Does Updating to Windows 11 Delete Files? Here's the Answer (2024)

FAQs

Will I lose all my files if I upgrade to Windows 11? ›

The upgrade will not affect your data or apps at all. Nevertheless, it's worth mentioning that it's a good idea to check for any compatibility issues or updates for your games once you have upgraded to Windows 11.

Windows 11 provides an option to wipe an entire drive or only the free space. It completely wipes the data by overwriting it with zeroes to ensure it cannot be recovered by any means. If you want to erase only selective files or folders, there is no option available on Windows 11.

If it's been more than 10 days after a successful upgrade to Windows 11, going back to Windows 10 will require you to perform a Clean Install of Windows 10 where you first need to backup your important files as they will be deleted in the process.

When you enable Storage Sense, your Windows 11/10 will automatically delete unused files when the computer is low on disk space. Thus, you can disable Storage Sense to stop Windows 11 from automatically deleting files.

Windows 11 is worth the update for most people. It comes with a wide range of new features, performance improvements, and design changes. As the latest Windows OS, it usually gets more attention than Windows 10, too. There's not too much risk in upgrading to Windows 11, either.

We recommend you back up your files before you install Windows 11. To learn how, see Back up your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive.

When you delete a file on your computer and empty the Recycle Bin, your data does not entirely disappear. Although the file is no longer visible in its original location and your operating system possesses it, a copy remains on your hard drive. The file will remain in the exact spot until another file replaces it.

Any of the files or applications won't be affected during the installation process of Windows 11. That is, Windows 11 Installation Assistant can keep all the data intact and seamlessly transition your computer to the new OS.

Keep personal files: This option will reinstall Windows while preserving your personal files and documents. Remove everything: This option will completely delete all files, applications, and settings before reinstalling Windows.

Upgrading your operating system (OS) can improve your device's performance, security, and compatibility. However, it can also pose a risk of losing your personal files, settings, and applications. To avoid this, you need to prepare your device and backup your data before you start the upgrade process.

Which is better Windows 10 or 11? ›

Both operating systems have similar security features, update processes, and compatibility with hardware and software. However, Windows 11 offers improved performance and features compared to Windows 10, making it a better choice for those looking for a more modern and efficient operating system.

The results for how long the Windows 11 installation process can take are varied, across the breadth of installation methods available. In some cases, it takes less than an hour, while there are rare reports of users experiencing multi-hour installation times.

Recycle Bin: As long as you didn't delete the files using the Shift+Delete shortcut, you should be able to find them in the Recycle Bin. Double click the Recycle Bin on the desktop, select the files to be recovered, and either drag and drop the files to the desired location or right click the file and select "Restore."

Execute the "Control Panel" app. Find "System and Security" → "File History" Click on "Restore personal files" (it's on the left sidebar) Browse through File History backup copies to find the one containing the deleted Word document → select the document (or documents) → click the green recovery button.

File History persists as a feature in Windows 11. You can use it to restore saved copies of Word documents from the File History backup drive. File History outweighs Recycle Bin and "Undo Delete", as it can retrieve files that have even been permanently deleted (and are no longer residing in the Recycle Bin).

Use the installation media to reinstall Windows 11

Select Change to determine what to keep: Select one of the following options, and then select Next: Keep personal files and apps – This will preserve your personal data, apps, and settings.

On Windows 11, after right-clicking a file, click on Show more options to open the menu and see the Secure Delete option in it. If you're on Windows 10, the Secure Delete option will be visible in the context menu when you right-click a file.