Transfer all data from an old PC to a new PC without losing anything

How do I move everything from my old PC to a new one without losing any files? We hear it all the time: “How do I transfer everything from my old PC to a new one without losing anything?” The short answer is – pick a method, back up first, and copy or clone. Below we walk you through the three realistic routes, the price tags you can expect, and the one we’d recommend for most users. Option 1 – Direct disk clone with a USB‑to‑SATA adapter A clone makes an exact replica of your old drive, including Windows, programmes, settings and hidden files. It’s the closest you get to moving the whole computer in one go. What you need: a USB‑to‑SATA (or USB‑to‑NVMe) adapter (£10‑£20) and cloning software. Macrium Reflect Free works fine, or you can buy the paid version for about £40 for extra scheduling features. Steps: install the adapter, attach the old drive to the new PC, run the cloning wizard, and let it copy. When it finishes, shut down, swap the old drive into the new case, and boot. Time: 1‑3 hours depending on drive size and speed. A 1 TB HDD usually takes around 2 hours; a 500 GB SSD can be under an hour. Cost: £10‑£20 for the adapter, optional £40 for paid software – total under £60. Pros: All programmes stay activated, no re‑install, identical user profiles. Cons: You need a spare USB port and a bit of technical confidence. If the old drive is failing, the clone can inherit bad sectors. Option 2 – Manual file transfer with an external hard drive or large USB stick This is the