If the Nothing option is selected in the Choose what to keep window when upgrading Windows, personal files aren't migrated to the new installation of Windows.
However, the personal files are temporarily saved to the Windows.old folder for 10 days. This article describes how those personal files can be retrieved from the Windows.old folder in cases where some or all of the files need to be retrieved.
Important:
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This method doesn't work in the following scenarios:
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When installation media is used to upgrade Windows, and a fresh copy of Windows is installed. Installing a fresh copy of Windows from installation media causes the hard drive to be formatted and all contents are lost.
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When the Reset this PC feature is used. The Reset this PC feature doesn't create a Windows.old folder.
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To prevent data loss, Microsoft highly recommends backing up files and settings before upgrading, resetting, refreshing, or reinstalling Windows. Files can be backed up to locations such as OneDrive or to an external USB flash drive.
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There are only 10 days to retrieve files from the Windows.old folder. The 10 days start from the time that Windows is upgraded. After the 10 days, most of the content of the Windows.old folder is automatically deleted.
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If a Window.old folder exists on a device, any subsequent attempts to install, upgrade, refresh, or reset Windows causes the Windows.old folder to be deleted and if applicable, a new Windows.old to be created. Any content in the original Windows.old folder is lost.
Retrieve files from the Windows.old folder
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Sign into the device where the personal files need to be retrieved as a user that has administrator privileges.
Important: An account with administrator privileges is required so user folders can be accessed in the Windows.old folder. If a non-administrator account is used, User Account Control prompts for a user name and password for an account with administrator privileges to access the user folders in the Windows.old folder.
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Right-click on the Start menu and then select File Explorer.
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In the File Explorer window that opens, under This PC in the navigation bar, select the C: drive.
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In the results pane, right-click on the Windows.old folder and select Open.
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In the Windows.old folder, right-click on the Users folder and select Open.
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Right-click on the folder that has the name of the user where files need to be retrieved, and then select Open.
Note: The message:
You don't currently have permission to access this folder. might appear. Select the Continue button to gain access to the folder and then try opening the folder again. -
Right-click on the folder that contains the files that need to be retrieved and then select Open. Example folders that usually contain user files are Documents, Pictures, and Desktop.
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Copy the files and folders that need to be retrieved by right-clicking on them and selecting Copy . Multiple files and folders can be selected at once.
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In File Explorer, navigate to the desired location where the files should be copied to and then right-click and select Paste .
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Repeat the steps for any additional files, folders, or users that need to be retrieved from the Windows.old folder.