Moving your Family Tree Maker (FTM) software to a new computer may feel confusing, but the process is actually simple if you follow the right steps. Whether you upgraded your computer or switched to a new one, this guide will help you transfer Family Tree Maker, your family tree files, and all media safely.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to migrate Family Tree Maker from an old PC to a new PC without losing any data. The steps are explained in easy language so anyone can follow them.
Why You Need to Migrate Family Tree Maker to a New PC
People upgrade their computers for many reasons—speed, storage, or performance. But your family tree information is important, and you must move it safely.
Migrating FTM helps you:
- Keep your existing family tree data
- Transfer photos, charts, and historical records
- Avoid errors or missing media
- Sync your tree easily on the new device
How to Migrate Family Tree Maker Software from Old PC to New PC
Follow these simple steps to move your Family Tree Maker software and data.
Step 1: Install Family Tree Maker on the New PC
Before transferring any files, you must install the FTM software on your new computer.
How to install Family Tree Maker
- Visit the official Family Tree Maker website.
- Download the latest version or the same version you used on your old PC.
- Install the software and activate it with your registered email.
Tip: Using the latest version (FTM 2019 or FTM 2024) helps avoid migration issues.
Step 2: Create a Backup File on Your Old PC
To migrate FTM safely, you must create a complete backup using the FTMB format.
How to create a full backup
- Open Family Tree Maker on your old PC.
- Go to File > Backup.
- Choose Include Media Files (very important).
- Select a location to save the backup file (USB drive recommended).
- Click Save.
Your backup file will look like:
YourTreeName.ftmb
Step 3: Move the Backup File to Your New PC
Now transfer the backup file to your new computer.
You can use:
- A USB flash drive
- External hard drive
- Cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive)
- Email attachment (if the file is small)
Copy the FTMB backup file to your new PC’s Downloads folder or Desktop.
Step 4: Restore the File on the New PC
This step will load your entire family tree into the new installation of Family Tree Maker.
How to restore the backup
- Open Family Tree Maker on your new PC.
- Go to File > Restore.
- Select the FTMB file you transferred.
- Choose a location to save the restored family tree.
- Click Restore.
Your complete tree—data, charts, and media—will now appear on the new PC.
Step 5: Reconnect Media and Sync (If Needed)
If you use online syncing (Ancestry or FamilySearch), reconnect it on the new PC.
To reconnect Ancestry/FamilySearch
- Open FTM
- Select your tree
- Click Sync Now
- Log in to your accounts
Important Tips for a Smooth Migration
- Always use the latest version of Family Tree Maker
- Make sure to include media when creating backups
- Avoid copying FTM folders manually
- Use the official FTM backup and restore tools
- Keep your old PC until you confirm everything migrated correctly
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Conclusion
Migrating Family Tree Maker software from an old PC to a new PC is easy when you follow the right steps. Just install FTM on your new computer, create a full backup on your old PC, transfer the backup file, and restore it. Within minutes, your entire family tree—with all media—will be ready on your new device.
This simple method ensures you never lose your valuable family history data.
FAQs
1. Can I migrate Family Tree Maker without a backup?
No. You must create a backup to safely transfer your family tree and media to a new PC.
2. Will I lose my photos or documents?
No, as long as you choose Include Media Files when creating the backup.
3. Can I install FTM on multiple computers?
Yes, Family Tree Maker allows installation on more than one device.
4. Do I need to uninstall FTM from my old PC?
No, it’s optional. You can keep it unless you want to free space.
5. What file do I need to transfer to the new PC?
You need the .ftmb backup file created from your old PC.