Windows migration

Migrating users to a new Windows operating system can be grueling. Whether you’re migrating users on existing devices or to new computers, using a good Windows migration tool can help to streamline the process and keep your project on track.

Illustration with two computers demonstrating a windows migration from Windows 10 to 11
Illustration with two computers demonstrating a windows migration from Windows 10 to 11
Illustration demonstrating migrating a group of computers on windows 10 with apps and user profile to windows 11Illustration demonstrating migrating a group of computers on windows 10 with apps and user profile to windows 11Illustration demonstrating migrating a group of computers on windows 10 with apps and user profile to windows 11

Migrating Windows devices

Windows migration is the process of upgrading from an older version of the Windows operating system to a newer version. It also involves transferring user data and apps to the new system, which is then configured for use.  

Upgrading to a newer version of Windows can happen on the same device or on a brand-new Windows PC as part of your organization’s hardware refresh cycle. Along with newer features, the potential benefits include improved system performance and better endpoint security. 

But migrating Windows devices en masse is challenging. Success depends on careful planning and nerves of steel. A good Windows migration tool can also save you a ton of time, reduce complexity, and mitigate risks to ensure a smooth transition.

Request a demo

Key features of a Windows migration tool

Desktop Computer purple icon

Easy setup

Follow a simple, guided setup process from start to finish. No complex configurations or teeth grinding required.

Arrow purple icon

Flexible deployment

Deploy custom Windows images using USB media, local networks, or the cloud (without VPN) — whatever works best for you.

Cloud purple icon

Uploadable cloud packages

Store Windows system images, user data, and app packages in your public cloud storage account for quicker remote deployments.

Desktop Computer Check Mark purple icon

Hardware independence

Create a single golden image that can be deployed to any Windows PC, whatever its make or model.

Laptop Cogs purple icon

Driver management

Imagine having access to a library of 1,500+ model-specific driver packages that you don’t have to manage. Bliss.

User icon purple

Keep user files and settings intact while migrating to a new version of Windows or a new device.

Layers purple icon

Multicast deployment

With a multicast feature, you can deploy the latest Windows image to multiple devices at the same time.

Quick purple icon

Automate IT tasks

Use prebuilt or custom scripts to automate post-migration tasks, like device restarts and configuring printer settings.

Lock purple icon

Do more with less. Slipstream Windows updates easily with your OS images to streamline your Windows migration process.

What are the benefits of using a Windows migration tool?

A smoother transition

A good Windows migration tool can simplify complex tasks, provide deployment flexibility, and save hours of work. Deploy custom Windows images just as easily to on-prem or remote devices. Slipstream user data, apps, and drivers with your Windows image or deploy separately.


More efficient device management

Improve efficiency and visibility during and after migration by managing and tracking devices from a central platform. Streamline post-deployment and ongoing maintenance tasks to keep endpoints secure, up to date, and productive across their lifecycles.

Get started
Save hours of work, reduce the risk of error, transfer user data easily, automate post-migration tasks, enable flexible deployment, centralize device management, support on-prem and remote users, and manage diverse hardware easily Save hours of work, reduce the risk of error, transfer user data easily, automate post-migration tasks, enable flexible deployment, centralize device management, support on-prem and remote users, and manage diverse hardware easily Save hours of work, reduce the risk of error, transfer user data easily, automate post-migration tasks, enable flexible deployment, centralize device management, support on-prem and remote users, and manage diverse hardware easily

SmartDeploy vs. leading Windows migration tool

Easy setup

Wizard-guided workflows

Suitable for any skill level

Hardware independent

Offline deployment

Network deployment

Remote deployment via cloud*

Prebuilt driver pack library

Prebuilt & custom script packages

Integrated with USMT

SmartDeploy logo white

Easy setup

Yes

Wizard-guided workflows

Yes

Suitable for any skill level

Yes

Hardware independent

Yes

Offline deployment

Yes

Network deployment

Yes

Remote deployment via cloud*

Yes

Prebuilt driver pack library

Yes

Prebuilt & custom script packages

Yes

Integrates with USMT

Yes

Competitor

Easy setup

No

Wizard-guided workflows

No

Suitable for any skill level

No

Hardware independent

Yes

Offline deployment

Yes

Network deployment

Yes

Remote deployment via cloud*

No

Prebuilt driver pack library

No

Prebuilt & custom script packages

No

Integrates with USMT

Yes

*Without using VPN or any additional infrastructure

Frequently asked questions

What are common issues when migrating to a new Windows OS?

PDQ Employee

  • Application compatibility

If your organization uses a lot of custom desktop applications, you may need additional time for software testing to identify and resolve any compatibility issues.


  • Transferring user data and settings

One of the biggest challenges in Windows migration projects is the efficient transfer of user profiles and data to maintain uptime and productivity.


  • Driver compatibility

Even if devices are new, their drivers may not be compatible with the latest Windows OS. Incompatible drivers may cause issues during and after migration.


  • Hardware diversity

If you’re supporting different hardware makes and models, sector-based deployment tools may not be as efficient or cost effective. 


How do you plan a Windows migration project?

Executing a Windows migration project tests not only your technical chops but your project and time management skills as well. Here are some key steps:

  • Check hardware and software requirements 

  • Decide what user data you want to migrate 

  • Choose your Windows migration tools 

  • Map out key phases and timelines  

  • Identify user test groups

  • Communicate the plan with users 

  • Test, execute, and monitor 

  • Conduct user training 

  • Stay on standby for technical support

Choose a Windows migration software that has the features and capabilities to efficiently deploy operating system images and transfer user profiles, software, and applications to any Windows computer anywhere.

Download trial
Illustration with windows logo and arrows indicating migrationIllustration with windows logo and arrows indicating migrationIllustration with windows logo and arrows indicating migration
Illustration showing the different layers of a golden image using SmartDeployIllustration showing the different layers of a golden image using SmartDeployIllustration showing the different layers of a golden image using SmartDeploy

How do you carry out user data migration to a new Windows OS?

Your approach depends on what you need to migrate — whether it’s user files, apps, settings, or all of the above. For large deployments of user data, apps, and settings, a common approach is to use Microsoft’s User State Migration Tool (USMT). Alternatively, you can use cloud storage, like Google Drive or third-party tools that support data backup and recovery. You can also opt for easy-to-use third-party solutions that integrate with USMT to make user data migration seamless.

Request a demo

In-place upgrades vs. clean installs of Windows — which is better?

While in-place upgrades to a new Windows OS can save you the trouble of reconfiguring user settings or reinstalling software, it’s better to go with clean installs of Windows. By doing a fresh installation of a new Windows operating system, you eliminate any bloatware or incompatible software that could cause security and performance issues. The result is a smoother Windows migration process and a more secure and consistent endpoint environment. You can use a good Windows migration tool to streamline OS and software deployments and save time.

Download trial
Versus GreenVersus GreenVersus Green
Three people in circles illustrationThree people in circles illustrationThree people in circles illustration

How do you choose a good Windows migration tool?

When choosing the best Windows migration tool for your business, look for solutions that can help optimize existing IT resources, reduce manual workloads, and facilitate a successful transition. Key factors to consider are:

  • Ease of setup and use 

  • Functionality 

  • Value for money 

  • Hardware independence

  • Automation  

  • Scalability  

  • Technical support

Request a demo

Ready to get started?

See how easy device management can be. Try SmartDeploy free for 15 days — no credit card required.