Microsoft Ditches Local File Transfer Tool for Windows 11

Microsoft has quietly killed its PC-to-PC transfer tool for Windows 11, which allowed users to transfer files between PCs over a local network without using OneDrive. The feature was rolled out in stages and worked similarly to the Easy Transfer tool from Windows 7.

The PC-to-PC migration tool lived inside the Windows Backup app and did not require any cloud storage. Users could choose what files and folders to transfer, and even select specific settings like wallpaper and theme.

However, Microsoft is now recommending its OneDrive-based approach to sync files or set up a new device. This means users will need to upload their files to the cloud first before restoring them on the new PC.

The removal of this feature has been met with disappointment from some users who preferred the local transfer method over the cloud-based approach.