Awkward windows 11 upgrade
Awkward windows 11 upgrade
Hello, your i9-9900k stopped working while using Windows 10, and you're planning to upgrade to Windows 11. You want to keep your SSDs intact but avoid formatting them because they contain important data. Since the CPU is already dead before installation, you're looking for a way to proceed without losing that data. You might need to purchase a new SSD or use a method that preserves your current files while installing the new OS.
Install the new CPU/rig and keep the old drive; it should start Windows 10 if undamaged. If that fails, replace the drive, reinstall Windows, connect the new SSD, and transfer your files.
Was BitLocker still running on your Windows 10 system? Usually, the safest approach is to reset your drive and recover your files before proceeding further.
dont in-place upgrade if you care about your data. it'll likely work fine.. but there's a not insignificant chance that your windows install will eat itself and you're left recovering your data from a bricked install.
Store data on a separate drive or partition. Make sure to back everything up. Then set up W11 on that new location. Keeping files together with the operating system is not advisable. If you're using several SSDs, clear any existing data during installation just to simplify things and avoid confusion for the installer. Avoid simply transferring an outdated OS from another computer to a new one. Over time, mistakes can accumulate, so it's better to start fresh on a clean system. Upgrading in place isn't ideal—it may function properly but still carries the same risks if the previous setup wasn't stable.
Consider updating the motherboard and CPU, then restarting your existing Windows 10 setup. It could have minor issues because of the hardware change, but it should still function adequately for backing up vital information to an external storage. After that, disconnect all drives except the boot drive, perform a fresh installation of Windows 11, and reinstall everything else. Once done, restore your data from backups stored elsewhere. This approach highlights the importance of a solid backup plan with off-site copies of critical files.
The upgrade stands apart from data recovery efforts. I’d focus first on backing everything up, then address concerns. If you purchase a new SSD for Windows installation, I’d advise not disconnecting the old drive—leave it connected until you’re ready to reinstall.