Migrate data from old computer to new computer with Backblaze

The Online Backup service is not designed for rapid data migration

The Online Backup service is designed to keep snapshots of your computer and not for rapid transfer of data between devices. While you can use Backblaze to help with migrating data, it may not be the ideal solution for you if you need to move data quickly or if you want to move system files or application data.

If you need to move an exact copy of your computer, there are third party services and built-in OS utilities that might be better suited for the task. You can also manually copy files from device to device directly or with an external drive. Transferring data in this way (hard wired) will generally be significantly faster as compared to uploading and downloading data via Backblaze.

Backblaze can help keep data safe while migrating data

If you decide to manually transfer data locally, backing up with Backblaze first will give you the advantage of having an extra off-site copy of data in case of a failure while migrating, which can sometimes occur.

Migrating data via Backblaze

If you decide to use Backblaze as the vehicle to migrate your data, here's how:

1. Run Backblaze on your old computer and have it back up your non-system files to our servers
2. When all files are backed up, check online to make sure they're in the Backup as expected. (See How can I verify that my files are being backed up?)
3. Create a Restore of your data. You can either download those files as a zip file or request that the data be delivered to you on a USB drive. (See How to Create a Restore from Your Backblaze Backup for more information)
4. When you have a local copy of your data, you can manually transfer the files as needed to your new computer (extract files from Zip or connect USB drive and copy files)
5. Your new computer should now have the data you needed from the old computer
6. Next, install Backblaze on the new computer
7. Then, either Inherit the Backup State from your old computer or let the Backblaze client start a brand new Backup and delete the old Backup. (See 'Transfer License' vs. 'Inherit Backup State' for more details)

Migrating data locally, using Backblaze as incidental backup

If you plan to migrate data locally but would like to have a Backblaze Backup online just in case, here's how:

1. Run Backblaze on your old computer and have it back up your non-system files to our servers
2. When all files are backed up, check online to make sure they're in the Backup as expected. (See How can I verify that my files are being backed up?)
3. Migrate data from old computer to new computer using the method of your choice (migration utility, manually copy files, etc.)
4. If migration fails and data is lost, you can retrieve files from your Backup online by creating a Restore of your data. (See How to Create a Restore from Your Backblaze Backup for more information)
5. After migration, your new computer should now have the data you needed from the old computer
6. If you are able to, uninstall Backblaze from the old computer (this will prevent a potential safety freeze)
7. Next, install Backblaze on the new computer
8. Then, either Inherit the Backup State from your old computer or let the Backblaze client start a brand new Backup and delete the old Backup. (See 'Transfer License' vs. 'Inherit Backup State' for more details)