Czkawka
Getting started

Back Up Czkawka Settings Before Updating

Before a major upgrade or interface migration, record included directories, exclusions and settings. Some releases change configuration formats and may require reconfiguration.

Short answer: How can I preserve Czkawka scan settings?

Before a major upgrade or interface migration, record included directories, exclusions and settings. Some releases change configuration formats and may require reconfiguration.

What to know before you begin

Before a major upgrade or interface migration, record included directories, exclusions and settings. Some releases change configuration formats and may require reconfiguration. The project offers several scanning modes and the current version may place controls differently in Krokiet versus the older GTK GUI. Follow the meaning of the option you see, not just a screenshot from a different release.

For Windows, verify that your chosen folder is accessible and that the correct graphical frontend is running. The recommended approach starts with a small test set, especially when an action could rename, move, delete or link files.

Step-by-step: How can I preserve Czkawka scan settings?

  1. Write down paths included and excluded from scanning.
  2. Save screen captures of safety-related preferences.
  3. Close the application before copying its configuration files.
  4. After updating, inspect the new settings rather than assuming auto-migration.

Important limitation

Before changing files: Version 11 introduced a configuration change for the legacy GTK interface, so older text settings may not carry over automatically.

How to verify the result

Verify the same include/exclude directories appear after reopening. A scan's estimated savings or the presence of a matching group does not by itself establish which copy should be discarded.

If the procedure does not match your screen, inspect the project's own FAQ and troubleshooting notes and identify the exact release and frontend first.

FAQ

How can I preserve Czkawka scan settings?

Before a major upgrade or interface migration, record included directories, exclusions and settings. Some releases change configuration formats and may require reconfiguration.

What is the biggest risk for this task?

Version 11 introduced a configuration change for the legacy GTK interface, so older text settings may not carry over automatically.

How do I check whether it worked?

Verify the same include/exclude directories appear after reopening.

Related Windows guides

Editorial notes reviewed: November 1, 2026. Version-specific facts are based on the developer's release and FAQ. This guide is educational; it is not a guarantee about a third-party download.

Try Czkawka on Windows

Check the asset name and keep a backup before running a file cleanup operation.

See our download and safety instructions first.