How to Transfer Data From One External Hard Drive to Another

Learn how to transfer data from one external hard drive to another with ease. Follow this step-by-step guide and ensure seamless file migration.

An external drive expands storage space when your internal drives are out of storage space. You can either store more data or create backups on it. You probably assume you can easily get the job done using the copy-and-paste method. The copy-and-paste method only works well for a few small-size files. Moving the entire hard drive's data can be time-consuming with the copy-and-paste. Thus, you need to explore a faster and more secure way to transfer data. Tools such as EaseUS Todo PCTrans can transfer data from one external hard drive to another securely and efficiently.

In this EaseUS guide, you'll learn how to transfer data from one external hard drive to another step-by-step.

How to Transfer Data From One External Hard Drive to Another?

When it comes to transferring data between external hard drives, there are multiple methods available, each with its own pros and cons. In this section, we'll explore two ways to move your files: using EaseUS Todo PCTrans and the manual copy-and-paste method.

Method 1. Use EaseUS Todo PCTrans

For a smooth and efficient experience, consider using EaseUS Todo PCTrans, a robust data transfer tool. Its "Backup and Restore" features make data transfers effortless, enabling you to batch transfer files and data with just a few clicks and saving time and effort. This method is particularly beneficial when transferring large volumes of data between external hard drives, allowing you to bypass the limitations of manual file transfers.

Advantages of EaseUS Todo PCTrans:

• ✔️Batch transfer
• ✔️Compatibility
• ✔️No file size limit
• ✔️No data loss

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Create a backup file of the source hard drive

Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on your Windows computer. Click "data transfer" and select "Transfer via backup."

Hover your mouse over "Data Backup", and click "Next". Later, confirm the default settings of the file name and file path, or you can customize the settings on your own.

Now select the items you want to transfer to the other hard drive. EaseUS Todo PCTrans allows users to create backup files of multiple file types, including applications, personal data, and user accounts. To transfer files from one drive to another, deselect the "Applications" and "Accounts", hover your mouse over "Files", and click "Edit".

This is where you need to select files on the source drive. Expand the drive so you can selectively choose desired files, after then click "Finish". In the end, click "Backup". Wait for the process completes. 

Step 2. Restore the file to the destination drive

Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and follow the same way to reach the step of selecting a transfer method. This time choose "Data Restore" and click "Next".

Choose the existing backup file presenting on the interface, or navigate to the exact file path where the backup file is, click "Restore".

You're back to the "Files", click "Edit" to get in. The backup file is viewable here. You need to click the pencil icon to set the target location, which is the other hard drive, and submit the change. After the basic settings, click "Finish" and finally "Restore". Wait patiently until the transfer process is over. 

This file transfer software makes it easy to transfer files from PC to PC or transfer from one drive to another. Download it to help with file transfer.

Method 2. Copy and Paste Manually

The copy-and-paste method is another option that is suitable for small data transfers, but it becomes impractical for larger file transfers. This method often takes longer and can cause issues with file size limits or interruptions during the process. However, if you decide to get started, follow these steps:

Step 1. Connect both external hard drives to your computer.

Step 2. Open the old external hard drive and locate the desired files.

Step 3. Select the files, right-click, and choose "Copy."

Step 4. Open the new external hard drive, right-click, and choose "Paste."

Step 5. Wait for the files to transfer completely before disconnecting the drives.

If you are looking for a large file transfer solution, click this link to learn more. At this point, we hope this guide has helped you learn how to transfer data between external hard drives using EaseUS Todo PCTrans and the manual method. If you found it useful, please share it.

Conclusion

Now that you have completely read this tutorial, you can transfer files risk-free between an external or inner hard disk. EaseUS Todo PCTrans transfers large amounts of data risk-free. This is very easy to use and an efficient tool for transferring files from one external hard disk to another with minimal effort. EaseUS Todo PCTrans is indeed a highly recommended software due to its ease of use and effectiveness as the tool simplifies the transfer process, minimizing data loss.

FAQs About Data Transfer Between 2 External Hard Drives

Do you have more queries about data transfer? Check out these FAQs if you are interested.

1. How do I transfer everything from one external hard drive to another?

To transfer all data, follow these steps:

• Connect both external hard drives to your computer.
• Use EaseUS Todo PCTrans or similar software.
• Select the source drive and destination drive.
• Initiate the transfer process.

2. What is the fastest way to transfer files between two external hard drives?

The fastest method is to use specialized software like EaseUS Todo PCTrans, which supports batch transfers and minimizes transfer time.

3. Can I just copy and paste one hard drive to another?

Indeed, you can copy and paste files between hard drives. However, this method is time-consuming for large amounts of data.