I recently got a new laptop because the screen on my old one broke, making it difficult to use. I need to transfer some files from the old laptop, but since the screen is completely unusable, I'm not sure what my options are. Is there a way to do this without having to turn on the old laptop and see the screen? Am I just out of luck, or can I find a workaround?
5 Answers
You’ve got a couple of options! One way is to use an HDMI cable to connect to a TV or an external monitor. You may have to hit enter to unlock the screen first, but it should let you transfer files easily. If that’s not possible, just take out the SSD/HDD from the old laptop and use a dock to access it directly.
If your old laptop still powers on, connecting it to an external monitor via HDMI is a quick fix. If it's completely dead, pulling out the hard drive and using an external case or a USB adapter is the way to go. It’s a solid method to access files without cutting your losses—your data is likely safe!
You can plug your old laptop into an external monitor using an HDMI cable if it still works. That way, you can see the screen and move your files over easily!
Yeah, HDMI is usually standard on laptops, depending on how old it is.
You can definitely get your files off! The easiest way is to remove the hard drive from your old laptop and use a SATA or NVMe to USB adapter. This way, you can connect the drive directly to your new laptop like it’s an external drive. Just make sure it’s not encrypted with something like BitLocker, or you’ll need the recovery key to access your files.
Yeah, and if the drive is removable and not soldered on, you're good! If it is encrypted, though, they definitely need that key.
True, but if you have access to an external monitor, just connect it using HDMI or VGA and you might still be able to log in and transfer files.
For the easiest transfer, buy an external hard drive enclosure, remove the hard drive, and connect it to your new laptop. You can copy everything over without needing to turn on the old laptop's screen at all.
Or you can also use the HDMI on a TV! Same idea, you'll just see your laptop's display there.