I have a ntfs file system in my c: driveDepends on how your files are stored (i.e. system partition Vs separate drives/partitions) and the method you used (e.g. upgrade Vs clean install or 'erase and install' Vs 'resize and install').
In any case, I'd advise making a backup.
Some more context may help, especially since you're looking at two wildly different potential scenarios.
From Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, your data will be safe automatically if you select the proper option.For example: when going from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, or from Windows 10 to Linux
And he should still backup any files he can't afford to lose because glitches exist and mistakes happen.From Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, o¡your data will be safe automatically if you select the proper option.
From Windows to Linux, you will need to make a backup yourself before installing Linux in the same storage device unless you setup a dualboot and install each OS on its own partition.
Yea but i wanna know from everyone elseDidn't you just ask me all these questions yesterday? And I gave you all these same answers/ recommendations
To install Linux, you have to shrink your Windows partition to make empty unpartitioned space. EaseUS Partition Master can do this.For example: when going from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, or from Windows 10 to Linux
Assuming that you are switching to Linux or you want a fresh Windows install, if you can, get a second hard drive. When you install, disconnect the first drive, install the new OS to the second drive, then reconnect the first drive. You might need to fiddle with the bios a bit to get it to boot the right OS after you reconnect the first drive, but there is no risk of losing files that way.
I wouldn't recommend that method for dual-booting operating systems, its way too tedious. There are options when you install an OS for the first time, that ask you which HDD you want to install it to.Assuming that you are switching to Linux or you want a fresh Windows install, if you can, get a second hard drive. When you install, disconnect the first drive, install the new OS to the second drive, then reconnect the first drive. You might need to fiddle with the bios a bit to get it to boot the right OS after you reconnect the first drive, but there is no risk of losing files that way.
Wow, that sounds rude (and isn't helpful the least).Why do I have a feeling op is going to lose a lot of files and that the move to a different os is going to go terribly wrong? If the initial question had to even be asked, I can't see Linux as being a good choice either.
That is certainly a way for a desktop PC (or a laptop with at least two connectors for HDD/SSD). I've done that very recently because not trusting either the Windows setup or myself as far as I can throw. Now I (ab)use BIOS boot selection menu for dual boot purposes (WinXP and Win10) on a secondary computer.Assuming that you are switching to Linux or you want a fresh Windows install, if you can, get a second hard drive. When you install, disconnect the first drive, install the new OS to the second drive, then reconnect the first drive. You might need to fiddle with the bios a bit to get it to boot the right OS after you reconnect the first drive, but there is no risk of losing files that way.
Wait, did this (custom option) actually change? Last I remembered it doesn't actually wipe the existing formatted partition or the OS, it just moves them to Windows.old folder.View attachment 409646
If you do a windows upgrade you can keep your files, but you can't keep your files if you install Linux over windows.
When you do the upgrade option it keep your files and setting. The bottom custom option wiped your current operating system, repartition the drive and reinstall windows.
Wait, did this (custom option) actually change? Last I remembered it doesn't actually wipe the existing formatted partition or the OS, it just moves them to Windows.old folder.
I have just tried this custom option and have confirmed that it does not wipe Windows or it's partition. Granted only Windows and it's related partitions were on the drive, no other partitions. Only time it creates a partition if it is unformatted or the drive is unallocated. Windows and everything tied to Windows gets moved to Windows.old regardless of versioning. Any files that isn't inside of the Windows location like userprofile, those file do survive. For example a file stored on the root of the drive survives the custom option install. Everything inside of userprofile will most likely be move to windows.old. I have tried this with the latest 23H2 Windows 11 iso file.upgrade keep your files, custom delete the old partition and reformat the drive. Windows.old is a backup of older windows if you go from like windows 10 to Windows 11.