How to Transfer Files from PC to External Hard Drive on Windows 10/8/7

When it comes to transferring files from a computer to an external drive, most users simply copy and paste them directly. However, this method becomes inefficient when the number of files increases significantly.

Imagine a process that automatically backs up or copies all your files and programs from your PC to an external drive, ensuring nothing is missed. Let's now learn how to efficiently transfer files from PC to an external hard drive.

Use PC Data Transfer Software to Move Everything from PC to External Hard Drive with One Click

Now that you understand the importance of having a proper process in place, it's time to explore the Todo PCTrans Pro tool. This is a professional application that provides various file transfer functionalities. It enables you to transfer files, applications, user accounts, and settings between PCs or laptops with just a few simple clicks.

当然，我很乐意帮助你。请提供你想要翻译的内容。

So if you're planning to shift to a new PC and transfer files to a new computer or simply want to transfer files and applications from one computer to another using an external hard drive, here's how you can utilize the Todo PCTrans software.

Todo PCTrans 主要功能和特性

Here's the list of features and functions of the software, which will help you understand its operation and how to utilize it for file transfer.

• PC to PC Transfer: When you're switching PCs or sharing files between two laptops, this method is recommended. It also works when the computers are connected to the same network.
• Backup & Restore: This approach enables you to create a full or partial backup of your current PC. You can also use it to transfer files to a new computer,迁移文件、应用及更多内容。它还允许你将笔记本电脑中的所有内容转移到外部硬盘。
• App Migration: When running low on storage, use this method to move applications from one drive to another. This helps free up space on the primary drive for installing more apps.

1. How to Transfer All Files from PC to External Hard Drive

Free download PC file transfer tool to back up files on your PC to an external hard drive. Note that when you need to restore the file to another PC, you will need to use the same software.

**Step 1. Create a backup file of the source hard drive**

Launch the Todo PCTrans tool on your Windows computer. Navigate to the "Backup & Restore" mode and click "Start".

Hover your mouse over "Data Backup", and click "Next". Then, either accept the default file name and file path settings, or customize them as per your preference.

Now, select the items you wish to transfer to the other hard drive. The tool Todo PCTrans enables users to create backup files of various file types, such as applications, personal data, and user accounts. To move files from one drive to another, uncheck "Applications" and "Accounts." Hover your mouse over "Files" and click "Edit."

Here, you need to select files from the source drive. Expand the drive to choose specific files, then click "Finish". Finally, click "Backup". Wait for the process to complete.

Step 2. Restore the file to the destination drive

Launch Todo PCTrans and follow the same steps to reach the stage where you select a transfer method. This time, choose "Data Restore" and click "Next".

Select the existing backup file displayed on the interface, or navigate to the exact file path where the backup file is located, and click "Restore".

You return to the "Files," click "Edit" to enter. You can view the backup file here. You need to click on the pencil icon to set the destination location, which should be the other hard drive, and then submit the change. After completing the basic settings, click "Finish" and finally "Restore." Wait patiently until the transfer process is complete.

2. How to Transfer Programs from PC to External Hard Drive

Just like transferring files, you can also move programs from a PC to an External Drive. This is useful when you run out of space on the drive where the application is installed.

Sure, please provide the text that needs to be translated.

Step 1. Connect your external hard drive to your computer. Launch the Todo PCTrans tool and select "App Migration > Start."

Step 2. Locate and select the applications (marked as "Yes") that you wish to transfer. You can choose multiple apps.

Click the triangle icon and choose your external hard drive as the location to save the apps.

Step 3. Next, click "Transfer" to move your programs to an external hard drive.

Transfer Files from PC to External Hard Drive using CMD on Windows 10

If you prefer not to use third-party software, you can utilize CMD (Command Prompt) to transfer files from a PC or laptop to an external hard drive. Command Prompt provides an XCOPY tool that can copy the folder, its contents, and any subordinate folders. However, the default copy operation does not include subfolders, so it may not be an ideal solution.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Command Prompt, then type 'CMD' and hit Shift + Enter keys.

Step 2: Next, in the Command Prompt, type the following command lines to copy all the files from the C drive to the E drive (E represents the drive letter of your external hard drive):

xcopy c:\tally e:\

Step 3: In the command above, you can use options like `/h /c /k /e /r /y` to copy hidden files, empty directories, overwrite options, and more.

xcopy /h /c /k /e /r /y c:\ e:\ This command translates to: xcopy /h /c /k /e /r /y C:\ E:\ In English, this is the Xcopy command in Windows, used to copy all files and subdirectories, including hidden and system files (/h), continue copying even if errors occur (/c), preserve read-only attributes (/k), copy directories and subdirectories, including empty ones (/e), replace existing files without prompting (/r), and assume yes for all confirmations (/y). It's copying the contents of the C:\ drive to the E:\ drive.

Although it functions properly, there can be issues aside from it being an inconvenient method to use. If the copying process fails, you'll end up with some files in the old location and others in a new one. Additionally, you cannot automate this procedure.

Conclusion

Now that you've read the post, you're aware of how to transfer files from a PC to an external hard drive on Windows 10/8/7 using professional software. You've also gained knowledge on how to perform the file transfer using the copy command.

It's evident that relying on a command-line approach isn't feasible in the long run. Ideally, you should utilize software like Todo PCTrans, which provides file transfer and a method to automate backup, PC transfer, app migration, and data rescue processes. It's an excellent software solution for all your needs.

Sure, please provide the text that needs to be translated.