How to Transfer Windows 7 to Another Computer via Universal Restore

Learning how to transfer Windows 7 to another computer is an essential skill. This tutorial outlines how to do that using Universal Restore software or a System Preparation tool.

Are you wondering how to transfer Windows 7 to another computer? You shouldn't look any further since this tutorial offers the necessary guidance. We'll start by outlining whether moving your Windows 7 to another device is possible. After that, the tutorial from EaseUS will discuss 2 ways to move Windows 7 to new computer. One of the methods involves using universal restore software. Keep reading to learn how each method works.

Can I Transfer Windows 7 from One Computer to Another

"I want to move Windows 7 from my old PC to a new one. This is because my old computer keeps overheating. What is the best way to transfer Windows 7?"

Windows 7 is among the cherished operating systems. Individuals still prefer it due to its stability and ease of use, despite Microsoft developing other newer operating system versions. These are among the things that make you want to move along with the operating system when switching computers.

Can one move Windows 7 between computers? The simple answer is YES. There exist 2 practical ways to do it. You can perform a universal restore or use the System Preparation tool. Read along and learn how you can apply the two methods.

How to Copy Windows 7 from One Computer to Another

This section will discuss two ways to move your operating system. The first method entails a universal restore software, while the second discusses a system preparation (Sysprep) tool. We'll discuss each method in detail as follows.

Method 1. Using Universal Restore Software

As the name suggests, a universal tool allows you to conveniently run and install Windows on another computer. It's among the simplest ways to move Windows 7 installation to new computer when your old device misbehaves. With this method, you'll first need to create a system image using the universal restore software.

Next, you can save the system backup to an external hard drive and restore it on another computer. Which is the most recommended universal restore tool for this operation? You should try out EaseUS Todo Backup. This software has distinctive features that make it stand out among other restore tools.

Its friendly interface makes transferring Windows 7 to a different computer simple. It doesn't just allow you to move your OS. You can also back up your system and personal files, and back up an SD card with multiple partitions. The tool supports full, incremental, and differential backup techniques.  

To transfer Windows to another computer, you need to create a system image on an external disk and restore it to another computer. Download this tool now to move Windows 7 to another PC safely. The steps for using it are very simple.

Part 1. Create Windows 7 System Image Backup

Step 1. On the main page, click "Select backup contents".

Step 2. Among the four available categories, click OS.

Step 3. EaseUS Todo Backup will automatically select your system partition, you only need to select the backup destination.

Step 4. Both Local Drive and NAS are available for you to save the backup file.

Step 5. After finishing the backup process, you can check the backup status, recover, open, or delete the backup by right-clicking the backup task on the left.

Part 2. Restore the Image Backup

* To perform system recovery on a none-bootable machine, try to boot the computer through the EaseUS Todo Backup emergency disk.

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Todo Backup, click "Browse to Recover".

Step 2. Guide to your backup destination, choose the system backup file you need. (The backup file created by EaseUS Todo Backup is a pbd file.)

Step 3. Choose the recovery disk. Make sure that the partition style of the source disk and the recovery disk are the same.

Step 4. You can customize the disk layout according to your needs. Then click "Proceed" to start system backup recovery.

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Method 2. Using System Preparation Tool

Sysprep is a Windows 7 built-in utility. You can use it to transfer the OS between computers. It also supports moving programs, system files, and personal data. This section will discuss using this tool to transfer Windows 7 to another computer. We've divided this method into 3 phases:

Note: You can't renew your Windows 7 OEM edition with this method. Also, you can't Sysprep any un-graded Windows installation.

Phase 1. Generalize Windows 7 Installation (on Your Old Device)

You can do this by running Sysprep.exe as follows:

Step 1. Go to the following file path to launch Syprep.exe:

C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep

Step 2. When Sysprep launches, navigate to "System Cleanup Action" and select "System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE.)" Tick the "Generalize" box and select "Shutdown" under "Shutdown Options."

