Guide

Setting up a new computer and moving your data across

A new computer is a fresh start — and the moment to move across what matters, leave behind what does not, and set it up so it stays fast and safe. The transfer is easier on one platform than the other, so here is how to do it properly on each, plus the bits people always forget.

Before you retire the old machine

A little preparation saves a lot of grief. Do these while the old computer still works.

Back it up first — a full backup before you start means nothing is lost if the transfer goes sideways
Know your logins — gather account names, passwords and two-factor devices — email, Apple/Microsoft account, banking, everything you sign into
Sign out and deauthorise — sign out of iCloud or your Microsoft account, and deauthorise software tied to the machine (music, design and similar licences)
Note your licences — any paid software keys, so you can reactivate on the new machine rather than re-buy

Moving your data — the platforms are very different here

This is where Mac and Windows genuinely diverge. Apple has an excellent built-in migration tool; Windows does not, so the approach is different.

On Windows

No built-in PC-to-PC move — Windows retired its old transfer tool, so there is no one-click migration — you copy your data across yourself
Use the cloud or a drive — OneDrive syncs your files to the new PC automatically, or copy everything via an external drive
Apps do not come across — programs must be reinstalled on the new machine and signed back in — only your files move
A fresh start is a bonus — reinstalling gives you a clean machine without years of accumulated background clutter

On a Mac

Migration Assistant — built in, it moves your files, apps, accounts and settings from another Mac, a Time Machine backup — even from a Windows PC
When to run it — during first-time setup, or any time afterwards from Applications > Utilities
It brings almost everything — the new Mac comes up looking like your old one, apps included — the cleanest transfer there is
Or start selectively — you can choose to bring only your files and accounts and reinstall apps fresh, if you would rather not carry old cruft

First-day setup that pays off later

A few minutes now saves hours down the track.

Run all the updates — a new machine is often months behind on security and system updates out of the box
Turn backups on — set up Time Machine or File History plus a cloud copy now, before you have anything to lose
Strip the bloatware — many new Windows laptops ship with trial software and OEM add-ons worth removing
Sort security basics — a strong screen-lock password, and sign in to your browser so bookmarks and saved passwords follow you

Don't carry the junk across

A new computer is the rare chance to leave years of clutter behind. Rather than cloning everything, bring the files and the handful of apps you actually use, and let the rest stay on the old machine. The result is a computer that keeps the speed it has today for far longer.

The things people forget

Nine times out of ten, the "something is missing" call after a new setup is one of these: email accounts not re-added, printers not reconnected, two-factor codes stranded on the old phone or machine, browser bookmarks and saved passwords, software licences, and the photos still sitting on a phone that was never backed up. A quick checklist of these before you let go of the old machine avoids all of it.

Worked through these and still stuck? Read us the symptoms and we will tell you what is likely wrong — free, any hour.

Call 0478 953 755

Common questions

How do I move everything from my old Mac to a new one?

Use Migration Assistant — it is built into macOS and moves your files, apps, accounts and settings from the old Mac or a Time Machine backup. Run it during first-time setup or later from Applications > Utilities, and the new Mac comes up looking just like the old one.

Can I move my programs from an old PC to a new one?

Your files, yes; your programs, generally no. Windows has no built-in app-migration tool, so software needs reinstalling and signing back in on the new machine. It is a little more work than a Mac, but it also means the new PC starts genuinely clean.

Should I transfer everything or start fresh?

Where you can, start fresh — bring your files and the apps you actually use, and leave the accumulated clutter on the old machine. It is the single best thing you can do to keep a new computer feeling new. Migration Assistant on a Mac lets you pick and choose; on Windows a manual copy naturally does the same.

Can you set up a new computer and move the data for me?

Yes — it is one of the most common jobs we do. We handle the transfer, get your email, printers, backups and logins working, strip the bloatware, and hand it back ready to use, so nothing important is left behind on the old machine.

Still not sure?

Describe what the machine is doing and we will tell you what is likely wrong and whether it is worth fixing — before you spend anything. Diagnosis over the phone is free, 24 hours a day.

Call 0478 953 755