3 days ago
Microsoft Is Testing a Wireless PC-to-PC Transfer Tool for Windows 11
Microsoft is testing a new way to wirelessly transfer data between Windows PCs—although it doesn't appear to have Airdrop-like functionality, as it's for setting up a new device. As reported by PCWorld, the Insider Dev version of Windows 11 now has a "Transfer files to a new PC" option in the Windows Backup app. This new method is said to let users move files, apps, settings, and credentials directly between two computers on the same Wi-Fi network.
The process is pretty straightforward. The sending PC generates a special code, which the user enters on the receiving PC. This connects the two devices and starts the transfer.
Microsoft says this should give users a faster and more effective way to migrate data, without needing to upload files to the cloud or use external drives. It seems similar in concept to Windows 7's Windows Easy Transfer, a tool popular in older versions of Windows for guiding users through the process of moving files and settings to a new PC.
Since then, Microsoft has been asking users to use OneDrive for backups and transfers. But it comes at a huge cost, including internet speed and cloud storage limits; overall, it's not feasible for this purpose.
The new PC-to-PC transfer method uses the local Wi-Fi network, so it's easy to move large amounts of data quickly. It's still being tested and is not yet available to all users. There is no official release date, and Microsoft may change or remove the tool based on feedback from testers.
