A surprise new Windows 10 update brings a long-missing feature — and it’s completely free.
Microsoft has quietly introduced a new PC-to-PC migration tool for Windows 10 users, just months before support for the operating system officially ends. It’s part of update KB5061087 and is aimed squarely at users who are either hesitant or unable to jump to Windows 11. For once, there’s no price tag attached — and for millions still running Windows 10, that matters.
The feature, now in user testing, allows people to transfer data, settings, and apps to a new computer on the same network. Essentially, it’s a modern answer to the long-retired Windows Easy Transfer utility. While not yet finalized, this early rollout gives a clear picture of Microsoft’s strategy to move people off Windows 10 without too much pain — and with no extra cost.
Windows 10’s Countdown Begins
October 14, 2025. That’s the day Windows 10 stops getting updates, security patches, and technical support. Microsoft’s been warning about it for years, but many users — enterprise and consumer alike — have held off on switching.
The reasons vary. Some PCs aren’t eligible for Windows 11. Others are part of tightly controlled IT environments where upgrades take time and testing. And then there are the everyday users — people who just don’t want to change what’s already working.
But now, the pressure is on. Microsoft isn’t just telling users to move. It’s offering tools to make the shift easier.
What the New Migration Tool Actually Does
The migration tool is tucked inside Windows Backup, which has been part of both Windows 10 and 11 for a couple of years. But this update adds a twist: a “PC-to-PC” transfer option designed to move files, apps, and settings to a new machine.
At a glance, it works like this:
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Both PCs need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
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Users select what they want to transfer — documents, desktop setup, installed apps, etc.
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The new PC receives all that data and applies it automatically.
No USB drives. No external hard disks. No cloud subscription required.
That last part is important. Microsoft already offers OneDrive as a backup and restore tool — but that option requires a paid subscription for most users. This new feature? Totally free.
It’s Not the First Time Microsoft Teased This
Back in May, there were whispers. Microsoft insiders hinted that something new was coming to ease the transition from Windows 10. But details were scarce. No screenshots. No timelines. Just vague comments during developer sessions and blog posts.
Now, it’s confirmed. And although it’s in limited testing right now, wider release is expected very soon — possibly as early as July.
Here’s what we know so far:
| Feature | Available Now? | Requires Internet? | Needs Same Network? | Works Without Cloud? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OneDrive Backup | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| New PC-to-PC Transfer | Testing Stage | No | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Easy Transfer | Discontinued | No | Yes (in past) | Yes |
One sentence here just to reset the rhythm.
Who This Update Really Helps
The audience for this tool isn’t the folks who bought new Surface devices last year. It’s the users stuck with older hardware, or those whose PCs don’t meet Windows 11’s requirements.
And it’s not a small group.
According to StatCounter, nearly 63% of global Windows users are still on Windows 10 as of May 2025. That’s hundreds of millions of machines — all staring down end-of-life in four months.
For many of these users, upgrading isn’t just about buying new hardware. It’s about figuring out how to get years of data, apps, and preferences onto a new PC.
This tool helps with that.
A Familiar Feature, Finally Modernized
Some longtime users might remember Windows Easy Transfer. It was bundled with Windows 7 and even supported limited use in Windows 8.1. Then Microsoft quietly retired it, leaving users with manual transfers or paid tools from third parties.
This new migration feature brings that functionality back — with some polish. And while it’s not as widely publicized as, say, Windows Copilot or AI recall features, it may end up being more useful for the average person.
In a way, it feels like Microsoft is making up for lost time. After years of pushing cloud-first solutions, they’re finally giving people a local, no-cost way to move between systems.
Actually, it’s kind of refreshing.
Still Some Unanswered Questions
There are still a few “ifs” hanging in the air.
First, it’s unclear whether the tool supports wired-only environments, or if it’s strictly Wi-Fi. That could be a problem in corporate setups where wireless is restricted. Also unknown: whether it works cross-version — can you move from Windows 10 to a new PC running Windows 11 using this feature?
And will it support older apps? Complex software suites? External drive mappings?
Microsoft hasn’t said yet. But based on the early screenshots, the interface is clean, minimal, and designed for general users — not IT pros.
Another short one here to keep the tempo real.
Bigger Picture: It’s About Trust
At the end of the day, this is about Microsoft reassuring users that they won’t be left behind.
It’s one thing to announce the end of support. It’s another to help people across that bridge. The migration tool might not be flashy, but it sends a clear message: the company hasn’t forgotten about the huge base still clinging to Windows 10.
For Microsoft, this isn’t just housekeeping. It’s damage control. Because a messy end-of-life rollout would damage trust — and maybe slow down adoption of Windows 11 even further.
So far, this small but strategic update is exactly what many users needed.
