Got a Windows 8.1 computer, and need to transfer to a new Windows 11? Don’t worry – you can do that without losing your applications, settings and files (and you don’t have to be a computer guru, either).

While Windows 11 itself does not include transfer tools “out of the box”, there there is still a simple way to transfer programs, settings and files from Windows 8.1 to Windows 11 (or from Windows 8 – doesn’t have to be 8.1).

It’s automatic, straightforward to use, and ensures that nothing is lost in the transfer.

There are 3 parts you want the transfer to cover:

Files, such documents, pictures, music, pictures and emails
Settings, such as user profiles, emails, accounts, passwords, favorites, bookmarks, wallpaper and other personalization
Programs, such as transferring Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Quickbooks, TurboTax, Firefox, Chrome, and other programs to the new computer

How to transfer from Windows 8.1 to a Windows 11 computer

Run Zinstall WinWin on your old Windows 8.1 computer.
Note: WinWin is the transfer software. You can get Zinstall WinWin here, and its user guide here.
Run Zinstall WinWin on the new Windows 11 computer
1. You don’t need to do any configurations for the computers to connect – it’s automatic
2. If the computers are already connect to same internet router, same Internet connection, or same wireless connection, you don’t need anything else
3. If the computers are not connected at all, connect them with a network / Ethernet cable
If you’d like to select which applications and files you want to transfer, press the Advanced menu. If you just want to transfer everything, you don’t need to go to the Advanced menu.
Press “Go” on the Windows 11 computer to start the transfer

Ready to transfer your programs and files from Windows 8 to Windows 11?

Get Zinstall WinWin here

How to transfer from Windows 8.1 to Windows 11

How to transfer from Windows 8.1 to a Windows 11 computer

Ready to transfer your programs and files from Windows 8 to Windows 11?

Video tutorial – transfer from Windows 8.1 to a Windows 11 computer