Windows Server Migration Tools: How to Migrate Files and Programs to New Server
| Workable Solutions | Step-by-step Troubleshooting |
|---|---|
| Part 1. Top 3 Best Windows Server Migration Tools |
1. (Recommended) Qiling Disk Master..Full steps 2. Zinstall WinServ...Full steps 3. Storage Migration Service...Full steps |
| Part 2. How to Migrate Windows Server Data and Programs | Run Qiling Disk Master > Choose "PC to PC"...Full steps |
Part 1. Why Migrating Windows Server Data and Applications By Hand is Hard
Upgrading Windows Server versions (2016/2012/2008/2003) and cloning hard drives can be complex processes. One of the main challenges is manually moving Windows Server programs and data, which is difficult due to various reasons. These include the need to reinstall and reconfigure applications, transfer user profiles and settings, and ensure that all dependencies and libraries are correctly updated, making it a time-consuming and error-prone process.
- Complex reconfiguration
- Production cutover
- Time-consuming
- ...
Manual Windows Server data migration can be a daunting and time-consuming task, making it ideal to rely on professional migration tools that can easily transfer programs, files, and settings to a new Windows Server PC with just a few clicks.
Part 2. Top 3 Best Windows Server Migration Tools
After testing, I have identified three reliable Windows Server migration tools that can help perform application migration, transfer data, and apps from an old server to a new one. These tools can facilitate a seamless transition, and by understanding their advantages, you can choose the best one for your needs.
Top 1. Qiling Disk Master (Recommended)
Among the Windows Server migrating applications, Qiling Disk Master stands out for its ease of use and excellence. This PC transfer software offers a range of options, from file selection to account settings, making it simple to move your stuff and get started with your new PC. Additionally, it allows you to transfer settings, applications, files, and user profiles from an old PC to a new one, supporting common applications like MS Office, Photoshop, Adobe software, AutoCAD, and Dropbox.
Highlights:
- It is compatible with Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019 and Windows 7-10
- This software enables users to transfer programs from one computer to another, facilitating the sharing and portability of software across different devices.
- The tool supports changing the installation location of programs on a Windows Server local drive, allowing for flexibility in program placement.
- You can create images of your files, programs, and account, and automatically export them from the source PC to the target PC.
Qiling Disk Master Technician
Your smart Windows Server file transfer software.
- Unlimited file transfer between Servers.
- Transfer programs, apps without reinstallation.
- Transfer account, settings to new Server computer.
- Data rescue, find product key for installed programs.
Top 2. Zinstall WinServ
Zinstall WinServ migrates applications, settings, shares, profiles, and data from one Windows Server to another, supporting Windows Server versions from 2003 to 2019.
Highlights:
- You can transfer various items from one server to another, including programs, settings, profiles, shares, and data.
- WinServ can transfer from physical to virtual (P2V, V2V, V2P).
- The software supports various Windows versions, including Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, XP, and Vista.
Cons:
- It's more like a disk cloning process between PCs.
- The interface looks old and hard to use.
Top 3. Storage Migration Service
Microsoft recommends using the Storage Migration Service to migrate from Windows Server 2008/R2. This tool allows you to inventory data on Windows and Linux servers and transfer it to newer servers or Azure virtual machines. The process involves building a new server, either physical or virtual, running a new Windows Server version, and then moving roles and services to the newly built server.
Highlights:
- The tool can quickly transfer files, file shares, and security configurations from the source servers.
- The system takes over the identity of the source servers, allowing users and apps to access existing data without needing to make any changes.
- You can manage one or multiple migrations from the Windows Admin Center user interface, allowing for streamlined and efficient management of your migration processes.
Cons:
- It can only run on Windows Server operating systems.
- The operation process is difficult for beginners.
Part 3. How to Migrate Files and Programs from Windows Server to Server
If you're looking for an easy and fast way to migrate data, applications, files, or settings from Windows Server to Server, I recommend using Qiling Disk Master. This user-friendly tool allows you to move Windows Server data with simple clicks, making it a quick and efficient solution for migrating files from Windows Server to another.
Step 1. Launch Qiling Disk Master on your source and target computers, and connect both PCs via the internet.
1. At the "Backup and recovery" section, click "File sync" to proceed.
2. Select your target computer via its device name, enter its account password or verification code, select the transfer direction, and click "Connect" to continue.
To verify the code, check the right top of the "PC to PC" main screen on the target computer.
Step 2. To transfer data via the internet, select the categories of Applications, Files, and Accounts. This will allow you to move various types of data, including installed programs, personal files, and account information, to a new device or location.
To transfer data selectively, click "Edit" under each category and choose the specific items you want to transfer.
Step 3. To start transferring your apps/files/accounts from one computer to another, click "Proceed" to initiate the process via the Internet.
Conclusion
If you're migrating servers and can't install applications on the new one, you can still transfer them from the old server using a dedicated migration tool like Qiling. This can automate a large part of your server migration project, making the process smoother and more efficient.
Windows Server Migration Related Questions (FAQs)
Migrating installed programs to another PC or drive manually can be a hassle. A more reliable option is to use a migration tool specifically designed for this purpose. We've previously discussed the top 3 Windows Server migration tools, which can help transfer wanted files, and if you're still experiencing issues, there's more information available.
What are Windows Server Migration Tools?
Windows Server Migration Tools are utilities that help migrate Server applications, personal files, settings, and other data from a Windows Server to another, compatible Server OS version, starting from Server 2003.
What is Windows Server migration?
Windows Server migration involves moving one role or feature at a time from a source computer running Windows Server to a destination computer also running Windows Server, either with the same or a newer version.
How long does server migration take?
A migration can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on factors such as the amount of data and the stability of the original server.
How do I move my data from one Server to another?
To migrate Windows Server data:
Step 1. 1. Open Qiling Disk Master on both of your computers. 2.
Step 2. To complete the connection between the two computers, follow the interface guides provided.
Step 3. To transfer all files from one server to another, click on "Files" and select "Transfer". Alternatively, you can click on "Edit", then "Finish", and finally "Transfer" to migrate specific data that has been chosen.
Step 4. Wait for the process to finish. PCTrans will transfer files at a fast speed.
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