Download the Windows File Server Migration Tool and Migrate Your File Server [2022 New Version]

Applies To: Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012, 2012 R2, and 2008, etc.

This page explains what a Windows file server is, how to download the Windows File Server Migration Toolkit, and how to use it to successfully transfer your file server between servers. For a comprehensive guide on how to migrate your Windows file server to a new one without losing any data, your complete guide is right here. Let's get started.

What is a Windows File Server?

Before we proceed, let's understand what a Windows File Server is. A **Windows File Server** is a central server that enables end-users on different computers to access and share files over the same network. Common in schools and offices, these servers often store vast amounts of data such as files, photos, videos, and more. They allow all client computers to share resources over the same network without relying on flash drives, hard disks, or other external storage devices.

Transferring a File Server from One Windows Server to Another Migrating a file server from one Windows Server to another involves several steps to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Here's a high-level overview of the process, assuming both servers are running Windows Server 2016 or later: 1. **Backup and Preparation:** - Backup the source server's data and configuration. - Update any necessary software and security patches on the target server. 2. **Domain and Permissions:** - Ensure both servers are part of the same domain. - Verify that the target server has the appropriate permissions and user access rights. 3. **DFS Replication (Optional):** - If you're using Distributed File System (DFS) Replication, configure it on the target server. 4. **File Share Creation:** - Create the same file shares on the target server with identical permissions. 5. **Data Transfer:** - Use Robocopy or other migration tools to transfer files and folders from the source server to the target server. For example: ``` robocopy \\source-server\share \\target-server\share /MIR /COPYALL /DCOPY:T ``` - This command mirrors the source share to the target, copying all file attributes and timestamps. 6. **Testing and Validation:** - Validate the transferred data by accessing the new shares and testing read/write operations. - Ensure group policies, scripts, and scheduled tasks that reference the old file server path are updated. 7. **Redirect Network Connections:** - Update any DFS references to point to the new server. - Update GPOs (Group Policy Objects) to redirect users' mapped network drives to the new server. - Update any scripts or applications that reference the old server paths. 8. **Finalize Migration:** - Disable or remove the old file shares on the source server. - Perform a final validation check to ensure everything is working correctly on the target server. 9. **Post-Migration Tasks:** - Update documentation to reflect the new server details. - Monitor the new server for performance and stability. Remember to perform these tasks during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions. It's also a good idea to have a rollback plan in case something goes wrong during the migration.

When upgrading a Windows Server computer, it is necessary to move everything from one server to another. In addition to transferring data from one Windows Server to another, it's also crucial to migrate installed programs to the new server machine.

A file server is one of the essential tools you need to install on another computer. Instead of spending time downloading and reinstalling Windows File Server, we'll show you the complete guide to successfully migrate your Windows File Server to another server computer.

"Recommendations for Windows File Server Migration Tools"

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you need to transfer Windows files server to another computer? Here are two methods for you to try:

1. #1. Install the Windows Server Migration Tools/Utility
2. #2. Use the Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit

Which approach should you choose? Here is a simple rule of thumb:

• For a quick and easy solution, you can use a third-party Windows server migration tool like Todo PCTrans to assist you.
• If you're looking for a free Windows solution, you can follow Method 1 to migrate your file server to a new Windows Server computer.

#1. Install the Windows Server Migration Tools or a third-party program to migrate your Windows file server.

According to most Windows Server users and administrators, Microsoft provides some free tools to help migrate data and files between servers. However, most of them tend to be quite complex when it comes to setting up file server migration.

For an instant and effective server file migration solution, you can't miss Todo PCTrans – an ideal professional server migration tool.

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012/2012 R2/2008, 2008 R2, and so on.
• How to Download:

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How to use:

Tip 1: Transfer files between servers

Step 1. Launch Todo PCTrans on both computers. Select "PC to PC" to proceed.

Step 2: Choose the transfer direction—new or old computer.

"New" - Transfer files from the old server to the current new one.

"Old" - Transfers files from the current old server to the new one.

Step 3: Enter the account password or verification code of the target computer to establish a connection between the two computers. You can click on the "Connect Verification" option on the top right corner of the main "Computer to Computer" interface on the target computer.

Step 4. Click on File > Transfer and select all the files you want to move to another server computer. Then click Transfer to migrate the specific data.

Step 5: Wait for the program to finish transferring your files. PCTrans will migrate your files quickly, so it shouldn't take too long.

Guideline 2: Migrate file servers and other applications to the new server

Step 1: Run Todo PCTrans on Both Computers

On the source computer, click PC to PC on the Todo PCTrans main screen, then continue.