Step 3. Click OK to generalize your Windows 7 system image and turn off your PC.

Phase 2. Capture Windows 7 System Image on Your Old Computer

You'll need a USB drive for this operation. Check the following steps:

Step 1. Insert a USB drive into your old computer.

Step 2. Start your computer via a bootable WinPE drive (you should create one if you don't have one).

Step 3. When the Windows Setup box displays, press Shift + F10 to launch CMD.

Step 4. Type the following command and hit Enter to enhance the boot speed when you switch to your new computer:

• dism /image:C:/optimize-image /boot

Step 5. Paste the command below and press Enter. This captures the system image (C drive) from your old device:

• DISM /Capture-Image /ImageFile:D:\Images\win7.wim /CaptureDir:C:\ /Name:win7

Phase 3. Deploy the System Image to Your New PC

This final phase entails running Windows 7 on the new device.

Step 1. Plug in the USB drive.

Step 2. Launch your computer from a bootable WinPE drive.

Step 3. Press Shift + F10 to launch CMD.

Step 4. You must now erase data on your new PC and create new disk partitions. You can do that by pasting the following chain of commands and pressing Enter after each.

• diskpart
• list disk
• select disk 0 ("0" stands for the disk number of the main disk on new PC)
• clean
• create partition primary
• format fs=ntfs quick label=Windows
• assign letter=W
• exit

Step 5. The next step is restoring the system image to your new PC. Paste the following command and hit Enter:

• DISM /Apply-Image /ImageFile:D:\Images\win7.wim /Index:1 /ApplyDir:W:\

Step 6. Restart your new computer to boot from Windows 7. If the process is successful, you can start using the operating system like you did on your old device.

Pro Tip: How to Transfer Windows 7 License to New Computer

Whether it's possible to move your license to a new PC depends on the version type. Windows computers support the following license versions:

• OEM version: The device manufacturer provides this. It's always attached to the first computer you installed and activated the OS. You cannot transfer an OEM license to another computer.
• Retail version: You can obtain this license from platforms such as Amazon. This license is normally activated online using the Microsoft servers. The activation product key comes attached to the license box you purchased. You can transfer this license, but only once.
• Full version: You obtain this license directly from Microsoft. You can transfer it to other computers unlimited times.

It's important to reiterate that you can't transfer the OEM version to another computer. You can only transfer the retail or full versions. You can conveniently activate the license on your new computer by calling Microsoft via telephone as follows:

Step 1. Type "slui.exe 4" on the search bar of your new computer.

Step 2. Press Enter and choose your country.

Step 3. Next, select the "Phone Activation" option.

Step 4. Call the number provided to activate your license. 

To Wrap Things Up

We've shown you how to transfer Windows 7 to another computer. This OS is known for its user-friendliness and stability, which is why many people would like to use it when switching computers. The most practical technique to transfer Windows 7 is via a universal restore tool like EaseUS Todo Backup. The tool lets you create a system image and save it on an external hard drive. You can then use it to restore the Windows 7 image on another computer. Download EaseUS Todo Backup today to check how it works.

FAQs on How to Move Windows 7 to Another Computer

The common FAQs include:

1. How Do I Transfer Everything from My Old Computer Windows 7 to My New Computer Windows 11?

Follow these steps:

• Step 1. Download and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans. Click on PC to PC.
• Step 2. Select your old and new PC and click Next. Connect the two PCs to the same LAN network.
• Step 3. Next, click on Files and select the data you want to move. Click Transfer to initiate the transfer process. Stay patient to complete.

2. How Do I Clone My Windows 7 to a New Computer?

Use EaseUS Todo Backup Home or EaseUS Disk Copy. It lets you copy all data from your previous computer to the new one. Perform a secure download of this tool now to get started.

3. What Is the Best Way to Transfer Everything from Old Computer to New Computer?

The most recommended option is using a PC transfer software. This lets you link the two devices and quickly pick the files to transfer. You can try out EaseUS Todo PCTrans for this operation.