Transferring Data from Windows 10 laptop to Windows 11 Home laptop using Ethernet

I have a new Dell XPS laptop and need to move my data to the new computer. Have spent a few hours with Microsoft support but the new computer cannot open the shared folders on the new laptop. Microsoft even did remote control of both, reinstalled Windows 11 Home and still no resolution. I think problem is with network settings. They have checked both and can't figure it out from wherever they are.
I need to start using the new computer rather than fiddling with it.

Update: Microsoft stated that to enable network sharing, both computers need to have Windows Pro

rmk9785e said:

Microsoft stated that to enable network sharing, both computers need to have Windows Pro

Click to expand...

That has never been a requirement so seems to be a misunderstanding.

This is how I set up my network computers:-
A consolidated network setup checklist for Windows 10 and 11 - my post #4 - TenForums
This procedure has never failed me.


Denis

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rmk9785e said:

Update: Microsoft stated that to enable network sharing, both computers need to have Windows Pro

Click to expand...

That's news to me and my network here. I network with a Win11 Home machine from this Win 11 Pro machine just fine. FWIW, before the Win 11 Home machine was upgraded it was running Win10 Home, and I networked with that one fine as well.

@rmk9785e


Here's ten points, just for filling out your computer specs.

First, a word of advice: When you have a problem with Microsoft Windows, you should NEVER go to Microsoft for help or advice. It’ll be bogus and a dead end.

Next, you say you’re transferring data with Ethernet. What does that mean? (1) Are you just connecting an Ethernet cable between the computers and expect to transfer data? (2) Are the two computers on the same network (i.e. on the same router that dispenses DHCP local addresses in the same subdomain)?

You cannot easily do the connection (1) without several configuration steps, which are too lengthy to describe here. This is not how most people connect computers. Without the needed configurations you cannot transfer data in this way.

If your computers are on the same network (2), the most likely reason for your problem is that SMB is disabled (thanks to Microsoft). Beyond SMB you need to make sure that both File Sharing and Network Discovery settings are enabled. See my post #4 here:
Can't access NAS in Windows 11

SumpterX said:

First, a word of advice: When you have a problem with Microsoft Windows, you should NEVER go to Microsoft for help or advice. It’ll be bogus and a dead end.
Here is Microsoft's follow up response that confirms your assessment

Click to expand...

Important Clarification:​

Based on your setup and the investigation so far, both of your devices are running Windows Home edition. Certain advanced network sharing and administrative features (commonly used for LAN‑based file transfers between PCs) are not supported in Windows Home and require Windows Pro.
This limitation is architectural and not something that can be resolved through troubleshooting or escalation alone. Even Tier‑2 or supervisory support would be bound by the same product limitations.
Here is the direct link to contact our Sales team. .......e

SumpterX said:

Next, you say you’re transferring data with Ethernet. What does that mean? (1) Are you just connecting an Ethernet cable between the computers and expect to transfer data? (2) Are the two computers on the same network (i.e. on the same router that dispenses DHCP local addresses in the same subdomain)?

Click to expand...

It is connecting both computers to the same network using Ethernet cables.

SumpterX said:

You cannot easily do the connection (1) without several configuration steps, which are too lengthy to describe here. This is not how most people connect computers. Without the needed configurations you cannot transfer data in this way.

Click to expand...

Microsoft support remotely worked on my computer and changed SMB settings and confirmed File Sharing and Network Discovery were correctly set but could not make the two talk.

SumpterX said:

If your computers are on the same network (2), the most likely reason for your problem is that SMB is disabled (thanks to Microsoft). Beyond SMB you need to make sure that both File Sharing and Network Discovery settings are enabled. See my post #4 here:
Can't access NAS in Windows 11

Click to expand...

I will check it out.

Frankly easiest way is to store data on a usb flash drive or usb hard drive and restore on new device.

cereberus said:

Frankly easiest way is to store data on a usb flash drive or usb hard drive and restore on new device.

Click to expand...

For me the easiest way is to store my data in OneDrive. That way all my data and photos are instantly available on all my devices at all times. When I get a new device, I log in to Windows, and all my data is instantly there.

You might want to try installing Localsend on both machines. It's dead easy to transfer files from one to the other on a Lan and doesn't require the internet.