How to Transfer Files from a PC to a Mac

Did you just switch from a PC to a Mac and are wondering how to get files from your old computer to the new machine? Are you a Mac user with an old Windows PC you want to get some files from? Or are you just confused about how to transfer files from a PC to a Mac?

Don't worry! We have created a simple step-by-step guide which is sure to help you out.

External Hard Drives

One of the easiest ways to transfer files from a PC to a Mac is by using an external Hard Drive. With an external Drive, you can easily transfer data, up to 5TB at a time, making it perfect if you're looking to transfer bigger projects. If you don't own one already, we have researched the 3 best options you can buy right now.

1. Seagate External Hard Drive

   Seagate External Hard Drive offers multiple storage options of up to 5TB, enough to transfer any file between a PC to a Mac and starts way below $100! With the huge storage space, this device is also very convenient in terms of portability as it is exceptionally lightweight and can even be used to keep backups of your data. While being endorsed by MacInfo, the device also comes with a year-long limited warranty.

2. WD My Passport Portable

   Once you use Western Digital, no other brand can get to your standards. Cheapest amongst all the options here, Western Digital's Portable Passport External Hard Drive also provides storage choices of up to 5TB, much like Seagate mentioned earlier. Designed to work efficiently with both Windows or Mac, the device is easy to use, all you have to do is plug and play. With all its advantages, we do mention that the material of the device is quite cheap- it is made of plastic which often becomes slippery and is a strong fingerprint magnet.

3. Samsung T5 Portable SSD

   Like for every other tech gadget, Samsung has managed to become a formidable competitor in portable hard-drive space as well. Offering storage options of up to 2TB coupled with the newer SSD technology provides speeds five times greater than the traditional HDD drives. Samsung T5 Portable SSD is slightly heavier on the pocket than the other recommendations. However, it does come with a USB-C to USB-C easy connection, which helps to transfer your files in no time. A few customers have reported that the device slows down in case of any physical impact. So if you are someone who tends to be clumsy with their tech gadgets, this device may not necessarily be a good option for you.

How to Transfer Using an External Hard Drive

You can transfer files from a PC to a Mac using an External Hard Drive in seven easy steps:

1. Connect the External Hard Drive to your PC.
2. Navigate to the files you want to copy.
3. Right click on the files and select ‘Copy.’
4. Navigate to the external hard drive.
5. Right click and select ‘Paste.’
6. Disconnect the Drive from your PC and connect it to your Mac.
7. From Finder, copy files from the Hard Drive on to your Mac.

USB Drive

USB drives are another great way of transferring data. They are small and compact and can hold a decent amount of storage. They are great travel companions too, easily finding a home in your wallet or back pocked because of their compact size. We have researched the three best USB options if you are looking to buy one.

1. Samsung FIT Plus USB

   With its compact size, this Samsung USB offers storage options of up to 256 GB and is perfect for transferring files from your PC to your Mac too, as it offers speeds of up to 300 MBs/s. However, we have noted some files missing on rare occasions, so if you are working with super-sensitive data, this USB might not be for you.

2. SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive

   SanDisk dominates the global market of SD cards and USBs. It does not disappoint when it comes to Ultra Dual Drive. The USB offers storage options of up to 256 GB. Not only that, but it also has dual ports – USB type A, and USB type C. That means, if you're transferring from an older PC with a traditional USB port, to a newer Mac with a USB C port, all you have to do is flip the USB, and you will be good to go. This USB is definitely MacInfo recommended.

3. PNY Pro Elite

   This USB manages to provide storage options of up to 1TB and transfer speeds of 400 MBs/s. All that without compromising on the classy traditional USB look. So if you are a person who values looks of their accessories as well as their functionality, the PNY Pro Elite is the perfect USB for you.

How to Transfer Using a USB

You can transfer files from a PC to a Mac using a USB in 7 easy steps:

1. Connect the USB to your PC.
2. Navigate to the files you want to copy.
3. Right click on the files and select ‘Copy.’
4. Navigate to the external USB.
5. Right click and select ‘Paste.’
6. Disconnect the USB from your PC and connect it to your Mac.
7. From Finder, copy files from the USB on to your Mac.

Cloud Storage

These days there are dozens, if not hundreds, of cloud storage providers. We're talking products like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, etc. However, whether this method is workable for you will depend largely on your internet connection's speed. We recommend that you have a connection speed of at least 10 MBs/s before you try it, and depending on the amount of data you want to transfer, you might also need some sort of "premium" plan with your cloud storage service.

How to Transfer Using Cloud Storage

You can transfer files from a PC to a Mac using Cloud Storage in 5 easy steps:

1. Login to your Cloud Storage account on your PC.
2. Upload the files you want to transfer.
3. Login to your Cloud Storage account on your Mac.
4. Navigate to the uploaded files.
5. Save the files to your Mac

Windows Migration Assistant

Windows Migration Assistant is a Windows application (as the name suggests) that can transfer data from your PC to your Mac. First, you need to install the correct version on your PC (which will depend on which version of macOS you are running):

• macOS Mojave or later
• macOS Sierra and High Sierra
• OS X El Capitan or earlier

On the Mac side of thing, you will see that Migration Assistant is a built-in application and can be found in the Utilities folder, or you can access it quickly via Spotlight.

How to Transfer Using Migration Assistant

You can transfer files from a PC to a Mac using Migration Assistant in 9 easy steps:

On your new Mac:
1. Open Migration Assistant.
2. Click Continue.
3. Click "From a PC". when prompted to select how you want to transfer your information.
4. Click Continue.

On your PC:

5. Make sure you've downloaded and installed Migration Assistant on your PC.
6. Launch Migration Assistant on your PC.
7. Confirm that the code on your PC is the same on your Mac.
8. Select the files, folders, and settings you want to transfer from your PC to your Mac.
9. Click continue.

Email

Email is perhaps the oldest, most traditional way of file transfer. Even though the service is still widely available, you will struggle to transfer large amounts of data using this method. If you are looking to transfer documents however, email will work perfectly for you.

How to Transfer Using Email

You can transfer files from a PC to a Mac using Email in 7 easy steps:

1. Login to your email account on your PC.
2. Compose a new email.
3. Add your file(s) as attachment.
4. Save the email to Drafts.
5. Login to your email account on your Mac.
6. Navigate to the Drafts folder.
7. Look for the draft email, save the attachments to your Mac.

Conclusion

There are numerous that you can transfer files from a PC to a Mac. Which method you choose will depend largely on how much data you have to transfer, what type of data it is that you want to transfer and, to a lesser extend, how tech savvy you are.