Microsoft launches new utility to simplify data backup and transfer on Windows 11

Since March 2023, Microsoft has begun publicly testing the Windows Backup application - a built-in backup tool on Windows 11. Although useful, this application has been criticized for some issues such as mandatory installation.

Along with Windows Backup, Microsoft has been quietly developing a migration tool. Some details about this application appeared in the Insider build in early 2024, and based on the leaked user interface (UI), the Windows enthusiast community has recreated the actual idea of ​​​​this application.

Notably, traces of this "WindowsMigration" utility were discovered in April 2024, but Microsoft denied it at the time and said it was just a display error.

Now, with the latest Dev and Beta builds, the migration feature is officially available inside the Windows Backup app. As spotted by Windows expert @phantomofearth on X (Twitter), users will be able to:

1. Backup this PC to OneDrive - legacy feature.
2. Transfer files to new PC over local network - new feature.

The data transfer process includes:

1. Local files
2. System settings
3. Apps
4. Login information and other data

After pairing the two computers, users only need to authenticate with a simple PIN to start transferring data.

The launch of the new migration feature is good news because now users will not need third-party software like PCmover or EaseUS Todo PCTrans. In addition, this feature is also built into Windows 11, compatible with OneDrive, and contributes to simplifying the process of upgrading PCs or moving to a new machine.

Note that the new feature is currently only available on Insider builds (Dev/Beta channels), and Microsoft has not announced an official release date. However, with this move, Microsoft is gradually turning Windows 11 into an operating system that "automates" data backup and migration - minimizing technical barriers for ordinary users.

Lesley Montoya

Update 26 May 2025