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System transfer · v2.0

Capture a Windows setup. Rebuild it anywhere.

Scalpel is a PowerShell tool with a simple window. It saves your installed software, service settings, drivers and chosen registry keys, then restores only the items you pick. It also removes optional Windows apps and installs common software.

Open Terminal or PowerShell on the Windows PC and paste the command.
  • Windows
  • PowerShell
  • Winget
  • Selective restore
Scalpel v2.0 | System Transfer
Scalpel's Gather data tab with checkboxes for installed software, Windows services, system details, third-party drivers, registry keys and the Microsoft app filter.

What it does

Everything you need to move, tidy and set up a PC

Each feature works on the items you select. Nothing is restored, removed or installed until you review the list and confirm.

  • System data collection

    Gather software, Windows service settings, system details, third-party driver information and selected registry keys.

  • Microsoft app filtering

    Exclude recognised Windows inbox apps and frameworks from software inventories and reinstall manifests.

  • Transfer-ready backups

    Save timestamped backups, and optionally create a ZIP archive to carry to another PC.

  • Backup import

    Import a Scalpel ZIP backup and scan it for the restore items it contains.

  • Selective restore

    Review and choose software, service startup settings, registry files and driver packages across separate tabs.

  • Registry tweaks

    Apply selected privacy, appearance, performance and network settings, including the RAM-based service-host threshold.

  • Optional app removal

    Review installed optional Windows apps and remove selected packages for the current user.

  • Software installation

    Browse software by category, select recommended packages, and install from Winget or the Microsoft Store.

  • Admin and reboot guidance

    Prompts for Administrator access when needed and flags the tweaks that require a restart.

  • Activity log

    Follow background operations as they run and review the results when they finish.

Walkthrough

Four tabs, one job each

Keep Scalpel open while a background operation runs. Progress and results appear in the Activity Log at the bottom of the window.

Choose what to capture

Collect only the categories you want into a timestamped backup folder.

  1. Select the categories: installed software, Windows services, system details, third-party drivers or registry keys.
  2. To export registry keys, keep or edit the paths in the text box. Enter one registry path per line.
  3. Exclude built-in Microsoft apps/frameworks is selected by default.
  4. Choose a backup destination. Scalpel creates a timestamped backup folder inside it.
  5. Select Create ZIP archive if you also want a .zip beside the folder for transfer.
  6. Select Gather selected data and watch the Activity Log.

Good to know. Driver collection needs Administrator access. The ZIP option is off by default. When it is on, Scalpel keeps the folder as well as the archive.

Gather data
Scalpel Gather data tab.

Registry tweaks

Pick the settings you want. Apply them in one go.

The Registry tweaks tab lists settings in four groups. Select the tweaks you want and choose Apply selected items. Reset selected tweaks runs the catalogue's reset action.

PrivacySettings that limit what Windows shares.
AppearanceSettings that change how Windows looks.
PerformanceIncluding the RAM-based service-host threshold.
NetworkNetwork behaviour, including an advanced IPv6 option.
RebootSvcHostSplitThresholdInKBScalpel calculates this value from your installed physical memory. It needs a restart to take effect.
AdvancedDisabling IPv6This can disrupt networking, needs Administrator access and also requires a restart.
About ResetReset is not an undoIt does not always restore a saved copy of your earlier settings. Depending on the tweak, it writes a catalogue value or removes the Scalpel override.

Moving to a new PC

Carry a backup across as a single ZIP

Turn on Create ZIP archive when you gather. Scalpel writes the .zip next to the timestamped backup folder.

Old PC

Gather and archive

Run Gather selected data with the ZIP option on. Copy the archive to the new PC.

Backup destination\ timestamped backup folder\ backup archive (.zip)
New PC

Import and scan

Open Reinstall / restore, choose Import ZIP…, select the archive and scan the extracted backup.

New PC

Review and apply

Restore items start unchecked. Tick what you need across the tabs, then apply and confirm.

Before you apply

Review each selection carefully

Restore and system-tweak actions can change Windows settings. These are the points worth reading first.

  • Administrator access. If Scalpel is not elevated, it asks whether to relaunch with elevated privileges. Driver operations and machine-wide registry tweaks need it.
  • Nothing starts selected. Restore items are unchecked by default, and every destructive action asks you to confirm.
  • Registry files can overwrite. Restoring a .reg file replaces existing values in those keys.
  • Drivers touch hardware. Driver installation can affect connected devices and needs Administrator access.
  • Restart flags. Scalpel marks the tweaks that need a reboot so you can plan for it.
  • Install only what you trust. Package availability can change, so check each ID and source before you confirm.

Get Scalpel

One command in PowerShell

Run Scalpel locally on the Windows PC you want to work on.

  • Windows with PowerShell or Terminal
  • Administrator access for drivers and machine-wide tweaks
  • Winget and an internet connection for software installs
Scalpel offers to relaunch as Administrator when a feature needs it.