---
title: "How to Upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 Without Losing Data"
description: "Upgrading from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 can often be done while keeping your personal files, as long as you prepare your system properly. Follow the steps below to reduce errors and protect your data during the upgrade."
url: https://help.activekeys.com/en/articles/26-how-to-upgrade-from-windows-81-to-windows-10-without-losing-data
collection: "Windows Installation Guides"
updated: 2026-02-12
language: en
---

# How to Upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 Without Losing Data

Upgrading from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 can often be done while keeping your personal files, as long as you prepare your system properly. Follow the steps below to reduce errors and protect your data during the upgrade.

**Step 1 – Confirm your PC can run Windows 10**  
Before starting, check that your computer meets basic Windows 10 requirements and has enough free storage. If your device is older or low on space, the upgrade may fail or performance may be limited.

**Step 2 – Back up important files (strongly recommended)**  
Even when the goal is to keep files, a backup is the safest approach.

Copy important documents, photos, and work files to an external drive, USB, or cloud storage. If you use email apps with local data files, make sure those are backed up as well.

**Step 3 – Free up disk space**  
Having extra space helps the upgrade complete smoothly.

Uninstall programs you no longer need, remove temporary files, and run Disk Cleanup if available. Aim to have at least 20–30 GB of free space if possible.

**Step 4 – Install pending Windows 8.1 updates**  
Upgrades are more reliable when Windows 8.1 is fully updated.

Open **Control Panel > Windows Update**, install all available updates, and restart as required until your system is up to date.

**Step 5 – Temporarily disable third-party security tools (if applicable)**  
Some antivirus or security utilities can interfere with system upgrades.

If you use third-party security software, consider disabling it temporarily during the upgrade. You can re-enable it once the upgrade is complete.

**Step 6 – Start the upgrade using Microsoft’s Windows 10 installer**  
Use Microsoft’s Windows 10 installation tool to initiate the upgrade on your Windows 8.1 PC.

Download the Windows 10 installer from Microsoft, run the tool, and choose the option to upgrade the current PC. When prompted, select the option to keep your personal files (and apps if available).

**Step 7 – Let the upgrade complete (expect multiple restarts)**  
The process may take time and will likely restart your computer several times. Avoid turning off the PC during the upgrade.

**Step 8 – Check your files after the upgrade**  
Once Windows 10 loads, verify your key folders such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. If anything seems missing, check for a **Windows.old** folder (if present), which may contain data from the previous installation.

**Step 9 – Install updates and drivers on Windows 10**  
After upgrading, install the latest updates to improve stability and security.

Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update**, install all updates, and restart if required. If hardware features such as Wi-Fi, audio, or graphics aren’t working correctly, install the latest drivers from your device manufacturer.

**Step 10 – Complete activation if needed**  
Some systems activate automatically after upgrading. If activation is required, go to **Settings > Update & Security > Activation** and follow the on-screen steps.