# User State Migration Tool (USMT) for Windows
Last Updated On: 18 Mar 2026
6 minutes read
The User State Migration Tool (USMT) is a command-line utility developed by Microsoft to migrate user files and settings between computers. **According to Microsoft:** “USMT captures user accounts, user files, operating system settings, and application settings, and then migrates them to a new Windows installation.”
Migrating to a new operating system without a Windows profile migration tool can be challenging, especially when dealing with multiple user accounts and extensive personalized configurations. ManageEngine OS Deployer simplifies this process through its **User Profile Migration** feature powered by USMT. It allows customized migration and automation of computer-specific settings.
## Why Should You Use USMT?
Using the User State Migration Tool during OS upgrades or migrations offers several benefits:
### Reduce Time and Effort
Deploying and maintaining operating systems without a migration tool can be time-consuming. USMT simplifies this process, significantly reducing the time required to execute OS migration plans.
### Ensure Productivity
USMT helps automate profile customization across multiple devices, minimizing downtime for end users and allowing faster adaptation to upgraded environments.
### Slash Down Help Desk Tickets
Post-deployment issues such as missing files or settings are drastically reduced. With USMT, migration is seamless and reliable, minimizing user complaints and support tickets.
## How OS Deployer Enables Windows User Profile Migration
OS Deployer’s User Profile Migration allows seamless movement of user accounts, data, and personalized configurations when upgrading the OS. **It migrates OS settings, applications, and Access Control Lists (ACLs) associated with each account**, ensuring user permissions and preferences are retained on the target computer.
**Note:** The Windows user profile migration tool cannot be used for downgrading to earlier Windows versions.
## When Would You Need to Migrate Windows User Profiles?
Use a comprehensive Windows profile migration tool in the following scenarios:
- When migrating data to newly purchased computers in your enterprise.
- When upgrading existing computers to newer OS versions without losing user data.
## What Does User Data Migration Actually Migrate?
The Windows profile migration tool helps transfer the following:
**Folders from User Profiles:** Documents, Videos, Music, Pictures, Desktop files, Start Menu, Quick Launch, and Favorites.
**File Types:** .accdb, .ch3, .csv, .dif, .doc*, .dot*, .mdb*, .mpp, .one*, .ppt*, .pst, .pub, .rtf, .txt, .vsd, .xls*, and more. *Note: The asterisk (*) denotes zero or more characters.*
**Operating System Components:** Accessibility settings, group memberships, fonts, keyboard/mouse configurations, modem options, and taskbar settings are migrated between supported Windows versions (Windows 7 to Windows 8 and above).
## How to Download the User Profile Migration Tool (USMT)
To perform user profile migration, install the latest **Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK)**. Ensure the following components are selected during installation:
1. Deployment Tools
2. Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE)
3. User State Migration Tool (USMT)
Once installed, OS Deployer automatically uses USMT for profile migration. You can also manually download the Windows ADK if required.
## How to Back Up and Restore Windows User Profiles Using OS Deployer
Follow these step-by-step instructions for user profile migration:
1. [How to back up user profiles](https://www.manageengine.com/products/os-deployer/help/imaging/backing-up-user-profiles.html)
2. [How to migrate user profiles](https://www.manageengine.com/products/os-deployer/products/desktop-central/help/os-deployment/creating-templates-with-user-profiles.html)
## Operating Systems Supported for Backup and Data Restoration
| For Backup | For Restoration |
|---|---|
| - Windows 7
- Windows 8
- Windows 10
- Windows 11 | - Windows 10
- Windows 11 |