Will installing a new OS delete all the hard disk partitions?

What do I need to do to in order to have all my files? (Answer also in a comment, if you can)


  • Total voters
    0

tal1997

Reputable
May 6, 2014
4
0
4,510
Hello,
I have a Windows 7 32 bit computer with one 1TB Hard Drive. I have two partitions- C, where the OS and programs are installed, and D, where everything else goes.
If I format and install Windows 8.1, will the whole hard drive be wiped, or just the C partition?
What I mean is I want to know if I should backup all my thing to an external drive (which currently I don't have), or is it okay to leave everything on disk D and not worry that it will be deleted.

Thanks in advance! :)
 
Windows will see each partition as a separate drive when installing. You will be able to install Windows onto the C partition without affecting the other. Just remember during your install, do not choose the option to delete the partitions and you will be fine.