 Upgrading your system? Make space for Windows 11 and your family history For many of us in the genealogy community, our computers are our lifelines—our virtual libraries, archives, and research labs. But if you’re still running Windows 10, there’s an urgent deadline looming that could affect your access to security updates and compatibility with new genealogy software: Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. As a genealogist who just spent days cleaning and clearing my C: Drive, let me share what I learned from this digital deep-clean, and how you can avoid tech headaches while preserving your research and preparing your system for the transition. ⚠️ Why This Matters: The Windows 11 Upgrade Deadline Windows 10 will no longer receive updates after October 14, 2025, meaning your computer could become vulnerable to security threats—and some genealogy programs may eventually stop supporting it. Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just a click-and-go process. It requires a minimum of 64 GB free space on your C: Drive just to begin the upgrade, and ideally 20+ GB additional to temporarily store the old system files during the process. For genealogists, that’s a tall order—especially if you’ve been running Family Tree Maker or other data-heavy programs on your system drive for years. 💡 Lessons Learned from My Upgrade Prep Here are a few critical takeaways from my own prep process that I believe every genealogist should consider: 1. Don’t Store Research Files on Your C: Drive When I installed Family Tree Maker 2019 five years ago (waiting to upgrade to Windows 11 before I install my FTM 2024 I received a few months ago), it defaulted to the C: Drive on my then new computer. I hadn’t realized just how much space had accumulated--over 144 GB of media files, backups, and client folders. While this was fine back then, it became a major roadblock when preparing for the Windows 11 upgrade. System updates depend on having enough space on the system drive, and FTM data can quickly eat up that room. ✅ Genealogist Tip: If your computer has a data drive (D:), move your Family Tree Maker media and backup folders there and change the default path in FTM's settings. If you're using a laptop without a D: Drive, consider using a reliable external SSD as your default path. 2. Keep Multiple Backups—But Know Where They Live Before deleting anything, I backed up my Family Tree Maker folders and other important files in three different locations: an external SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, a Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD, and a WD Elements Desktop External Hard Drive. I also use cloud storage selectively for vital documents. ✅ Genealogist Tip: Always back up in at least two or three places—especially before moving or deleting any genealogy files. Think of it as digital preservation insurance for your life's work. 3. Clean Your Computer Regularly Even after deleting huge folders like Pictures, Videos, and Music, I noticed my C: Drive space mysteriously disappearing over time. Turns out, many apps and background processes slowly creep back in. ✅ Genealogist Tip: Schedule routine digital cleanups every few months. Uninstall unused apps, clear browser caches, and move or delete non-essential files. Use tools like Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense in Windows to automate some of this process. 🛠️ How to Move Family Tree Maker Files to Another Drive For those using Family Tree Maker, here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to changing the file path:
💻 What to Do If Your Computer Can’t Run Windows 11 If your device doesn’t meet the Windows 11 Upgrade hardware requirements (such as TPM 2.0 or processor compatibility), you have a few options:
🧬 Why This Matters for Genealogists We spend countless hours building, sourcing, and preserving our family trees. Losing access to updates, programs, or data because of a full C: Drive or outdated operating system could stall—or worse, derail—our work. By keeping our systems clean, our files organized, and our programs properly configured, we’re not just managing technology—we’re preserving history. Final Thoughts Cleaning up my computer was exhausting, but it was a wake-up call. Whether you’re preparing for the Windows 11 upgrade or simply trying to keep your system running smoothly, make this a regular part of your genealogical routine. It’s not just good computer hygiene—it’s good family history preservation. ✅ Quick Checklist for Genealogists
If you’ve recently gone through a digital cleanup, I’d love to hear about it. Share your experience in the comments below—or better yet, let us know your best tip for keeping your genealogy work organized and safe! More Genealogy Software and OrganizationLearn about more family history and genealogy software and organization under the Genealogy Software and Organization categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
2 Comments
 Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs Top 5 Genealogy Software ProgramsChoosing the right genealogy software can significantly enhance your research capabilities, organization, and presentation of your family history. Here are the top 5 genealogy software programs that provide robust features for genealogists of all levels. 1. Family Tree Maker Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs- Family Tree Maker Family Tree Maker is one of the most popular genealogy software programs, known for its comprehensive features and ease of use.
2. RootsMagic  Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs- RootsMagic RootsMagic is a versatile genealogy software program known for its powerful tools and flexibility.
3. Legacy Family Tree  Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs- Legacy Family Tree Legacy Family Tree is a feature-rich program that offers extensive options for organizing and sharing your genealogical research.
4. MyHeritage Family Tree Builder  Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs- Family Tree Builder MyHeritage Family Tree Builder is a free genealogy software program that offers robust features and integrates seamlessly with MyHeritage.com.
5. Reunion for Mac Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs- Reunion Reunion for Mac is a powerful genealogy software program specifically designed for Mac users.
These top 5 genealogy software programs offer a range of features to help you organize, analyze, and present your family history research. Whether you need robust source management, detailed charting, or seamless online integration, these programs provide the tools necessary to enhance your genealogical journey. More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More Top Genealogy |
Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family: Family History and Genealogy BlogI hope my family history and genealogy blog on genealogy research tips, resources, events, and more, along with my own genealogy journeys, will help you in your research and in building your family tree to learn more about your ancestors and family history to preserve for future generations to come! Categories
All
Featured
Top Posts
BlogrollEvalogue.Life, Heart of the Family, Molly's Canopy, Climbing My Family Tree, Cami Mayer, Field Genealogist, Ancestor Detective, DNA Breakthroughs, Your DNA Guide, Ancestral Findings, Genealogy Tip of the Day, Family History Daily, Genea-Musings
Come visit me at Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family if you're interested in starting your family history journey, booking me for your next speaking event, or family history and genealogy heirloom products!
          Archives
October 2025
|
RSS Feed
Ready to Discover your family's Story? Start Your journey Today! |
|
📌 Quick Links💡 Tips & Resources⚖️ Legal |
🧬 ServicesGenealogy Research | DNA Research | Brick Wall Research | Heir & Living People Search | Unknown Parentage Research | Ancestor Biographies | Publishing | Coaching | Workshops | Speaking
📚 Products |
📬 Stay Connected🕒 HoursMon–Sun: 8am – 8pm
🗺️ Map
|
|
Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists |
✨ Commitment
Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family is dedicated to promoting family history and genealogy, while maintaining commitment to client care and professional service, and adheres to the Code of Ethics and Professional Practices put forth by the Association of Professional Genealogists.
© 2016–2025 Diane Henriks | Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family. All rights reserved.