Step 2: Choose the transfer direction – from the old computer or the new one

"New" - Transfer all data from an old computer to the current new one remotely.

"Old" - Transfer all data from your current old device to the new one.

Select transfer direction

Step 3: Connect the two computers

1. Select the target computer to connect to by IP address or device name, then click "Connect".

2. Type the target computer's login password, then click OK to confirm.

If the target computer is not in the device list, you can also click Add Computer to manually input the IP address or device name of the target computer to connect.

Step 4: Select apps, programs, and software to transfer to the target computer

1. You choose and pick what you want to transfer from your current computer to the target one.

2. After selecting the apps and data you need, click on “Transfer” to start the transferring process.

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#2. How to Download and Use Microsoft File Server Migration Tool for Free

So, what is Microsoft File Server Migration Tool? It's a tool that helps us migrate file servers from one computer to another. Now, the latest version of the Microsoft File Server Migration Tool is version 1.2, which can be freely downloaded and installed by Windows Server users for file server migration between all Windows servers.

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2012/2012 R2/2008/2008 R2, etc.
• Free Download of Microsoft Server Migration Toolkit:

These links point to two different resources: 1. The first link directs to the download page for the Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit on the Software Informer website: 2. The second link takes you to the Microsoft Azure homepage, which is tailored for Chinese users, and possibly includes a query parameter "ocid=cloudplat_hp" for tracking user origin or marketing campaigns:

Note: The Microsoft Server Migration Toolkit is no longer supported on Windows Server 2012 or later. So if your server computer has the new server system installed, return to Method 1 and use Todo PCTrans for assistance.

How to use:

On the destination server computer, install and start the Migration File Server tool, and then click New.

Step 2: Click Next, name your project, and choose where to save the log file.

Step 3. Set up the location on the destination server where the shared files/folders will be stored.

Step 4: Click “Finish.”

Step 5: In the Settings section, click “Source File Server,” and then enter the server name in the “Add Server” window.

Step 6: When you're done, expand the “Servers” folder and select the folders and files that you want to migrate to the new server.

Step 7: Name the target folder and complete the process.

Bonus Tip: Download the Free Microsoft File Server Migration Alternative Tool

In addition to the Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit, Microsoft released Windows Server Manager, which works in conjunction with the Server Migration Tools to help facilitate the successful migration of server files between multiple computers.

• Supported operating systems: Windows Server 2012 through 2022.
• How to download:

The Windows Server Migration Tools are included in Server Manager. After you install the tools, you can enable them by following these steps.

How to use:

Step 1: Install the Windows Server Migration Tools

Search for “Server Manager,” and click to open it > Click “Manage” > “Add Roles and Features.”

Select the “Windows Server Migration Tools” checkbox, and then click “Next” > “Install.”

Create a deployment folder on the target computer:

Search for and open "PowerShell," and enter the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

• Change to the %Windir%\System32\ServerMigrationTools directory:
```shell cd %Windir%\System32\ServerMigrationTools\ ```
• Run the SmigDeploy.exe command, specifying the package, architecture as X64, operating system as WS08, and the path:
```shell SmigDeploy.exe /package /architecture X64 /os WS08 /path ``` Replace `/path` in the above command with the actual path to the package.

Step 3: Register the Windows Server Migration Tools on the source computer:

On the source computer, perform the following steps: Copy the Deployment folder to a local drive. Open a command prompt, type .\Smigdeploy.exe, and then press Enter.

Step 4: Migrating server data from one server to another

Open Server Manager on the source server computer, and then click Windows Server Migration Tools to open it. In PowerShell, type Export-SmigServerSetting -User All -Group –Path C:\SysAdmin\Export\MigUsersGroups –Verbose, and then press Enter.

On the target server computer, open Server Migration Tools by going to Server Manager > Tools > Windows Server Migration > Migration Tools. In PowerShell, type Import-SmigServerSetting –UserEnabled –Group-Path C:\SysAdminExport\MigUsersGroups -Verbose, and then press Enter.

Once that process is complete, you will have successfully migrated your server files to the new server.

With a reliable Windows File Server Migration tool, migrating server files becomes an effortless and smooth process.

On this page, we discuss Windows file servers and provide you with three reliable Windows server migration tools. As long as you choose the right migration tool, file server migration between two servers can be easy and straightforward.

Of these three tools, Todo PCTrans stands out for its PC-to-PC capabilities, which effectively migrate your files, applications, and even user accounts and settings to the new machine.

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