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

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 is going to be available for new machines starting October 5, 2022. Windows 11 features a streamlined new design, with pastel colors, rounded corners, a new startup sound, and overall a more Mac-like look. Most devices available for purchase now will be upgradeable to Windows 11. But some people are complaining that they lost files after updating to Windows 11.

Will My Files Be Deleted When I Upgrade to Windows 11

Most people are wondering about this issue - will upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 erase all my files? The answer is No. As long as you select "Keep personal files and apps" during Windows Setup, you shouldn't lose anything. If you didn't select the option, you may be at the risk of losing data. But you do lose something when you upgrade to Windows 11. Here's what you're losing if you upgrade to Windows 11:

• News & Interests
• Math Input Panel
• Desktop Wallpaper
• Quick Status
• Touch Keyboard
• Tablet Mode
• Wallet...

These features are being removed in Windows 11 instead of your files. Since Windows 11 will be out soon, so we won't have a long time to wait to get our hands on the official version of this OS. If you want to upgrade to Windows 11 for free, you can follow the steps below:

How to Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 for Free

Before you are going to download Windows 11 ISO files, you must check Windows 11 requirements and know everything about it. Then, follow the steps below to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free. When the Windows 11 official version is generally available to download, none of the Insiders users can directly click the Check for updates button for a full Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade.

Step 1. Press Windows + S to open Settings and choose "Update & Security".

Step 2. Navigate to "Windows Insiders Program" and click "Get Started". You'll need the Microsoft account to continue.

Step 3. Then, follow the instructions to choose the experience and channel you want to get the early Windows 11 preview build on your computer. Choose "Dev channel".

Step 4. Confirm the "Privacy Statement" and terms and click "Restart Now".

Step 5. After restarting, go to "Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback" to check if the "Optional Diagnostic Data" switch is On. Finally, return to "Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update" and click "Check for updates". There you should be able to see the latest Insider Preview build for Windows 11. 

Step 6. Wait for the Windows 11 automatic download and install on your computer.

How to Recover Deleted/Lost Files After Updating to Windows 11

As I have mentioned before, even if you have data loss problems after a system upgrading, you can recover deleted files with data recovery software. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard works well in Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP, and Vista. It can completely recover lost videos, pictures, documents, and audio files after deleting, formatting, partition loss, OS crash, and other data loss scenarios.

Download this file recovery software and follow the steps below to restore lost data. Try the trial version first, and let this software scan the drive and check whether it can find your lost files.

• 00:00 - Lost Windows 11 Files
• 01:13 - Recover Files with Recycle Bin
• 01:59 - Restore Files with File History
• 03:39 - Run EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Step 1. Select a location and start scanning

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard and choose the partition where you lost data. Then, click "Search for Lost Data".

Step 2. Filter and preview files

Use the file format filter on the left or upper right corner to find the files you need. If you remember the file name, you can also search in the search box, which is the fastest way to find the target file. Then, you can click the "Preview" button or double-click a file to preview its content.

Step 3. Recover lost data or files

Click the checkbox next to the file and click "Recover" to restore the lost data to your local storage or Cloud drive.

Conclusion

Upgrading to Windows 11 doesn't delete any data as long as you click the "Keep personal files and apps" option. If you lose data during the OS upgrading process, turn to EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. This all-in-one file recovery software makes data recovery easy and fast.