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

When it comes to copying files from a computer to an external drive, most users simply cut and paste. But that approach can become unwieldy with large numbers of files.

Imagine a process that automatically backs up or copies all your files and programs from your PC to an external drive, ensuring you don't miss a thing. Now, let's learn how to efficiently transfer files from your PC to an external hard drive.

Transfer everything from your PC to an external hard drive with a one-click PC data transfer software

Now that you understand the importance of having the right process, it's time to give the Todo PCTrans tool a try. This professional application offers various file transfer capabilities. With just a few simple steps, it can move files, applications, user accounts, and settings between desktops or laptops.

Thus, if you plan to migrate to a new PC and transfer files to the new computer, or just want to use an external hard drive to move files and applications from one computer to another, here's how you can do it using the Todo PCTrans software tool.

"Main Functions and Features of Todo PCTrans"

Here is a list of software features and functionalities that will help you understand how it works and how to use it to transfer files.

• PC to PC Transfer: This is the method you should use when switching computers or sharing files between two laptops. It works when the computers are connected to the same network.
• Backup and Restore: This method allows you to create a full or partial backup of your current computer. You can then transfer the files to a new PC, move files, apps, and more. It also lets you transfer everything on your laptop to an external hard drive.
• App Migration: Use this method to move apps from one drive to another when running out of disk space. This will help you install more apps on your main drive.

1. How do I transfer all files from my computer to an external hard drive? 2. Follow these steps: a. First, ensure that your external hard drive is correctly connected to your computer. Plug it into a USB port using the USB cable. b. Next, open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and locate the folders on your computer where you want to transfer the files. c. Select the files and folders you wish to move by holding down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (Mac) for multiple selections. d. Right-click on the selected items, then choose "Copy" (Windows) or "Move to Trash" (Mac). e. Find the location of your external hard drive in File Explorer/Finder, which will typically appear as a drive icon. f. Within the external hard drive, find an appropriate spot, right-click, and select "Paste" (Windows) or "Move Here" (Mac). g. Wait for the transfer process to complete. Large files may take some time. h. After the transfer is finished, verify that the files on the external hard drive are complete and error-free. i. Lastly, safely eject the external hard drive from your computer to prevent data damage. In Windows, right-click the drive icon and select "Eject." On a Mac, select the hard drive in Finder, then click "File" > "Eject" from the menu bar. Note: Before transferring files, make sure the external hard drive has enough storage space, and back up important files in case of accidental loss.

Download a free PC file transfer tool to back up files from your computer to an external hard drive. Note that you'll need to use the same software to restore the files to another PC.

Step 1: Create a backup image of the source hard drive

Run Todo PCTrans on your Windows computer. Switch to the “Backup & Restore” mode, and then click “Start.”

Hover over “Data backup” and click “Next.” You can then confirm the default file name and file path settings, or customize them as you wish.

Select "Create an image file" to create a hard disk image.

Next, select the items you want to transfer to the other hard disk. Todo PCTrans allows users to back up various file types, including applications, personal data, and user accounts. To transfer files from one disk to another, uncheck “Applications” and “Accounts,” hover the mouse over “Files,” and click “Edit.”

Select the file to create the hard disk image

Here, you would select the files from the source drive. Expand the drive and then selectively choose what you need, click “Finish.” Finally, click “Backup.” Wait for the process to complete.

Edit the file to create a hard disk image.

< strong > Step 2: Restore files to the target drive

Launch Todo PCTrans, and then follow the same steps to choose your transfer method. This time, select "Data Recovery" and click "Next".

Select the existing backup file to display in the interface, or navigate to the exact file path of the backup file, and then click “Restore.”

Go back to the “Files” tab, click “Edit,” and you'll see the backup file. Click the pencil icon to set the destination to another hard drive, then submit the changes. Once the basic settings are done, click “Finish,” then click “Restore.” Be patient while the transfer takes place.

How to Move Programs from Your Computer to an External Hard Drive

Just as you can transfer files, you can also transfer programs from your PC to an external drive. This is useful when you run out of space on the drive where the application is installed.

Step 1. Connect the external drive to your computer. Launch Todo PCTrans and select “App Transfer > Start.”

Select App Migration

Step 2: Find and select the app(s) you want to transfer (labeled “Yes”). You can choose multiple apps.

Click the triangle icon, then select your external hard drive as the location to save the application.

Step Three: Click “Transfer” to move the program to the external drive.

Don't hesitate, download Todo PCTrans to move your files and programs to an external hard drive right now!

Transferring Files from PC to External Hard Drive Using CMD in Windows 10

If you don't want to use third-party software, you can transfer files from your desktop or laptop to an external hard drive using CMD (Command Prompt). Command Prompt provides an XCOPY tool that can copy folders, all contents, and subfolders. The default copy operation doesn't copy subfolders, so there's a catch.

Step 1: Use the Win + R shortcut to open the Command Prompt, then type 'CMD', and press Shift + Enter.

Step 2: Type the following command at the prompt to copy all the files from the C drive to the E drive (E is the letter of your external hard drive):

Copy the contents of the c:\tally directory, including all its subdirectories, to the e:\ drive.

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

The translation of this command in Chinese is: Copy all files and subfolders (including hidden and system files, preserve attributes, recursively, and overwrite target files without prompting) from drive C to drive E.

While it can work, besides being a bit cumbersome, there may be issues. If the copy fails, you'll have some files in the old location and some in the new one. Also, you can't automate this process. For these reasons, we strongly recommend using a dedicated transfer tool. If you find this helpful, please hit the social buttons and share with your friends.

Conclusions

After reading this article, you'll know how to transfer files from your PC to an external hard drive on Windows 10/8/7 using a professional software and also using the copy command.

In the long run, using command lines might not be very convenient. It's best to use software tools like Todo PCTrans that offer file transfer and automate the process of backup, transfer to PC, app migration, and data rescue. All in all, it's an excellent software to meet all your needs.