Solved Transfer contents from laptop A with broken display to another laptop/desktop B


infinity

Well-known member
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Local time
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110
OS
Win 11
The easy way is to buy a m2 enclosure, rip out the drive to do the transfer. Is there a more direct way, like can I use a USB type-A to C cable to do the transfer given I cannot see anything on the broken laptop screen? IT does boot into windows though.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win 11Ryzen 3600GSkill RipJawz 16Gbx2GTX960
OS
Win 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
Ryzen 3600
Motherboard
MSI B450 Tomahawk Max
Memory
GSkill RipJawz 16Gbx2
Graphics Card(s)
GTX960
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
WD750 SSD 1TB
PSU
650w FSP
given I cannot see anything on the broken laptop screen? IT does boot into windows though.
Does the laptop have an HDMI connector? Do you have an HDMI cable and a TV you could use as a monitor?
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 HomeAMD Athlon Silver 3050U8GBRadeon Graphics
    OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to lid hinges starting to break up this laptop has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven in 'Other systems' to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.

    I've now clean installed 25H2 and used Garlin's scripts to update Secure Boot to CA 2023 and revoke the PCA 2011 certificates. It's new role is to test secure boot issues.

    Info for 2021-2026:
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel® Core™ i5-520M8GB(integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround.

    In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround.
    Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.
    In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media.
    Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package.

    Also running Insider Experimental 263xx and 29xxx builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.
  • My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR was a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e (1st gen) type 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device. This has now been sold. It has been replaced by my System Eight.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Experimental 263xx and 29xxx builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, 1920x1080 touchscreen, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine. As its new home has an existing digital licence for Pro I've been able to upgrade the migrated OS from Home to Pro.

    My SYSTEM EIGHT is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e (5th gen) type 20LN, Celeron N4120, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, a supported device for Windows 11. Currently running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Experimental 263xx and 29xxx builds as native boot vhdx.
yes it does, but I'm afraid it's more than a display issue. When connected to an external monitor, I can see the boot screen (i.e. an Asus logo with spinning wheels), but after it boots successfully into Windows (with the startup sound), there is no display at all (I can see backlight on the laptop, but no display signal on the monitor).
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win 11Ryzen 3600GSkill RipJawz 16Gbx2GTX960
OS
Win 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
Ryzen 3600
Motherboard
MSI B450 Tomahawk Max
Memory
GSkill RipJawz 16Gbx2
Graphics Card(s)
GTX960
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
WD750 SSD 1TB
PSU
650w FSP
Laptops usually have a function key combination to switch between using the internal display and an external monitor. On my Acer it's Fn+F5, on my Dell it's Fn+F8.

For an Asus it is typically Fn+F8.

Note: The hotkeys functions may be different based on different models, please refer to the User Manuals.


HotkeysFunctionsRequired Driver & Utility
Fn+F9Turn on/off touchpad1. Install ATKACPI driver and ATK hotkey tool
2. Install the driver for touchpad
Fn+F10/F11/F12Mute/Adjust volume1. Install ATKACPI driver and ATK hotkey tool
2. Install the driver for Audio
Fn+F5/F6/F7/F8Monitor brightness/on & off/Toggle Display modeInstallation of driver & utility is not required
Fn+CToggle "ASUS Splendid" mode1. Install ATKACPI driver and ATK hotkey tool
2. Install ASUS Splendid
Fn+F2Toggle Wi-Fi on/off1. Install ATKACPI driver and ATK hotkey tool
2. Windows 8/8.1/10: Install ASUS Wireless Radio Control
Windows 7: Install Wireless Console3
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 HomeAMD Athlon Silver 3050U8GBRadeon Graphics
    OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to lid hinges starting to break up this laptop has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven in 'Other systems' to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.

    I've now clean installed 25H2 and used Garlin's scripts to update Secure Boot to CA 2023 and revoke the PCA 2011 certificates. It's new role is to test secure boot issues.

    Info for 2021-2026:
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel® Core™ i5-520M8GB(integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround.

    In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround.
    Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.
    In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media.
    Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package.

    Also running Insider Experimental 263xx and 29xxx builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.
  • My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR was a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e (1st gen) type 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device. This has now been sold. It has been replaced by my System Eight.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Experimental 263xx and 29xxx builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, 1920x1080 touchscreen, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine. As its new home has an existing digital licence for Pro I've been able to upgrade the migrated OS from Home to Pro.

