Transitioning to a New PC: Seeking Advice for a Seamless Setup Continuation

[Callmebymyname]

I am a new linux user and need help with migration currently using Manjaro Linux on my Surface Laptop , but I’m now making the switch to a new brand of PC with a different configuration. My goal is to ensure a smooth transition where I can simply boot up and continue where I left off.

Here’s a brief overview of my current setup:

Old Config:

    OS: Manjaro Linux x86_64
    Kernel: 6.9.9-1-MANJARO
    DE: Plasma 6.0.5
    WM: KWin
    CPU: 11th Gen Intel i7-11370H  
    GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Mobile 
    GPU: Intel TigerLake-LP GT2 [Iris Xe Graphics]

Now, I’m moving to a new PC:

New PC:

    CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
    GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Max-Q / Mobile
    GPU: Intel Arc Graphics

I’m seeking advice on how to smoothly transfer my current Manjaro seup to the new PC. Specifically, I want to:

Transfer Settings and Configurations: Is there a recommended method or tool to migrate my current setup, including desktop environment settings, applications, and configurations?
Ensure Compatibility: How can I ensure that Manjaro runs optimally on my new hardware configuration?
Handle Driver Updates: Are there any specific considerations or steps I should take regarding drivers for components like the CPU, GPU, and other peripherals?

Additionally, any tips or recommendations on adjusting to a new PC setup would be greatly appreciated. My aim is to minimize downtime and maximize productivity during this transition.

Thank you all for your help and insights!

Note, Manjaro is installed on an SSD which makes it movable and i tried to boot already on the new pc but it never get to login screen and its all black screen and i am guessing its a driver issue

[linux-aarhus]

@Callmebymyname

I’m seeking advice on how to smoothly transfer my current Manjaro seup to the new PC

There is various packages to do so - what is more important is understanding what and why.

You should only transfer files stored in your home folder. The rest will be handled by the installer.

The basics for doing such a transfer is explained in this topic alongside a basic script

[root tip] [Utililty Script] Backup configuration and package list

Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ Use the script to backup important config. create list of explicit installed packages backup common configuration to archive Use case - transfer common configuration and package list to other systems Open an editor and paste below script into it - save the file as ~/backup-config.sh #! /bin/bash # # Script for backing up configuration and package lists # # This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify # it under the terms of the Affero GNU…

@Callmebymyname

My aim is to minimize downtime and maximize productivity during this transition.

I had to do some thinking on that requirement

Today I remembered - that is how I arranged myself years back. Your reason is different than mine - not only do I often switch hardware - I also do installs to test how I respond to changes in distribution philosophies if I were to use a given distribution on a regular base.

The basics of my personal arrangement is outlined in the following topic

[root tip] [How To] Move my home (content) to another partition

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Storing personal files on different partition Some Linux users like to experiment with their system and more often than not it leads to the decision of reinstalling the system. That repeatedly creates the issue on how to handle the home folder with configurations and personal files. The purpose of this document is to create an easy and convenient way of safeguarding personal data files while retaining the home folder. Preparation Filesystem Hierarchy Standard states The …

[BG405]

One way to do this may be to clone the SSD, then in the new machine, boot from Live USB and chroot into it, run pacman -Syu & install the updated nvidia drivers if they are different from your other machine.

Don’t forget to change the machine name both in the system and in e.g. Firefox settings.

Also: try removing quiet and splash from the GRUB commandline.

[soundofthunder]

Simply connecting your existing SSD to a new computer seems like a great idea in principle, however in practice, you will open the door for much unnecessary complication.

Your best resolution is to follow the advice given by @linux-aarhus – no, it will not be the seamless continuation you hope for – no procedure will be.

Your hardware is different; multiple graphics; the mainboard itself…

Is your /home on a separate partition?