How to Move a Downloaded Skool Course to a New Computer

Move the course as a library, not a collection of loose files

A downloaded Skool course is portable only when its module folders, filenames, manifest, permission notes, and verification state move together. Copying MP4 files from Downloads to a new computer can destroy the order and context that made the archive useful.

Use this process for course material you own or are permitted to store on the destination device.

Prepare the source computer

Before connecting a drive or starting a network transfer:

1. Finish active downloads and close incomplete jobs.
2. Move questionable files into 98-needs-review.
3. Run the beginning-middle-end verification test.
4. Confirm module and lesson numbering.
5. Update the manifest with final relative paths.
6. Record the archive date and operator.
7. Compare the folder against the permitted course inventory.

Do not transfer a mixed Downloads folder and promise to sort it later.

The course organization system provides the folder and manifest structure.

Choose the transfer method

For drive selection and Mac/Windows filesystem choices, read Save a Skool Course on an External Drive.

Keep relative paths

The manifest should record:

03-implementation/04-connect-the-data-source.mp4

Avoid a source-computer path such as:

C:\Users\name\Downloads\Skool\03-implementation\04-connect-the-data-source.mp4

Relative paths survive changes to usernames, drive letters, and mounted-volume names.

Transfer one top-level folder

The course should travel like this:

course-name/
  00-course-record/
    manifest.csv
    readme.txt
  01-start-here/
  02-foundations/
  03-implementation/
  90-replays/
  98-needs-review/

Copy the top-level course-name folder. Do not drag individual modules separately unless the transfer method cannot handle the complete size.

If splitting is necessary, record each completed module and do not delete the source until the destination inventory matches.

Verify the destination, not only the copy dialog

On the new computer:

1. Compare top-level folder and module counts.
2. Open the manifest from the destination.
3. Test the first and last lesson in several modules.
4. Test at least one long replay and one detailed screen recording.
5. Confirm the default player supports picture, audio, and seeking.
6. Resolve any codec issue without overwriting the working source.
7. Update the manifest with the destination verification date.

A successful transfer message confirms that the operating system finished a copy operation. It does not prove every file is useful.

Use How to Verify Downloaded Course Videos for the media checks.

Moving between Mac and Windows

When an external drive must be writable by both systems, choose the filesystem before placing the only archive on it. exFAT is a common cross-platform choice, while APFS is Mac-focused and NTFS is Windows-focused with limited default macOS write support.

Formatting erases a drive. Confirm the exact target and protect existing data before making filesystem changes.

Filenames also need to work on both systems. Avoid Windows-reserved characters and use short numbered names.

Do not confuse transfer with backup

If the course matters, keep two independent approved copies after the move. A migration that deletes the source immediately leaves one point of failure.

For a creator-owned business archive:

• retain the old source until the new computer is verified;
• keep a separate backup drive or managed storage copy;
• open samples from the backup;
• document where each copy lives;
• limit access to people covered by the permission or license.

Reinstall the extension separately

Course MP4 files can move independently of the browser extension. On the new computer, obtain the correct current extension build through the SERP Store account and follow the installation guide.

Do not copy browser cookies, profiles, or session data as part of the course archive. Sign in normally on the new device.

Transfer checklist

• Active jobs are finished and failed files are separated.
• The source archive passes verification.
• The manifest uses relative paths.
• The entire top-level course folder is included.
• The transfer method has enough capacity and appropriate access controls.
• The destination folder and module counts match.
• Representative files open on the new computer.
• The old copy remains until destination verification is complete.
• A second independent approved copy exists.
• The extension is reinstalled normally without copying sessions or cookies.

For a full creator migration rather than a device move, use How to Back Up Your Own Skool Community Before Moving.

Official migration references

For operating-system-specific steps, use Apple's Migration Assistant guidance or Microsoft's external-storage transfer guide. These can move the broader computer account; the verification and permission checks above still apply to the course archive itself.

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Last substantively reviewed August 3, 2026. See our editorial and corrections policy.