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How to Transfer Everything to Your New Computer — Ottawa Setup Service

Published May 3, 2026 · Updated May 31, 2026 · By the Hardwired IT Team

You bought a new laptop. It's beautiful. It's fast. But all your files, photos, bookmarks, emails, and programs are still on the old one — and you have no idea how to move them.

There's something magical about a new computer. The keyboard is pristine, the screen is bright, and everything opens instantly. Then comes the "now what?" moment — when you realize all your stuff is still on the old one.

Everything That Deserves to Make the Move

Skip the Weekend Project

You could spend a Saturday shuffling files onto a USB stick, reinstalling programs, and troubleshooting why the printer suddenly doesn't work. Or you could have a technician handle everything in a couple of hours while you do literally anything else. When they leave, your new computer feels like home — just faster, cleaner, and ready to go.

New computer still in the box? Book a setup technician → — we'll have you up and running same-day.

Before You Recycle the Old Computer

Once everything is safely on the new machine, don't just toss the old one:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you transfer from a PC to a Mac (or Mac to PC)?

Yes. Cross-platform moves take a little more care with file formats and email, but we handle files, photos, browser data, and account setup in both directions.

How long does a full computer transfer take?

Most home transfers are done in a couple of hours, on-site, depending on how much data you have and how many programs need reinstalling. We set everything up so the new machine feels just like your old one — only faster.

What happens to my software licenses?

We deactivate licensed programs on the old computer and reinstall them properly on the new one so they stay valid. Subscription apps (like Microsoft 365) simply sign in on the new machine.

Rather have a certified technician handle this?

Hardwired IT comes to your Ottawa home — same day, no fix no fee.

Book an On-Site Technician →

Need this fixed now?

Same-day on-site service across Ottawa. Free estimate. No fix, no fee.

Or call (613) 416-9482

Frequently Asked Questions

Most programs cannot be directly copied — they need to be reinstalled. However, tools like Laplink PCmover can migrate some installed applications. Your files, documents, and browser bookmarks transfer easily.

A straightforward file transfer and new computer setup takes 1.5–3 hours. Transferring a large amount of data (hundreds of GBs) or many installed programs takes longer.

Yes — new device setup and data migration are among our most common requests. A Hardwired IT technician comes to your Ottawa home, sets up your new computer, transfers your files and settings, and makes sure everything works before leaving.

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