For most small Windows migrations, Transwiz should be used to copy local profile data, while User Profile Wizard should be used when an existing profile must be attached to a new domain, Microsoft Entra ID, or local account. Both tools are made by ForensiT, and Transwiz is described as a tool for transferring user profiles from one Windows computer to another [source: ForensiT]. The best result usually comes from preparing both PCs first, signing out of the account being moved, and testing the migrated profile before deleting anything from the old machine.
TLDR: Transwiz is the better pick when a user needs files, folders, and settings moved from an old PC to a new PC. User Profile Wizard is better when a technician needs to keep an existing profile but connect it to a different account, such as a domain account after a company joins a new domain. For example, a 38 GB user profile with Desktop files, browser data, and app settings may take 25 to 60 minutes to export, copy, and restore over USB 3.0. Expect extra time for Outlook, OneDrive, and apps that store data outside the standard profile folders.
What Transwiz and User Profile Wizard Actually Do
Transwiz copies a Windows user profile from one computer and packages it into a transfer file. That file can then be restored on another computer. It is useful for home users, freelancers, repair shops, and small offices replacing old PCs.
User Profile Wizard does something different. It does not mainly “copy” a profile to a new computer. Instead, it reassigns an existing profile to a different Windows account. That helps during domain moves, workgroup to domain changes, account renaming, and account replacement jobs.
The catch is that neither tool magically repairs broken apps. If an accounting program stores license data in a hidden system folder, that license may still need to be activated again. It drives people crazy that a profile can look perfect, then one app opens like it has never been installed. That is not always a migration failure. It is often how the app stores its settings.
Before Starting the Move
A technician should prepare both computers before running either tool. This reduces errors and avoids half-finished transfers.
- Install Windows updates on the new computer.
- Create an administrator account that is not the profile being moved.
- Back up the old PC with File History, imaging software, or a full drive copy.
- Check disk space on both systems and on the transfer drive.
- Turn off BitLocker only if needed, or keep the recovery key nearby.
- Sign out of the user account being moved before export or reassignment.
The transfer drive should be larger than the profile. A 120 GB profile may need more than 120 GB during temporary processing. Honestly, it feels like the last 5% of a migration is where most wasted time lives, especially when a drive runs out of space after 40 minutes.
How to Use Transwiz to Move a Profile to a New Computer
Transwiz works best when moving a local Windows profile from an old PC to a new PC. The process is simple, but it should be done in the right order.
- Download and install Transwiz on the old computer.
- Log in with an administrator account, not the account being transferred.
- Open Transwiz and choose the option to transfer data to another computer.
- Select the user profile that needs to be moved.
- Choose a destination, such as an external SSD or network share.
- Set a password for the transfer file if requested.
- Wait for the export to finish, then safely remove the drive.
On the new computer, the technician installs Transwiz again and chooses the restore option. The tool asks for the transfer file, the password, and the account name to restore. A new local account can be created during the restore if needed.
After the restore, the technician should sign in to the migrated account and check the basics. Desktop files, Documents, Downloads, browser favorites, wallpaper, and application settings should be reviewed. Email profiles and cloud sync folders require extra care. OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Outlook may need sign-in again.
How to Use User Profile Wizard for Account Reassignment
User Profile Wizard is often used in business migrations. A common case is an employee who has used a local account for years, then receives a new domain account. Without help, Windows creates a blank profile for the new account. User Profile Wizard can connect the old profile folder to the new account so the user keeps familiar settings.
- Back up the computer before changing account ownership.
- Create or confirm the target account, such as a domain account.
- Log in as an administrator that is not the profile being reassigned.
- Run User Profile Wizard and select the existing profile.
- Choose the new account that should own the profile.
- Apply the change and restart the computer if prompted.
- Sign in as the target account and test the profile.
This tool is not the right choice if the old computer is being retired and the new one has no copy of the profile. In that case, Transwiz or a full backup and restore method fits better. User Profile Wizard shines when the profile is already on the machine but linked to the wrong account.
What Usually Transfers Well
Most standard profile content moves cleanly with Transwiz. That includes many common user settings and files stored under C:\Users\Username.
- Desktop files and shortcuts
- Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos
- Downloads, unless excluded by policy or cleanup tools
- Browser favorites and some browser settings
- Many app preferences stored in AppData
- Windows personalization, such as wallpaper and some interface settings
Items outside the profile may not move. That includes shared folders, custom databases, virtual machines, printer drivers, VPN clients, certificates, and software licenses. Those should be checked one by one.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
The restored user cannot sign in. The technician should confirm the account exists, has the correct password, and is not disabled. If a domain account is used, the computer must be connected to the domain or reachable network.
Files are missing. The original profile may have used OneDrive Known Folder Move, redirected folders, or a second drive. The technician should check cloud portals and paths such as D:\Users or mapped network drives.
Apps open with default settings. Some apps store settings in ProgramData, the registry, or online accounts. Reinstalling the app or signing in again may be needed.
The transfer is very slow. A profile with many tiny files can take much longer than one large video folder. Browser caches and Teams caches are repeat offenders. Cleaning temporary files before export can save time.
Best Practice: Test Before Removing the Old PC
The old computer should not be wiped on the same day unless there is a verified backup. A safe rule is to keep it untouched for at least one full workday after migration. For office users, three to five business days is safer.
The technician should ask the user to open the apps used most often. That may include Outlook, QuickBooks, AutoCAD, Adobe apps, password managers, VPN software, and line-of-business tools. A migration is only truly done when the user can work without hunting for missing files.
Transwiz vs User Profile Wizard: Which One Should Be Used?
- Use Transwiz when moving a user from an old computer to a new computer.
- Use User Profile Wizard when keeping a profile on the same computer but attaching it to a different account.
- Use both only in special cases, such as restoring a profile to a new PC and later joining it to a domain account.
For home users, Transwiz is usually the simpler path. For IT staff handling domain changes, User Profile Wizard can save hours of manual folder copying and registry edits. Both tools still need planning, backups, and careful testing.
FAQ
Can Transwiz move programs to a new computer?
No. Transwiz moves the user profile, not installed applications. Programs usually need to be installed again on the new computer.
Does User Profile Wizard copy files?
Not in the same way Transwiz does. It mainly reassigns an existing profile to another account on the same Windows installation.
Should the user be signed in during migration?
No. The account being moved or reassigned should be signed out. An administrator account should run the tool.
Will Outlook and OneDrive work after the move?
They may need sign-in, sync checks, or profile repair. Cached mail and cloud folders should be checked before the old PC is erased.
Is a backup still needed?
Yes. A backup is strongly recommended. Profile tools can fail, drives can disconnect, and some files may live outside the standard user folder.
