transfer programs to New computer

You really can't transfer programs from one computer to another - they have to be reinstalled in the new computer. That's because installed programs form a relationship with the registry and with files created in other parts of Windows.

There is software available that claims to be able to transfer programs, but it's really hit or miss.

Hi

You can't transfer desktop programs or Store apps, those have to reinstalled from disc or downloaded again from the Microsoft Store.

How to find and reinstall desktop programs installed from disc or downloaded from the Internet:
https://www.groovypost.com/howto/install-or-rei...

Instructions a from a trusted Microsoft MVP blog

For Store apps on the new computer...

Launch the Microsoft Store app on the Taskbar
Click the ellipsis in the top right corner of the screen (...)
Click My Library
Scroll through the list then click the app if its listed there, then click the download button.

If doesn't help, let us know and we can explore more options.

As for your personal files:

You can backup your files and restore them using the following steps:

What you need to start this project?

What you need to start this project?

The first thing I recommend you do is invest in an external hard disk. I can't exhaust this enough; they are affordable and can store lots of data. You can probably get a 4TB drive for around $100.

Keep in mind, if you have a complex configuration, these instructions do not delve into the nuances of multiple partitions or drives with data scattered across them although the same rules can apply in regards to backup. If you do have folders for data such as documents, music, pictures and videos stored on other partitions or drives, then I would recommend you disconnect these data drives and upgrade only the system partition. You can always reattach your data drives after setup is complete.

Turn on Show Hidden Files & Folders

You want your backup to be as thorough as possible. Within your User folder is a hidden directory called AppData. This folder stores important settings for the apps you use, such as custom directionaries for Microsoft Word, passwords for apps like Chrome, Outlook data files and mail folders for apps like Windows Mail.

To turn on Hidden Files and folders, start by opening your user folder. Press Windows key + R then type: %userprofile% then hit Enter on your keyboard.

Enabling Show hidden files and Folders

Windows 8/8.1/10 - Click the View tab then click Options then click the View tab. Under Advanced settings > Hidden files and folders select the radio box Show hidden files and folders.

AppData folder is now visible.

After completing the above steps, you should now see the AppData folder appear in your user folder.

Next step is to simply select all the folder. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + A or
Click Home tab > Select All (Windows 8/8.1/10),

Selected folders

Open your External hard disk then create a new folder and call it backup or a unique name. Open it then press Ctrl + V or

Click Home tab > Paste (Windows 8/8.1/10),

Depending on the amount of data, this can take a while.

If you have multiple accounts

If you have more than one account on your computer, log into each account and repeat the same steps. Make sure a unique folder is created for each account you backup manually.

Remember other folders you might have

If you store data in folders such as Public, remember to look in there too. The Public folder is located in C:\Users\Public

NOTE: Some apps will keep their own data stores within their application folders, so make sure you browse and copy those over if necessary. Some users have a tendency to store files at the root of the hard disk, normally where the operating system is installed (Local Disk c:\). Also check there for any important files and move them to Documents folder.

Restoration

Once your backup is complete and you have your new computer setup and is installed and running, the next step is to copy over your files and folders from the external hard disk. You can do this two ways, you can individually copy the contents of each folder into the respective folder on the new computer from the external drive. Here is what you can easily do.

Connect and turn on your external hard disk.

Browse the backup folder with your backed up folders.

Press Ctrl + A or Click Home tab > Select All (Windows 8/8.1/10)

Open your User folder on the computer

Press Windows key + R then type: %userprofile% then hit Enter on your keyboard.

Press Ctrl + V or Home tab > Paste (Windows 8/8.1/10)

You will be prompted if you want to replace the folders, click Yes.

Depending on the amount of data, this can take a while.

If you have other accounts, make sure the respective accounts have been created and logged into then repeat the same steps.

Hi, 
My name is Rogelio. I am an Independent Advisor. Thanks for contacting our support.
I recommend reinstalling the most common programs on your new PC, it is very easy using this third-party tool, you can select each program you want to install:
https://ninite.com/

If in addition to these you are missing some others you can do it manually installing each one, I believe that in this way they will work better on your new PC.

Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Regardless of the version of Windows, it's not a question of the *best* way. It's a question of whether there is *any* way.

The answer (with a few rare exceptions) is no; there is no way to do this. That's because almost all program are not just their .exe files. They also have many associated files and  references with \Windows, in the registry and elsewhere. Without all of those the program won't work, and finding and transferring of them is next to impossible.

So what you have to do is a clean reinstallation of all your programs from their original media. Transferring is not possible.