Solved How to save software data?

dedq · Oct 1, 2021

Hey!

This may be a little bit off topic but I know lots of people here have helped me a lot so far.
Where is application data stored? I know where it is for Android but I cannot find it for Windows. I want to uninstall software and then install it again. I want to restore the data.

Thank you for reading!

iko22 · Oct 1, 2021

Hi dedq

Application data may be stored in %appdata% file location. Type %appdata% into the address bar of file explorer and explorer will take you to the location.
%appdata% has been available to Windows since Windows Vista. The folder is a hidden folder by default, so you have to enable show hidden files and folders in file explorer.

Wisewiz · Oct 1, 2021

It depends on which software programs you have, too. I have some programs that offer the option of exporting a settings file or copying back a settings file from another folder, and that allows you to uninstall a program, install a new copy, and import the old settings. Check your programs for a "Save Settings" option, and Google the program's name with "how to save the settings of <name of program>?".

dedq · Oct 1, 2021

Wisewiz said:
It depends on which software programs you have, too. I have some programs that offer the option of exporting a settings file or copying back a settings file from another folder, and that allows you to uninstall a program, install a new copy, and import the old settings. Check your programs for a "Save Settings" option, and Google the program's name with "how to save the settings of <name of program>?".

That's definitely happens with some programs but that is not a case. Thank you!

dedq · Oct 1, 2021

iko22 said:
Hi dedq

Application data may be stored in %appdata% file location. Type %appdata% into the address bar of file explorer and explorer will take you to the location.
%appdata% has been available to Windows since Windows Vista. The folder is a hidden folder by default, so you have to enable show hidden files and folders in file explorer.

Thanks! I will give it a try.

LeLibran · Oct 1, 2021

Don't forget C:/ProgramData (another 'hidden folder'); and additionally some software will save data/templates/settings etc. in User/Documents and Windows Registry. Some software also, of course, installs other necessary dependency files which are not included in a native Windows installation. So there is a variety of places where you might find "application data". It's very much dependent on the application and what settings, data and 'helpers' it needs to be in place; and also whether the developer sticks to using the conventional/recommended locations.

dedq · Oct 1, 2021

LeLibran said:
Don't forget C:/ProgramData (another 'hidden folder'); and additionally some software will save data/templates/settings etc. in User/Documents and Windows Registry. Some software also, of course, installs other necessary dependency files which are not included in a native Windows installation. So there is a variety of places where you might find "application data". It's very much dependent on the application and what settings, data and 'helpers' it needs to be in place; and also whether the developer sticks to using the conventional/recommended locations.

Whoa! Thanks!