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How to Transfer Files From One User Account to Another in Windows 11

In this guide, we will show you various methods to transfer files from one user account to another in Windows 11. There could be quite a few instances when you would need to create a local account on your PC. For example, if you are using a shared PC, then you could assign this secondary account to other users. Likewise, you could also use it to segregate your works across the primary and this local account.

Well, in some instances, it might even come in handy when you are rectifying an issue, such as while fixing the Start Menu not working error. No matter the reason why you have created this account, more often than not, a need arises when you are logged into the local account and wish to access data from the primary account.

So rather than manually switching over to the primary account to get access to those data, wouldn’t it be better to transfer all the files and data from the Primary Account over to your Local Account? If your answer is in the affirmative, then this guide is just for you. Given here are various methods through which you could transfer files from one user account to another in Windows 11.  Follow along.

How to Transfer Files from One User Account to Another in Windows 11

How to Transfer Files From One User Account to Another in Windows 11

There exist three different methods through which you could carry out this task. And we have listed all of them below. You may try out the one that is in sync with your requirement. Moreover, throughout this guide, we will be mentioning the keywords primary account and secondary/local account. By primary account, we mean the account from where the data will be copied whereas the secondary/local account is the one where the data is being transferred. So keeping that in mind, let’s get started.

Method 1: Via Public User Folder

In this method, we will be using the Public folder as an intermediary pathway that will bridge the gap between the primary and secondary accounts. To do so, we will first copy the files from your primary account and temporarily transfer them to the Public Folder. After that, all the files from the Public folder will be cut/pasted over to the secondary account. Here’s how:

Transfer Files from one user account to another in Windows 11

  1. To begin with, log into your Primary account.
  2. Then launch File Explorer via Windows+E shortcut keys.
  3. Copy all the content that you wish to transfer to the local or second account.
  4. Then head over to the below location:
    C:\Users\Public
  5. Now paste all the contents over to this Public folder.

Once done, switch over to the second account where the contents need to be transferred. For that, launch the Start Menu, right-click on the second account name situated at the bottom, and select Switch User.

  1. You will now be logged into the second account.
  2. So open File Explorer and go to the below location:
    C:\Users\Public
  3. You will now be able to get hold of all the files that you had transferred via the Primary account.

That’s it. This was the first method to transfer files from one user account to another in Windows 11. The benefit of this method is that it’s quite easy to execute. On the flip side, it has a major drawback as well. You will only be able to transfer data files from one user to another. In other words, only the Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, Downloads, and Favorites folders could be shared.

Is it Safe to Keep Files in Windows Public Folders?

Well, it depends. If this is your own PC and you are its sole user, then there’s no harm in leaving those files in the Public folder (from the privacy point of view). However, if this is a shared PC i.e. multiple users are using it, or if it is on a shared network, then you shouldn’t keep the files in this folder. This is because the files present in the Public Folder are accessible by all the users logged into this PC as well as by all the users on a shared network.

Method 2: Via User Profiles Settings

This method is also quite easy to carry out, however, in my testing I wasn’t able to go past STEP 5. This is because the Copy To button was greyed out. Upon confirming with other users, I got mixed responses.

Some of them were able to successfully use this method whereas others had the Copy To button greyed out. Anyways, the best way to check it is to give it a try, it would hardly take a few seconds (you wouldn’t have to copy or paste any data till STEP 5).

  1. Use the Windows+I shortcut keys to open the Settings menu.
  2. Then select System from the left menu bar and go to the About section.
    Transfer Files from one user account to another in Windows 11
  3. Now click on Advanced System Settings under the Device Specification section.
    Transfer Files from one user account to another in Windows 11
  4. You should now be taken to the Advanced tab of System Properties. Click on the Settings button under User Profiles.
    Transfer Files from one user account to another in Windows 11
  5. Now select the profile whose data you wish to copy and hit the Copy To button.
    Transfer Files from one user account to another in Windows 11
  6. Next up, browse to the second account’s location where you need to paste these data. It would be present in the following location:
    C:\Users\UserName
  7. So select that ‘UserName’ folder from the list and click on the Permitted to use button. Finally, click OK to save the changes.

That’s it. This was the second method to transfer files from one user account to another in Windows 11. If you were able to successfully execute these steps, well and good. Otherwise, let’s move over to the third and final approach to carry out the said task.

Method 3: Via Documents and Settings

  1. To begin with, launch the File Explorer via the Windows+E shortcut key combination.
  2. Then click on See More (three horizontal dots) situated at the top menu bar and select Options from the drop-down menu.
    Transfer Files from one user account to another in Windows 11
  3. This shall open the Folder options. Go to the View tab and select Show hidden files and folders. Likewise, uncheck the ‘Hide protected operating system files’ box, and click OK.
    Transfer Files from one user account to another in Windows 11
  4. You will now get a warning dialog box, click Yes to proceed ahead.
    Transfer Files from one user account to another in Windows 11
  5. Then head over to the below location:
    C:\Documents and Settings\Old_Username
  6. Here Old_Username is the primary account from where you wish to copy the data.
  7. Anyways, copy all the required files and folders from that directory, except for the following three files:
    • Ntuser.dat
    • Ntuser.dat.log
    • Ntuser.ini
      Transfer Files from one user account to another in Windows 11
  8. Once the files have been copied, head over to the following location:
    C:\Documents and Settings\New_Username
  9. Here New_Username is your secondary account, where you want to transfer the contents.
  10. Once you reached that folder, just paste all the copied contents. That’s it. You may now switch over to this secondary account and access all the contents.

With this, we round off the guide on how you could transfer files from one user account to another in Windows 11. We have shared three different methods for the same. Do let us know in the comments section which one spelled out success for you. Likewise, all your queries are welcomed in the comments section below.


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