setup-migration

New Pc Setup Migration Checklist

☑️ New PC Set Up/Migration Check List

This checklist details the steps necessary to back up data from an old PC and properly set up and migrate that data to a new PC, ensuring a seamless user experience.

1. OLD PC TO-DO (Pre-Migration)

Backup and Documentation:

  • Backup all user data: (Documents, Desktop, Favorites, Music, Pictures, etc.)
    • Note: Check the C:\ root directory as well for any stray data.
  • Backup Windows Credentials: Use the Windows Credential Manager to export saved passwords.
  • Backup browser data: Export bookmarks, passwords, and history from Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.
  • Document Setup: Take a picture of the old Desktop icons and their placement, quick access folders, network shares, and favorited folders.
  • Printer Assessment: Assess what printer(s) is being used and which printer is the default; download necessary drivers.
  • Outlook Backup: Backup email rules and signatures for Outlook (if/as needed).

2. NEW PC TO-DO (Initial Setup & Configuration)

Initial Windows Setup

  1. OOBE/BYPASSNRO: Use the bypass command (Shift + F10, then OOBE\BYPASSNRO or select “I don’t have internet”) at the start of the Windows 11 setup to bypass the network requirement and accept the limited experience warning.
  2. User Account: Set the new user account name to match the old system’s setup.

Cleanup and Updates

  1. Remove Bloatware: Uninstall bloatware (LinkedIn, Instagram, Clipchamp, Free Trial Software, Express VPN, etc.) and perform general clean-up and optimization (startup apps, etc.).
  2. Windows Updates: Set up and run Windows Updates; activate Microsoft Updates (for Office, etc.).
  3. Microsoft Store: Run Microsoft Store Updates.

Network Configuration

  1. Set Network Profile: Set the Network connection to Private (vs being Public).
  2. Advanced Sharing: Update Advanced Share Settings in Networking settings after setting the profile to Private.
  3. Install SMB 1 (If needed): Required for older NAS or server connections.
    • Via “Control Panel” $\rightarrow$ “Programs & Features” $\rightarrow$ “Turn Windows features on or off” (Add/Remove Windows Components).

System & App Installation

  1. Desktop Icons: Re-create desktop shortcuts, pinned taskbar items, and quick access folders (e.g., My Computer, User Folder).
  2. Basic Application Installation: Install core apps (Security Apps, BleachBit, Java, Chrome, etc.).
  3. Install Adobe Reader: Set Adobe Reader (or alternative) as the default PDF handler.
  4. Install Other Apps: Install any other 3rd party apps (Paint.net, Zoom, Skype, LibreOffice, Signal, etc.).
  5. Peripherals: Install Printer, Scanner, Webcam, USB hubs (check all devices are working), etc.
  6. Microsoft Office: Install Microsoft Office; set up/purchase through the user’s Microsoft account (if/as needed).
  7. Set User Password: Set up the user account password; use the previously used password (if/as needed).

3. NEW PC TO-DO (Data Migration & Verification)

  • Migrate Previous System Data: Restore user data (Documents, Pictures, etc.).
  • Import Browser Data: Import browser bookmarks and passwords.
  • Import Windows Credentials: Restore saved passwords via Windows Credentials.
  • Email Setup: Set up Outlook or Windows Mail/Outlook New (if/as needed).
  • Outlook Migration:
    • Migrate email rules and signature (if/as needed).
    • Migrate email data (if/as needed).
    • Make sure Outlook contacts are migrated (if/as needed).
  • Remap Drives: Remap any needed network drives (if/as needed).
  • Remap Favorites: Remap any needed quick access folders/favorites (if/as needed).