    My SYSTEM EIGHT is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e (5th gen) type 20LN, Celeron N4120, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, a supported device for Windows 11. Currently running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Experimental 263xx and 29xxx builds as native boot vhdx.
Try booting to safe mode until you can at least see something on the TV?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 1111th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-11320H @ up to ...16GB, 2x8GB, DDR4, 3200MHzIntel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Dell Inspiron 5410
CPU
11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-11320H @ up to 4.5GHz
Motherboard
Present
Memory
16GB, 2x8GB, DDR4, 3200MHz
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
Sound Card
Realtek Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
HP 24mh (ext), 14.0-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
512GB NVMe BC711_NVMe SK hynix
Backups - 500GB SimpleDrive (ext), WD 750GB (ext)
Case
Slim
Cooling
Kootek Cooling Pad
Keyboard
Logitech K360 (ext)
Mouse
Logitech 510
Internet Speed
941.93
Browser
Firefox
Antivirus
Defender, Malwarebytes
Windows key + P then use down arrow blindly to get to 'Duplicate' then press enter,


1650209216207.png
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Win 11 ProAMD Ryzen™ 7 7730U24GB Dual-Channel DDR4 @ 1596MHz (22-22-22-52)512MB ATI AMD Radeon Graphics (ASUStek Comput...
    OS
    Win 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen™ 7 7730U
    Motherboard
    M1605YA
    Memory
    24GB Dual-Channel DDR4 @ 1596MHz (22-22-22-52)
    Graphics Card(s)
    512MB ATI AMD Radeon Graphics (ASUStek Computer Inc)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1200@60Hz) - P1 PLUS (1920x1080@59Hz)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1200
    Hard Drives
    953GB Western Digital WD
    PSU
    45 Watts
    Mouse
    Lenovo Bluetooth.
    Internet Speed
    500 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • At a glance

    Windows 11AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / 3.2 GHz32 GB DDR4 SDRAM 3200 MHzNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
    Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ACER NITRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / 3.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    CZ Scala_CAS (FP6)
    Memory
    32 GB DDR4 SDRAM 3200 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio. NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" LED backlight 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 144 Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    180 Watt, 19.5 V
    Mouse
    Lenovo Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    500 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
-guys, the above solutions assume only the laptop display itself is broken. However, I'm not exactly sure what else is broken as I could still see the boot logo on my external monitor, which means the projection was already set to Extend in the first place.

In any case, I also tried Fn+F8 after it booted to Windows, but no dice too. Nothing happened.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win 11Ryzen 3600GSkill RipJawz 16Gbx2GTX960
OS
Win 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
Ryzen 3600
Motherboard
MSI B450 Tomahawk Max
Memory
GSkill RipJawz 16Gbx2
Graphics Card(s)
GTX960
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
WD750 SSD 1TB
PSU
650w FSP
I've used what @Bree said using the VGA port on some and the HDMI port on a couple others. Traditionally the VGA was intended for a Projector for use in meetings. Another choice may be a LapLink cable and software made for the purpose, the cable may be a cross-over rather than a straight-through and uses the Ethernet ports.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz12GB
    OS
    Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe M.2
  • At a glance

    Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz16GBOnboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA a...
    Operating System
    Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
-guys, the above solutions assume only the laptop display itself is broken. However, I'm not exactly sure what else is broken as I could still see the boot logo on my external monitor, which means the projection was already set to Extend in the first place.

In any case, I also tried Fn+F8 after it booted to Windows, but no dice too. Nothing happened.
Did you try troubleshooting before and maybe set the laptop to boot to safe mode via msconfig? If so then nothing will show on an external monitor after boot in safe mode on a laptop.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Win 11 ProAMD Ryzen™ 7 7730U24GB Dual-Channel DDR4 @ 1596MHz (22-22-22-52)512MB ATI AMD Radeon Graphics (ASUStek Comput...
    OS
    Win 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen™ 7 7730U
    Motherboard
    M1605YA
    Memory
    24GB Dual-Channel DDR4 @ 1596MHz (22-22-22-52)
    Graphics Card(s)
    512MB ATI AMD Radeon Graphics (ASUStek Computer Inc)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1200@60Hz) - P1 PLUS (1920x1080@59Hz)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1200
    Hard Drives
    953GB Western Digital WD
    PSU
    45 Watts
    Mouse
    Lenovo Bluetooth.
    Internet Speed
    500 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • At a glance

    Windows 11AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / 3.2 GHz32 GB DDR4 SDRAM 3200 MHzNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
    Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ACER NITRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / 3.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    CZ Scala_CAS (FP6)
    Memory
    32 GB DDR4 SDRAM 3200 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio. NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" LED backlight 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 144 Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    180 Watt, 19.5 V
    Mouse
    Lenovo Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    500 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
Your OP says “the easy way is to rip out the drive”
Why can’t you do that? Seems to me that nothing suggested is working so the obvious thing to do is “the easy way”
Or is that too simplistic?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro Beta, 11 Dev, W11 CanaryAMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HX32GBNVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 8GB GDDR6
OS
Windows 11 Pro Beta, 11 Dev, W11 Canary
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Dell Alienware M15 Ryzen Edition R6
CPU
AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HX
Memory
32GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 8GB GDDR6
Hard Drives
1 x Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
1 x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
I've used what @Bree said using the VGA port on some and the HDMI port on a couple others. Traditionally the VGA was intended for a Projector for use in meetings. Another choice may be a LapLink cable and software made for the purpose, the cable may be a cross-over rather than a straight-through and uses the Ethernet ports.
VGA might work as it kicks in at bios level. HDMI does not kick in until windows starts to load normally.

However, if problem is with say graphics card rather than display, then unlikely to work.


