Windows 8 Upgrade

[SirDeadly]

Hey guys, I'm thinking about upgrading to Windows 8 and I have a question, I've looked for an answer but have gotten mixed responses so far. If I do upgrade to Windows 8, will I be able to keep all of my files (games, music, etc.) or will I have to put everything onto a portable hard drive before?

Thanks for your help.

 

[SirDeadly]

Or should I wait until Windows 9?

 

[SnowyGamester]

Yes, you can install a new copy of any version of Windows without losing any files. There is an option to keep all of your programs installed and user files in the same place, though that only works if you're upgrading (or perhaps reinstalling as well, I'm not sure). Alternatively you can install a completely fresh system that will keep all of your files (and will move them to a folder called Windows.old) but in this case you will have to reinstall everything (this will be your only option if you decide to go back to your previous Windows version). Honestly I've only ever used the second option since that way you don't keep any built up mess from the old install and there is less room for error.

The only way that you can completely lose anything on your hard drive is if you format it during the installation (which you can't easily do by accident).

 

[SirDeadly]

Yes, you can install a new copy of any version of Windows without losing any files. There is an option to keep all of your programs installed and user files in the same place, though that only works if you're upgrading (or perhaps reinstalling as well, I'm not sure). Alternatively you can install a completely fresh system that will keep all of your files (and will move them to a folder called Windows.old) but in this case you will have to reinstall everything (this will be your only option if you decide to go back to your previous Windows version). Honestly I've only ever used the second option since that way you don't keep any built up mess from the old install and there is less room for error.

The only way that you can completely lose anything on your hard drive is if you format it during the installation (which you can't easily do by accident).

Thanks for the help

 

[evilneko]

It depends on what version you're upgrading from. It's all explained on the upgrade site but:

XP - basically nothin.
Vista - Some profile stuff: my docs, appdata etc.
7 - Almost all profile stuff, AND most of your programs.