The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Yes—you can keep your personal files when moving from Windows to Linux, but do not rely on the installation process to preserve them. First make a separate backup, verify that it contains the files you need, then install Linux and copy your files into it. If you want a gradual transition, you can install Ubuntu alongside Windows and continue starting Windows when needed; dual boot still changes the disk and is not a substitute for a backup.
What can you keep—and what needs to be moved separately?
Documents, photos, videos, music, downloads, project folders, bookmarks, email archives, and some application-specific data can be copied or migrated. Ubuntu’s file and settings transfer guide identifies these kinds of content as potential migration items.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Personal files are not the same as installed programs or their settings. A Windows application usually does not become a Linux application just because you copy its folder. Ubuntu notes that software must be made for Linux to run natively on Linux. Before switching, check whether each essential program has a Linux version or an alternative, and make sure you can access any required accounts, licenses, or data exports. See Ubuntu’s Windows-to-Ubuntu guidance.
Choose how you want to move to Linux
| Approach | Windows access | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Install Linux alongside Windows (dual boot) | You can choose to start Windows or Linux. | It requires installation and changes to the disk layout. Keep an independent backup, and check essential software compatibility before relying on Linux for all work. |
| Replace Windows with Linux | Windows is no longer available from the installed system. | Confirm your backup and application needs before installation. If you need Windows later, you may have to reinstall it or use another access method. |
Neither route is universally safest: the right choice depends on the Linux distribution, computer, disk layout, encryption, and installer options. Ubuntu describes dual boot as a transition option, not as a replacement for backing up your data.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Back up and check your files before installing
- Make an inventory. Check Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Downloads, Desktop, and any folders where you save work. Also consider browser bookmarks, email archives, project files, and application-specific data you need.
- Copy the files to a separate location. Use an external drive or another independent backup destination. Microsoft documents external storage as a way to transfer files between computers; applying that method to a Linux destination is a practical use of the storage device, not a Microsoft Linux migration tool. Ubuntu’s dual-boot guidance recommends backing up data files and settings to external media before setup.
- Verify the backup. Open the backup and confirm that important folders and representative files are present and readable. Microsoft explains that a backup is a copy of data intended to protect against loss or corruption in its Windows backup and recovery guidance.
- Check your applications. List software you depend on and confirm Linux versions or suitable alternatives. Do this before removing Windows, especially for work tools or apps that store data in a format you may need to export.
- Choose your installation route. Decide whether to keep Windows through dual boot or replace it, and follow the current installation instructions for your chosen distribution and computer.
Do not treat the Windows installer USB or the same internal disk you plan to repartition as your only backup. Ubuntu’s dual-boot instructions specifically recommend backing up first because installation and partition changes can affect data.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.After Linux is installed
- Copy the backed-up files into the appropriate Linux folders.
- Open a sample of important documents, photos, and project files to confirm they work.
- Install Linux applications separately and restore or import supported settings and data as needed.
- Keep the backup until you have confirmed the Linux copies and established a working backup routine on the new system.
The exact installation and partitioning steps depend on your distribution and computer. Disk layout, encryption, firmware, and installer choices all matter, so there is no single partitioning recipe that is safe for every machine.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
