Does Upgrading to Windows 11 Delete Everything?

Will I lose anything if I upgrade to Windows 11?

In October 2021, Microsoft released Windows 11, marking a major milestone in the evolution of its Windows NT operating system, succeeding the widely used Windows 10 launched in 2015. Transition is a free upgrade to Windows 11 if your Windows 10 device meets the updated system prerequisites.

People have been hesitant to update their systems due to concerns that files might be lost during the upgrade process. This concern echoes anxieties over past Windows 10 launches, where users worried that files would disappear after the update.

"If I upgrade to Windows 11, will my files be deleted?" is a common query. Choosing to keep personal files and applications during upgrade ensures they are preserved. However, caution is recommended as files can still be inadvertently deleted or become inaccessible after upgrading in Windows 11.

✍Tips:
It's worth noting that some programs and settings are facing removal due to lack of compatibility with Windows 11. Examples include math input panels, lock screen quick states, tablet mode, wallets, and more.
But don't worry; we provide effective file recovery methods to eliminate your worries. Here, we provide a step-by-step guide to upgrade to Windows 11 without compromising data integrity.

How to upgrade to Windows 11 for free?

Before you start downloading the Windows 11 ISO file, you must thoroughly evaluate the Windows 11 requirements and fully understand its complexities. Then, follow the steps below to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 seamlessly and for free. It's worth noting that Insiders won't be able to upgrade directly using the "Check for Updates" button once Windows 11 is generally available for download. Comprehensive Windows 10 to Windows 11 transition.

Step 1. Press Windows + S to open Settings and select Update & Security to start the process.

Step 2. Navigate to Windows Insider Program and click Start to initiate the process. This step requires a Microsoft account.

Step 3. Then, follow the instructions exactly and select the desired experience and channel to get early Windows 11 preview builds on your system. It is recommended to select "Development Channel".

Step 4. Verify the Privacy Statement and Terms and click Restart Now to continue.

Step 5. After restarting, navigate to Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & Feedback to confirm that the "Optional diagnostic data" switch is activated. Finally, go back to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. This should bring up the latest Insider Preview build of Windows 11.

Step 6. Please wait patiently while Windows 11 downloads and installs automatically on your system to ensure a seamless transition.

How to recover files after updating to Windows 11

After the Windows 11 upgrade, files are found to be non-existent and immediate action is required to rescue data from an apparently uncooperative computer. Choose the direct and effective method by using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. This reliable bootable data recovery software simplifies the Windows 11 file retrieval process, solving common scenarios such as accidentally emptying the Recycle Bin during file cleaning, formatting the device without backup, suffering from a sudden virus attack, or Experiencing potential problems such as system crashes. I believe that AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional Edition can successfully cope with these challenges.

Note: If you worry about data loss after Windows 11 upgrade, you can clone the hard drive as a backup in advance.

Step 1. Open and run the software. Select "Recover" >“Recover Data” in the main Tab.

Step 2. Choose the hard drive on that you lost files, and then click “Start Scan”.

Step 3. All the deleted or lost files will be listed in this step. You can use Filter or Search box to find the target files.

Step 4. Confirm the files that you expect to retrieve, and then select “Recover file” to recover the missing files.

Conclusion

You can ensure a smooth transition to Windows 11 without losing any data by selecting the "Keep personal files and apps" option during the upgrade process. However, if data loss occurs during an operating system upgrade, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a reliable solution. This comprehensive file recovery software simplifies and speeds up the data recovery process, providing seamless remediation for any unforeseen data loss issues.

This reliable tool extends its functionality to efficiently move installed applications, thereby freeing up valuable storage space. It excels at MBR/GPT conversion, ensuring a smooth transition without affecting your data. Additionally, for Windows Server users, choosing a Server edition is critical to proactively manage your devices.