Then, a question comes: does upgrading to Windows 11 delete files?
To have experience with Windows 11, you may want to install this new operating system on your PC.
Before you do, you may ask a question: does upgrading to Windows 11 delete files?
Actually, it is not only the Windows 11 update.
As for this topic, we will show you the answer below.
Now, lets go to see it.
Does Installing Windows 11 Delete Everything?
The answer is not absolute.
In specific, this depends on how you install Windows 11 on your PC.
On theMicrosoft website, this giant offers multiple ways for you to get Windows 11.
(This way is called a reinstallation or a clean install.)
If you get an ISO file of Windows 11, mount it and double-grab the .exe file to run.
Depending on the option, the data you lose is also different.
If you use Windows 11 Installation Assistant to perform a Windows 11 update, nothing will be deleted.
These features are removed instead of the files.
The operation is easy and now lets move to the next part.
Any of the files or applications wont be affected during the installation process of Windows 11.
Step 2: Launch Windows 11 Installation Assistant on your Windows 10 PC.
When getting the User Account Control interface, clickYesto continue.
Step 4: Windows 11 Installation Assistant will start downloading and installing this new operating system on your PC.
This can last for some time.
During the process, you’ve got the option to keep using your Windows 10 computer as normal.
Step 5: After everything is ready, click theRestart nowbutton.
The PC can restart several times to finish the installation process.
So, wait patiently.
Later, the system is switched to Windows 11.
All the previous files and apps can be found on the PC after logging in to the new OS.
In short, Windows 11 Installation Assistant is an excellent way for upgrading Windows without losing data.
In the following part, we will show you other indirect ways to install Windows 11 without losing data.
Back up Crucial Data Before You Do
This is an important thing you should do.
Well then, how to backup Windows 10 before installing Windows 11?
Using a professional and freeWindows backup softwareis a good option.
Here, we recommend using MiniTool ShadowMaker.
Once something goes wrong, the backup can be used to perform a fast disaster recovery.
For data backup, you could also choose to sync files & folders besides image backup.
Now, get MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition by clicking the following button to have a try.
Step 2: ClickKeep Trialto continue.
Step 3: ClickBackupfrom the toolbar and choose the backup source & destination.
By default, system backup is the option.
Next, go toDestinationto choose a path to store the backup.
Step 4: ClickBack up Nowto start the data backup at once.
Now, lets see two indirect ways to install Windows 11 without losing data.
How to backup Windows 11 to an external hard drive or USB flash drive?
See this post that focuses on Windows 11 backup for files and system.
Step 1: Mount ISO
1.
This downloading process can take some time.
Right-punch the Windows 11 ISO file and chooseMountto get a folder.
Windows is preparing 100%.
After that, clickChange how Setup downloads updatesand chooseNot right now.
ClickNextand accept applicable notices and license terms.
You will be told what version of Windows 11 will be installed and what data you will keep.
To install Windows 11 without losing data, the first two options are recommended.
This tool is installing Windows 11.
This can take several minutes and wait patiently.
After creating a backup of files, you wont worry about data loss.
Or download and run Windows 11 Media Creation Tool tocreate a bootable USB drive.
How to use Rufus to create a bootable USB from ISO of Windows 11?
Get Rufus Windows 11 download and follow the steps in this post for this task.
Step 3: After selecting a language, keyboard method, and time format, clickInstall nowto continue.
Then, start installing the new OS to that drive for a clean install.
No matter which one you use, keeping your important data is important.
What if files are deleted after the Windows update?
Refer to the next part to know how to get lost data back.
A professional PC data recovery software MiniTool Power Data Recovery is recommended strongly here.
If yes, upgrade to a full edition to finish recovery.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
