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Thunderbolt Transfer Cable Setup Instructions

Last Update: October 28th, 2026
Article ID: 1328554

How to Set Up and Transfer Files With the Plugable Thunderbolt Easy Transfer Cable (TBT-TRAN)

Applicable To

  • Applicable Products: Plugable Thunderbolt Transfer Cable (TBT-TRAN)
  • Technology: Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, and USB4 equipped computers
  • Operating Systems: Windows 10 and Windows 11
  • Software: Easy Computer Sync

The Plugable TBT-TRAN Thunderbolt Easy Transfer Cable uses Thunderbolt technology instead of USB to help you transfer documents, media files, data, and memories between two Windows computers with confidence and security. It works with computers that have Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, or USB4 ports, and most setup and connection issues are resolved by following the steps below.

The Product Overview and Instructional video below provides an overview of the cable itself, software installation and setup, and demonstrates a transfer in real time.

 

Instructions

  1. Confirm that both computers have a Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, or USB4 port by checking for the Thunderbolt logo  next to the port
    Device Manager > Ports (COM & LPT) section

  2. If you're unsure whether a computer has Thunderbolt, press the Windows Key and the letter S at the same time to open a Search Window

  3. Type Thunderbolt into the search bar to look for installed software like the Thunderbolt Control Center
    Thunderbolt Control Center Installation from Microsoft Store

  4. On each computer, click the link below to download the latest version of Easy Computer Sync:

    Easy Computer Sync v3.0.0.3.zip

  5. Go into your Downloads folder and extract the contents of the zip folder

  6. Double click the installation file to install Easy Computer Sync. A step-by-step installation guide is available at this link: How to - Install Easy Computer Sync if you'd like to follow along

  7. Restart both computers to finalize the installation

  8. Plug one end of the TBT-TRAN cable into a Thunderbolt or USB4 port on each computer

  9. Start Easy Computer Sync on both computers

  10. If prompted, enter the 16-character alphanumeric Product Key, which is physically tied to the TBT-TRAN Transfer Cable like this:
    TBT-TRAN Product Key
    For more information about Product Keys, click here

  11. Choose the Transfer Mode that works for you. Detailed instructions for each of the three main modes are available below:

    • Sync Files mode - This mode is designed to sync two folders up between computers, making them have the same files and items
    • Transfer Data to New Computer mode - This mode is designed for one way transfer of files and folders between computers
    • Drag & Drop mode - This mode gives you manual control to drag and drop files and folders individually or grouped between computers

Expected Result

Easy Computer Sync moves past the “Waiting for Connection” screen on both computers, and the files and folders you selected appear on the destination computer once the transfer completes. Transfers between two computers run at up to 10Gbps.

If the Issue Persists

If you're not getting the expected result, review the common questions and fixes below:

  • I’m stuck at the “Waiting for Connection” screen and it isn’t changing!
    First make sure that you've installed the latest version of Easy Computer Sync onto both computers. Head up to Step 4 of the Instructions section to download the latest version of the software. If you're still stuck after trying the new software, try the additional steps in this article

  • My Computer is Thunderbolt Capable, but I don't seem to have software. What do I do?
    You can find information about installing Thunderbolt software at the link below:
    Additional Thunderbolt Connection information

  • My computers have USB-C ports / USB-A Ports. Will this work for me? (Reference)
    No. The TBT-TRAN is compatible with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB4 equipped computers only. If your computer is not equipped with these technologies, we would instead suggest to use our USB3-TRAN (USB 3.0) or our USB-EASY-TRAN (USB 2.0) Transfer Cables. Our USBC-AF3, is available if you need to adapt the cable to USB-C

  • What versions of Windows is this compatible with?
    The TBT-TRAN is compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows 10 and 11

  • If the cable is 20Gbps, why am I not getting that speed when transferring? (Reference)
    That's a great question! The cable is a 20Gbps Thunderbolt cable when connected to a dock for example. But, when in this linked mode between two computers, 10Gbps is the maximum the cable can achieve at this time

  • Will it transfer my programs and games?
    No. Programs and games must be installed using the original discs, installation files, or installed from the original service platforms like Steam and Adobe for example

  • Can I transfer Bookmarks, Outlook files, iTunes or other application-specific files?
    Yes. But, please note that Bravura Easy Sync cannot directly access/communicate with Outlook or other software applications. With that said, Outlook exports and some other program files can be transferred over just like any other files. These files and folders can be located in Easy Computer Sync for transfer and syncing. See the links below for more information:

If you're still having trouble, feel free to reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com with any questions or concerns and we'll be here to help.