Microsoft 365 backup & restore

Hi Tom,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community. I assume by "PC" you mean a Windows computer rather than a Mac? Please note that transferring data from one computer to another is not an easy process, as many factors need to be considered. Here are some suggestions:

Microsoft Admin Center is a management tool for businesses or organizations to manage Microsoft 365 Business subscriptions, user accounts, and devices. If you are using a personal Microsoft 365 subscription (such as Microsoft 365 Family or Personal), you will not have access to the Microsoft Admin Center. Personal users typically manage and set up their accounts through the Microsoft Account page or the OneDrive client.

A Microsoft 365 subscription provides users with OneDrive cloud storage, which you can indeed use to transfer data from one computer to another.

Here are the general steps:

Backup files from the old computer to OneDrive

1. Ensure files are synced to OneDrive:

   • On the old computer, open the OneDrive client.

   • Ensure all the files and folders you need to back up are uploaded to OneDrive. Please see BBack up your folders with OneDrive - Microsoft Support.

   • If you are using the desktop OneDrive, you can check the OneDrive folder in File Explorer to confirm if the files are synced (a green check mark will appear on the file icons).

2. Manually upload files (if needed):

   • If some files do not sync automatically, you can manually copy them to the OneDrive folder.

Restore files on the new computer

1. Install the OneDrive client:

   • On the new computer, download and install the OneDrive client (if not already installed).

   • Sign in with your Microsoft account.

2. Sync files:

   • In the OneDrive client, select the folders you want to sync.

   • The files will automatically appear in the OneDrive folder on the new computer.

What content will not transfer with OneDrive?

OneDrive is mainly used for backing up and syncing files and has limitations on supported file types. The following content typically cannot be transferred:

• Installed applications: You will need to reinstall applications on the new computer.

• System settings: OneDrive does not back up system settings or profiles. If you need to back up these settings, you can refer to Back up and restore with Windows Backup - Microsoft Support.

• Browser bookmarks and history: These cannot be transferred with OneDrive.

Backup and restore other data

• Backup email (Outlook): If using Outlook, email, contacts, and calendar data are usually stored in the cloud (Exchange Online). When you set up your Outlook account on the new computer, the data will automatically sync.

• Backup browser data: If you use Microsoft Edge or another browser, you can back up bookmarks, history, and passwords through the browser's sync feature. For example, in Microsoft Edge, sign in with your Microsoft account and enable sync.

• Backup application data: Some applications (such as games or design software) may store data locally. You will need to manually back up this data and copy it to the new computer.

I hope this is useful and if you have any questions please let me know.

Best regards,

Ian - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist