool is being removed, with the alternative now using Microsoft's cloud storage service.

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Microsoft provides more details about these updates for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 on a support page ( KB5124010 ). The Windows versions are updated to builds 26200.9550 and 26100.9550. The company says this is the last preview update for Windows 11 24H2, as support for Home and Pro editions ends in October.

End of local PC-to-PC data transfer function

Almost hidden at the end of the list of changes released by the company is the item “Windows Backup”. Here, Microsoft laconically states that the PC-to-PC migration feature is no longer available. This feature allowed the transfer of files and settings between an old and a new computer, for example via the local WLAN network.

Now, users are asked to use Windows Backup directly. This method allows transferring files, settings, and software installed from the MS Store, BUT requires signing in to a Microsoft account. In addition, all data is transferred via OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud servers.

Then, according to Microsoft's logic, the data can be easily synced to the new computer. The company points out that 5 GB of free storage is already provided.

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Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.