The OP asked for an alternative to using a thumb drive. Some of us answered his question. NO need to debate.

Transfer files windows
 

Found this on GOOGLE How to Transfer Your Files to Windows 10 - dummies
CONFIDENCE

This.

kathy

Meant to state that the PC Mover box is UNOPENED! Still sealed in original box. Not used!

I'm beyond impressed with the suggestions. I'm leaning towards using a thumb drive as I have one already and the technology is low level.

Interesting that I worked in high tech for 36 years and hold a patent for Linux testing. Managed software engineering groups worldwide but I'm severely limited with pc technology. Had a pc issue, called IT support... augh...

Yes, started as a software engineer before going over to the 'dark side'. i.e. management.

Save everything to the Cloud, then you can use the files on any device that has internet access. You can download any of those files as needed and save them directly to your hard drive or a thumb drive when you want to, but they'll be there in the Cloud if you just need to "use" them and "put them back."

We use drop box and one drive from microsoft
 

Agree, just use a long and different password

tech guy

Icloud storage
 

Use cloud storage to get it wherever you are

You could create a free Dropbox account. You can drag or save files to it and access them from any machine. I use it often to transport files between my work and home pc's.

The size of your files may be more important than the number of files. If you have files of a total size larger than your thumb drive capacity, you would need to use the thumb drive several times (i.e., move some of the files to the new computer, delete those files from the thumb, repeat). If you already have a cloud storage account such as OneDrive or Google Drive, that would be somewhat simpler and perhaps more reliable depending on the total size of your files. But if you don't already have a cloud account, I suggest sticking with the thumb drive for simplicity in using what you already have.

Also, if you already have an online backup service such as Carbonite, you might be able to restore files backed up online to your new computer.

And, yes, I believe you will be able to maintain your directory structure from what you described.

You breakwefix on wedegewood..close to Culver's dose a wonderful job...

It takes about 90 seconds to create a "cloud account" if you don't have one.
Go to Google; create an account; that is your credentials for email and cloud storage.
Signin, open "Google Drive"; copy all files into it; go to other computer; signin using same credentialsd; copy files onto new computer.
DONE!:a040:

If you already have a Gmail account, then you have Google Drive whether you know it or not.
Google, read, do.....Easy Peasy

Whoa, all this talk about thumb drives and cables and cloud transfer. There's a simple, safe, fast, easy way: use a solid state drive, maybe 2 or 3 terabytes depending on the size of your files - 2 is a lot. Plug it into the USB port, open the folder containing the docs you want to transfer; then open the SSD drive. Copy and paste. SSD drives are fast. Then just leave the docs on the SSD for backup; you'll have plenty of room. You could also save several thousand photos on that drive; great for backup of all things.

Once you've used a SSD you'll not go back to antediluvian flash drives or old fashioned externals that are prone to failure.

use idrive, it backs up everything. Have used it for 4 years. have to subscribe but well worth it.
Online Cloud Backup and Storage | IDrive(R)

This is one of the many reasons I use a Chromebook. All my files are on the cloud and I buy as much cloud storage as I want. I never have to worry about getting a virus, if my Chromebook breaks, all I have to do buy a new one and just log on, it all comes back. If I'm writing the "great American Novel" and I'm about to enter the last letter and it breaks, again, I buy a new one and everything is there, right up to the last letter I entered. Anything I can't d on my Chromebook I use a Linux Mint PC. I haven't needed Windows for the past 3 years.