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For a standard in-place Windows 11 upgrade, Setup’s default Keep personal files and apps option keeps your personal files, installed apps and Windows settings. What happens changes if you select a different option or boot from installation media to perform a fresh installation. Back up important files first, and check critical apps and accessories with their vendors.
What is a Windows feature update?
A feature update installs a newer version of Windows and can add capabilities. It is different from a routine quality update, which arrives more frequently and typically contains smaller fixes and security updates. Microsoft describes that distinction on its Windows Update Assistant page.
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There is no single download size, installation duration or delivery date that applies to every PC. Devices can receive updates at different times, and the installation path depends on how you start it.
How can you install a feature update?
Wait for Windows Update
Windows can offer an update automatically when it is available for your device. Availability is not necessarily simultaneous across all PCs.
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Use Windows Update Assistant
Microsoft describes the Windows Update Assistant as a way to manually download and install the latest feature update on a compatible PC, including when you have not received it automatically or do not want to wait. Its support page says the Assistant supports x86/64 devices and does not run on ARM-based PCs. Check Microsoft’s current Assistant instructions for current availability and requirements.
Run Setup or use installation media
An upgrade started from within Windows can offer choices about what to keep. By contrast, booting from installation media to make a fresh installation wipes the existing Windows installation and the contents of the drive, according to Microsoft’s Windows installation guidance.
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What happens to files, apps and settings?
For an in-place Windows 11 upgrade, the result depends on the choice shown in Setup’s “Change what to keep” flow. Microsoft lists these options in its Windows 11 installation guidance:
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →| Installation choice | Personal files | Apps | Windows settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep personal files and apps (the default in the documented in-place upgrade flow) | Kept | Kept | Kept |
| Keep personal files only | Kept | Removed | Removed |
| Nothing | Removed | Removed | Removed |
| Fresh installation by booting from installation media | Existing drive contents wiped | Existing Windows installation wiped | Existing Windows installation wiped |
These descriptions apply to the specific installation paths shown; they are not a promise that an upgrade cannot fail or that every route preserves data. Microsoft’s Windows 11 upgrade FAQ says the default upgrade experience moves files and data to the new installation and recommends backing up before installing.
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Will your apps and accessories still work?
Microsoft expects most software and accessories that worked with Windows 10 to work with Windows 11, but this is not a guarantee for a particular program, driver or device. Changes in Windows architecture, security features or system requirements can affect older software. Before upgrading, check the current guidance from the publisher or manufacturer for any essential programs, drivers, printers and other accessories. Microsoft’s Windows 11 FAQ also directs users to check specific-product compatibility with its vendor.
What to do before upgrading
- Back up important files. Microsoft recommends a backup before installing a new Windows version. It names OneDrive and an external backup device as options. If your files are already synced to OneDrive, Microsoft says an additional backup action may not be necessary; verify that sync has completed and that important files are accessible. See the Windows backup guidance.
- Check compatibility. Confirm that essential apps, device drivers and accessories are supported by their vendors for the Windows version you plan to install.
- Review Setup’s keep option. If you want to retain apps and settings, confirm that Keep personal files and apps is selected before proceeding. Do not assume a fresh install from booted installation media has the same data-preserving behavior.
- Know your recovery route. If you may need to return to the previous Windows version, learn the limits of Go back before starting.
Can you recover files or return to the previous version?
Windows.old: a narrow, temporary file-recovery possibility
If you selected Nothing during an upgrade, Microsoft says personal files may be temporarily available in the Windows.old folder for 10 days. That possibility does not apply to a fresh installation from installation media or to Reset this PC. Microsoft recommends backing up before upgrading, resetting, refreshing or reinstalling; Windows.old is not a backup plan. See Microsoft’s Windows.old file-retrieval guidance.
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Go back: roll back the Windows version
Microsoft says the option to return to the previous version is usually available for 10 days after an upgrade. It keeps personal files, but removes apps and drivers installed after the upgrade and reverses settings changes. It is conditional: the Windows.old and $Windows.~BT folders must remain, and you may need the USB drive used for the upgrade. Follow Microsoft’s Go back instructions.
Uninstalling a routine update is a different action
Removing a selected Windows update is not the same as rolling back a feature upgrade. Microsoft says uninstalling an update leaves personal files and apps unaffected, although some updates cannot be uninstalled. The available steps are in its Windows recovery options.
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