Windows Easy Transfer Alternative: Command Line File Transfer

What Is Windows Easy Transfer?

Windows Easy Transfer was a feature provided by Microsoft in earlier versions of the Windows operating system, up until Windows 7. That means you can only use Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7. It was designed to facilitate the transfer of files, folders, user accounts, and settings from an old computer to a new one.

Using Windows Easy Transfer, you could transfer data and settings such as documents, pictures, music, emails, program settings, and user accounts from one computer to another, typically when upgrading to a new computer or reinstalling the operating system. It provided a convenient way to migrate your personal data and settings without having to manually copy each file or configure settings again.

It's worth noting that Windows Easy Transfer was deprecated in Windows 8 and later versions of Windows. So, is there a better alternative to this tool? The answer is of course yes. You can use an alternative of Windows Easy Transfer: command line to transfer files.

So, next, we will introduce you to the benefits of doing this and how to use the command line to transfer files. Of course, if you don’t want to use a complicated command line, you might as well try the free file transfer software that we carefully reviewed for you at the end.

Why You Need to Use Command Line Instead of Windows Easy Transfer?

Here are some benefits of using Command Line over Windows Easy Transfer to transfer files:

• Flexibility: Command line tools offer more flexibility in terms of customization and fine-tuning the file transfer process. You can specify specific files or directories to transfer, exclude certain files, and control various transfer options based on your specific needs.
• Automation: Command line tools allow for easy automation of file transfers. You can create scripts or batch files to execute repetitive transfer tasks, saving time and effort in the long run. This is particularly useful when dealing with large-scale transfers or regular data synchronization.
• Compatibility: Command line tools are often platform-independent, meaning they can be used across different operating systems and versions. This can be advantageous when transferring files between computers running different Windows versions or even between Windows and non-Windows systems.

By leveraging the command line for file transfers, you gain greater control, efficiency, and flexibility, making it a compelling alternative to Windows Easy Transfer.

How to Use Command Line Transfer Flies

In this section, we will show you how to use command prompt to transfer files. Please read carefully.

The move command is an internal feature within the Windows Command Interpreter (cmd) that enables you to relocate files and folders seamlessly. It offers enhanced functionality compared to a standard move operation by allowing pattern matching through Wildcards in the source path. Follow the steps below to utilize the move command for file transfers in Windows.

Step 1. Open the run box by pressing Windows + R and type cmd to access the command prompt.

Step 2. Use the move command in the following format: move {source path with filename} {destination path}

For instance, to move the file "XX.doc" to the "C:\Folder 1" directory, enter the command below and press Enter:

• move XX.doc C:\Folder 1

The move command offers enhanced functionality, allowing pattern matching using Wildcards in the source path.

☼Tips for Using the Move Command:
1. To move multiple files, separate the file names with a comma.
2. Unlike File Explorer, the move action is irreversible. Ensure you are certain about the destination before initiating the move, as it cannot be undone once started.

The Easiest Way to Transfer Files via Freeware

When using Command Prompt to move files, there's a risk of losing or corrupting the files due to potential errors or incorrect commands. To mitigate these risks, I highly recommend AOMEI Backupper Standard, an outstanding free file move software. This tool enables easy and quick file synchronization, allowing you to select multiple files simultaneously and eliminating the hassle of manual selection. Explore its features further:

► Diverse Sync Methods: AOMEI Backupper Standard offers advanced sync modes in addition to Basic Sync. If needed, you can upgrade to the advanced version.
► Versatile Sync Locations: The software supports file synchronization to local folders, external hard drives, network drives, cloud drives, and more.
► Compatibility: The free version is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista. For server users, AOMEI Backupper Server is recommended.

Follow the graphic tutorial below to synchronize files in Windows:

Step 1. Download the freeware onto your computer and click on Basic Sync under the Sync option.

Step 2. Step 2. Add folders by selecting Add Folder to choose the files and directories you wish to synchronize with your desired destination. To include multiple folders for simultaneous synchronization, simply click on the plus icon to add additional folders.

Step 3. Expand the drop-down menu on the second bar to choose a destination where you want to store the synchronized folders.

❤Tips:
Options: Customize your task by adding comments and enabling email notifications for updates and notifications.
Schedule Sync: Configure the automatic synchronization frequency, choosing from daily, weekly, or monthly intervals.

Step 4. Validate your settings, and when ready, click on Start Sync to initiate the operation.

☎Notes:
»» If you're seeking to move documents to another drive in Windows 11, simply designate the desired drive as the destination during the process.
»» When using AOMEI Backupper to move files, the original files remain intact. If you no longer need the original files, you can manually delete them.

Summary

This article describes in detail what Windows Easy Transfer and the command line are. and why you need to use the command line instead of Windows Easy Transfer to transfer files. Finally, if you are a computer novice and are not very good at using command line tools, then we have also prepared a data sync tool for you to help you transfer data, for example, transfer files from one Dell laptop to another. Download AOMEI Backupper now and give it a try