How to backup my surface and transfer it to my HP computer

JML 0 Reputation points
2026-09-02T20:14:43.14+00:00

How to backup my surface and transfer it to my HP computer

Windows for home | Other | Recovery and backup
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Bulldog 4,315 Reputation points
    2026-09-02T20:33:52.08+00:00

    If you want to backup your personal files - documents, pictures, music, spreadsheets, videos, etc. - the easy way to do that is to buy or borrow a portable hard drive or a USB flash drive, then copy your files from the old computer to the portable drive and move them from the portable drive to the same folders in your new computer. It's kind of tedious, but it puts you in control, rather than relying on software.

    If you want to use software, I very much recommend a proper backup app rather than Microsoft's own Windows Backup or OneDrive. A backup app will do the same thing as above, but in a more automated way, so it will be less tedious.

    Your personal files are really the only thing you can backup and transfer to the new computer. You really can't backup your settings and apps. Settings need to be re-done and apps need to be reinstalled. If instead you try to move those, you will certainly experience trouble now and in the future. In any case, a new computer is a great opportunity to setup a computer all over again, with the benefit of everything you've learned up to now.

    Of course, anything you have stored online doesn't need to be backed up, because it's not on your computer.

    Important - this is the big 'gotcha' - if you are syncing your computer to your OneDrive you need to disable syncing on the old computer and the new computer before you start copying and moving your files.

    Enjoy that new computer!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-09-02T20:14:57.6133333+00:00

    The simplest ways are Windows Backup, OneDrive, or an external USB drive.

    1. Back up the Surface with Windows Backup
      • On the Surface, select Start, type Windows Backup, and open it.
      • If prompted, sign in with a personal Microsoft account.
      • Select Back up and follow the prompts.
      • Windows Backup can back up files, themes, settings, many installed apps, and Wi‑Fi information.
      • In Settings, backup options are also available under Accounts > Windows backup.
    2. Restore on the HP computer
      • During setup on the HP PC, sign in with the same Microsoft account used for the backup.
      • On Windows 11, available backups are shown during setup and can be restored.
      • The most recent backup appears first, and more options can show other backups.
    3. Use OneDrive for files
      • OneDrive can back up files and some PC settings.
      • In Windows Backup, expand Folders and turn on backup for Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music to sync them to OneDrive.
      • After signing in on the HP computer with the same Microsoft account, those files become available again.
    4. If cloud backup is not wanted, use an external USB drive
      • Connect the drive to the Surface.
      • Open File Explorer and copy important folders such as Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Favorites, Music, Pictures, and Videos to the drive.
      • Verify the files on the drive, then select Eject before disconnecting it to avoid file loss or corruption.
      • Connect the drive to the HP computer and copy the files over.

    Important:

    • Windows Backup works with personal Microsoft accounts. Work or school accounts are not supported for the Windows Backup app.
    • If no backup exists yet, files can still be moved manually with an external drive.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.