How to upgrade Windows without losing data and apps?
Jul 08, 2025 am 02:02 AMThe key to ensuring data and application security when upgrading Windows is to backup in advance, select the appropriate upgrade method, and pay attention to system compatibility. 1. Use the built-in "Retain Files" function of Windows, select "Retain Files and Personal Settings" when upgrading through Media Creation Tool, provided that the current system can run normally and disk cleaning is performed in advance; however, some old or unofficial store applications may need to be reinstalled. 2. Manually back up important data to external devices or cloud, including documents, photos, download directories, etc., and synchronize browser bookmarks and passwords; it is recommended to check the installation path and copy it in advance for large software. 3. Check the compatibility of hardware and drivers, confirm that the computer configuration supports the new system version, check whether there is a corresponding driver on the manufacturer's official website, or use the "Windows Compatibility Checker" to avoid problems such as black screen and inability to connect to the Internet after upgrading. The system can be rolled back if necessary.
What I fear most when upgrading Windows is that data and applications are lost. In fact, as long as the method is correct, the whole process can be very safe. The key is to backup in advance, choose the appropriate upgrade method, and pay attention to system compatibility.

1. Use the built-in "Retain Files" feature in Windows
Microsoft's official upgrade tools (such as Media Creation Tool) will provide several options during the installation process, among which "keep files and personal settings" is the most suitable practice for not wanting to reinstall the system.

- This option preserves your personal files, installed applications and system settings
- The premise is that the current system can still run normally, otherwise this method may not be used.
- Before upgrading, it is recommended to clean up the disk first to free up space to avoid getting stuck in the middle.
It should be noted that although most programs can be retained, some old or unofficial store applications may have problems and need to be reinstalled after upgrading.
2. Back up important data to external devices or cloud
Even if you choose to keep files, don't rely entirely on the system to automatically process it. Manually backing up key information is a good habit.

- You can copy documents, photos, download directories, etc. to USB drive, mobile hard drive, or cloud services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.
- Browser bookmarks, passwords, and extensions can also be saved through synchronization functions.
- If there are a large number of games or large software, it is recommended to check whether the installation path is on the system disk separately and copy it out in advance
This step seems simple, but many people tend to ignore hidden files or system settings related to configurations, resulting in missing during recovery.
3. Check hardware and driver compatibility
Before upgrading, it is best to confirm whether the computer configuration supports the new system version, especially the old models.
- Check the minimum system requirements on Microsoft's official website
- Especially for users who use independent graphics cards, printers, sound cards and other peripherals, it is recommended to go to the manufacturer's official website in advance to see if there is a corresponding driver.
- If you are not sure, you can run the "Windows Compatibility Checker" on your current system
If the driver does not match, there may be problems such as black screen and inability to connect to the Internet after upgrading. At this time, you may need to manually update the driver or temporarily fall back to the system.
Basically these are the operations. Prepare in order and performing upgrades can greatly reduce the risk of data and application loss.
The above is the detailed content of How to upgrade Windows without losing data and apps?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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