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How to Upgrade to Windows 11 Without Losing Data [5 Steps]

Find out what are the best options you have at your disposal

8 min. read

Updated onOctober 3, 2024

updated onOctober 3, 2024

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More and more users seem to be interested in upgrading their OS. In these terms, they frequently asked if it is possible to install Windows 11 without data loss, and the answer is yes!

Before anything else, ensure that you get it correctly, so do not hesitate to check out our complete guide onhow to download Windows 11.

However, if you notice that yourPC can’t run Windows 11, discover some methods on how to solve this error with ease.

Data loss is a serious problem, especially in the business environment, because it consumes time and sometimes even money to restore or recover information. But let’s take a look at some popular causes of losing data.

What are the most common reasons for data loss?

Many different factors can cause data loss, and each poses a unique problem for data recovery:

Before getting into the steps on how to install the new OS without losing data, you should check if your PC is eligible for Windows 11.

We have an excellent guide onhow to download Windows 11 ISO or update from Windows 10that also will help you find out if your PC is ready for the new OS.

Also, although the solutions we provide here were tested and work, there are a lot of other problems you may encounter, so before starting, you should create a backup of all your data to be on the safe side.

That being said, we’re going to show you some easy ways to install Windows 11 without data loss.

How can I upgrade to Windows 11 without losing data?

1. Use Windows Update to upgrade Windows 10 to 11

1.Click theStartbutton and selectSettings.

2.SelectUpdate & Security.

3.Click on theCheck for updatesbutton.

Locate the Windows 11 update.
Click to download and install it. It will start to download and then, the installation will begin. You will also be prompted for a restart.
Watch the process carefully and when asked if you want to keep your files, you should stay on that path.

The easiest way to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 without losing data is via Windows Update. Basically, you need to go to the Windows Update section and install Windows 11 from it as if it were a regular Windows 10 update.

2. Download the Windows 11 ISO

The installation process will start, and along the way, you will be asked if you want to keep your files, so that’s what you need to choose.

3. Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

This is the easiest way to install Windows 11 if your PC is meeting all the requirements because theInstallation Assistantwill perform all the tasks for you.

However, along the installation process, you will be asked if you want to keep your files so make sure you do that in order to preserve your data.

We also have a guide onhow to install Windows 11 without using the Assistantso if you have any reasons to avoid this path, you will find out how to do that.

4. Use the Media Creation Tool

Although we already mentioned this in the previous steps, we can’t stress enough the fact that during the installation you will be asked whether you want to keep your files so you should follow that path.

If your PC is not prepared with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, this solution will not work for you because when the installation starts, those requirements will be checked.

However, we have a complete guide onhow to install Windows 11 without TPM and Secure Bootthat will help you avoid this issue.

5. Use a Virtual Machine software

This is only a brief explanation of how to go through the process. For more detailed information, check out this guide onhow to run Windows 11 on VMand test it to the limit.

How to update Windows 7 to Windows 11 without losing data?

We’re afraid that we don’t have great news in that department. If you’re still running Windows 7, you can’t just cross over to Windows 11 straight away.

Unfortunately, you will have to proceed with a fresh install of Windows 11. It’s not even possible to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

However, you can purchase Windows 10 and then upgrade it to Windows 11 for free but if you want things to go smoothly, we strongly advise switching to the new OS directly.

We have a guide onhow to upgrade your PC from Windows 7 to Windows 11that will provide you with more details about this matter.

How can I prevent data loss in Windows 11?

You’ve seen at the beginning of this article some of the most common reasons for data loss, so here’s how to prevent such annoying situations:

➡Use antivirus software– Be sure to use and constantly update the antivirus software on your OS. If you can’t decide which one is the most efficient, check these antivirus options for Windows 11 that you should try out today.

➡Always keep your computer clean and dry– As we mentioned before, you might be losing data due to hardware and hard drive crashes. Thus, to maintain them safely and running properly, you have to ensure that your PC is avoiding any liquids or dirt.

➡Back up your data– This option might be the most useful one because it guarantees success in any situation, no matter how scary it is. There are plenty of methods to do that, such as using a USB stick, an external hard drive, or Cloud Storage.

Also, we can suggest going through our list including thebest local data backup software, and keeping your files secured at all times.

As you can see, there are some available and simple ways to install Windows 11 without losing important data. We ensured to deliver only the most secure options, so you won’t get into trouble.

In case you’re on Linux distribution, we have a guide on how tochange from Endless OS to Windows 11that can help you make the switch.

Any other thoughts related to this subject? If so, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the section below.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11 Without Losing Data [5 Steps]#

What are the most common reasons for data loss?#

How can I upgrade to Windows 11 without losing data?#

1. Use Windows Update to upgrade Windows 10 to 11#

2. Download the Windows 11 ISO#

3. Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant#

4. Use the Media Creation Tool#

5. Use a Virtual Machine software#

How to update Windows 7 to Windows 11 without losing data?#

How can I prevent data loss in Windows 11?#