Transfer Files and Settings Gone in 8.1

It appears the transfer files and settings is missing from windows 8.1, I don't use the so called Cloud, so I would guess the only way to move my Windows 8.1 installation to a new hard drive is to use the backup image app, or use a backup program. It would help me if the folks at Microsoft would make it easier to move to a new hard drive in case of failure.

Create an image backup using Macrium Reflect Free. Restore to the new drive.

You'll need an external hard drive to do this.

I suspedt the best action would be to just re-install windows and my apps, but O what a hassle, I just don't want to bring along a lot of excess baggage to a new drive. Thanks for the tip

I completely agree. New/clean install is always the best way, just takes more time.

Having an image backup give you access to everything you had though which is a good way to backup any/all data you don't want to lose. Also give you a way to recover if the new install goes bad.

Having an external hard drive and doing regular image backups is by far the best way to protect your data.

Worst problem I have is trying to remember where all the app software and license keys are, what apps I had installed in the first place. yada, yada yada.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I have a file I keep all that information in. Took a while but once I got in the habit of keeping it up to date it's made things a lot easier.