Backing up preferences to a new OS

See also these transfer steps outlined by Apple using the Windows Migration Assistant:

"Move your data from a Windows PC to your Mac"

https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204087

When you say through the cloud, are you envisaging pushing your local settings and preferences up to the cloud then importing back to your Mac?

preference file locations,

acrobat: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1595848?start=0&tstart=0
adobe media encoder: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1713540
after effects: http://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/using/preferences.html
audition: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1079494
bridge: https://helpx.adobe.com/bridge/kb/troubleshoot-errors-freezes-bridge-windows.html
captivate: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/975032
dreamweaver: https://helpx.adobe.com/dreamweaver/kb/restore-preferences-dreamweaver-cs6-cc.html
flash: https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/using/set-preferences.html
fireworks: https://helpx.adobe.com/fireworks/kb/restore-preferences-fireworks-cs5.html
illustrator: http://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/setting-preferences.html
incopy: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/526990
indesign: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/526990
lightroom: https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/help/setting-preferences-lightroom.html
muse: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1127564 (message 7)
photoshop: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html
photoshop elements: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/kb/preference-file-locations-photoshop-elements.html, http://www.photokaboom.com/photography/learn/Photoshop_Elements/troubleshooting/1_delete_preferences_file.htm
prelude: https://helpx.adobe.com/prelude/using/prelude-set-preferences.html
premiere elements: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/kb/preference-file-locations-photoshop-elements.html
premiere pro: http://www.mediacollege.com/adobe/premiere/pro/troubleshooter/trash-preferences.html