Any cable solution assumes you have setup pcs to communicate. Even using an ethernet cable requires a bit of setting up.

In the end, the only sure fire solution is to put drive in a usb caddy.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
If you have a laptop A with a broken display and you need to transfer its contents to another laptop or desktop B, there are a few easy ways to do so:

Use an external monitor - Connect an external monitor or projector display to laptop A using an HDMI or VGA cable. This will allow you to see the contents of laptop A's screen and transfer its contents to laptop or desktop B.

Use a docking station - If you have a docking station, connect laptop A to the docking station and then connect the docking station to laptop or desktop B. This will allow you to transfer the contents of laptop A to laptop or desktop B.

Use a file transfer cable - You can use a USB file transfer cable to connect laptop A to laptop or desktop B. This cable allows you to transfer files between two computers quickly and easily.

Use cloud storage - If you have an internet connection, you can use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to transfer files from laptop A to laptop or desktop B. Simply upload the files from laptop A to the cloud storage service and then download them onto laptop or desktop B.

In summary, you can transfer the contents of laptop A with a broken display to another laptop or desktop B by using an external monitor, a docking station, a file transfer cable, or cloud storage.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10
OS
Windows 10
If you have a laptop A with a broken display and you need to transfer its contents to another laptop or desktop B, there are a few easy ways to do so:

Use an external monitor - Connect an external monitor or projector display to laptop A using an HDMI or VGA cable. This will allow you to see the contents of laptop A's screen and transfer its contents to laptop or desktop B.

Use a docking station - If you have a docking station, connect laptop A to the docking station and then connect the docking station to laptop or desktop B. This will allow you to transfer the contents of laptop A to laptop or desktop B.

Use a file transfer cable - You can use a USB file transfer cable to connect laptop A to laptop or desktop B. This cable allows you to transfer files between two computers quickly and easily.

Use cloud storage - If you have an internet connection, you can use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to transfer files from laptop A to laptop or desktop B. Simply upload the files from laptop A to the cloud storage service and then download them onto laptop or desktop B.

In summary, you can transfer the contents of laptop A with a broken display to another laptop or desktop B by using an external monitor, a docking station, a file transfer cable, or cloud storage.
Another option if it's easy to do -- just swap the HDD's !!!
Usually there won't be a problem with re-activation !!!.


If the old laptop is bust beyond repair -also no problem just rip the thing open to remove hdd /ssd / NVME. Connect to new laptop va SATA->USB device and boot from stand alone restore to restore old HDD to new one. !!!

BTW those SATA->USB adapters are very cheap and if you haven't got one are very useful anyway !!!!

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows XP,11 Linux Fedora Rawhide pre-releas...2 X Intel i7
OS
Windows XP,11 Linux Fedora Rawhide pre-release 46
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
2 X Intel i7
Screen Resolution
4KUHD X 2

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win 7/10/11
OS
Win 7/10/11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Other Info
I'm a computer enthusiast so have quite a few systems that I run. More like an advanced hobby.
Or boot from an Ubuntu USB just in case Windows has messed up your video drivers. Linux seems more savvy sometimes.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.9278AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics16GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.9278
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acemagic LX15PRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics
    Motherboard
    BIOS CT_BI_AMI_LX15PRO_AB8139_A-004
    Memory
    16GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Internet Speed
    30 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete beta
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506Atom N450 1.66GHz2GB
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
  • Acer Swift SF114-34 laptop
    OS Windows 11 Pro 26200.8894
    CPU Pentium Silver N6000
    RAM 4GB
    BIOS v1.17
    SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB (an upgrade)
Posts 12, 13, 14, 15 are replying to a post a year old LOL. I imagine the OP has sorted his problem by now.
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
Posts 12, 13, 14, 15 are replying to a post a year old LOL. I imagine the OP has sorted his problem by now.
And that makes you feel smug!
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.9278AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics16GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.9278
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acemagic LX15PRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics
    Motherboard
    BIOS CT_BI_AMI_LX15PRO_AB8139_A-004
    Memory
    16GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Internet Speed
    30 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete beta
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506Atom N450 1.66GHz2GB
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
  • Acer Swift SF114-34 laptop
    OS Windows 11 Pro 26200.8894
    CPU Pentium Silver N6000
    RAM 4GB
    BIOS v1.17
    SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB (an upgrade)
Assuming only the screen is broken, connect to an external monitor, wait to load Windows and then press Win+P 2-3 times until you see a picture on the external monitor. You may have to login first. In that case pess TAB before typing your password and press ENTER to login. If the graphics card is broken, then no cable can help you because you still need to authorize access from the host to transfer the files. If you have TeamViewer or AdnyDesk installed on the host you can connect remotely, even with a broken graphics card and transfer anything you need. The alternative is to remove the hard disk and use an appropriate adapter to connect it with USB to the target computer. Your files will be in users\username folder.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (7582), 25H2 (9445)Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz4GBMobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (7582), 25H2 (9445)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    802.11g wireless 54 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.9445)Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generat...2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB...
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.9445)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB (GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Microsoft Compact Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    802.11ac 5GHz wireless 260Mpbs
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
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