Will data be retained after reinstalling or updating Windows?

Question

Windows

I recently wanted to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
But I noticed that many complain about bugs and exploits on the new Windows. I decided to wait at least half a year until MS fixes all the bugs.

In the meantime, I will ask a very important question that interests me:
I have half a terabyte of important files on my computer, will they be saved if I install a new Windows?
And if not, what software can be used to save?

Upd: I will clarify that I do not have any media that could hold so many files (They are really very important)

Answer 1

If the data is really important - think about the backup storage. This is the only way to hope for their safety.
When updating, all data is saved.
A "clean" installation involves deleting the system volume (usually the c: drive) with all the data. The remaining volumes (d: e: etc.) can be left alone.

Answer 2

Imagine a situation. Your data is now on some disk. And on some unlucky day (maybe tomorrow!) this disk will simply die. Has the right, like absolutely any electronic device. Everything, no data. Your actions?
Really valuable data requires time and money to organize its backup. Otherwise, all talk about their importance is empty chatter.

Answer 3

If you install Windows on the same partitions without formatting, then the data will be saved.
In general, it is common practice to allocate a separate partition on the disk for data, not the system partition. Then you can safely reinstall the system with formatting the system partition, the main thing is not to touch the data partition.
At the expense of backing up important data - I completely agree with "the previous speakers" - if the data is stored in a single copy, then sooner or later you will lose it.

Answer 4

It depends on what and how you will do
. Nothing is deleted during a standard update.
When reinstalling without formatting the disk, the data is transferred to the Windows.old folder
. In general, any such operations are associated with the risk of data loss. Therefore, a backup is usually made. How and where (buy an external screw, cloud, something else) is up to you
. I'm for the cloud. It's more reliable than an external screw