<p>First, you should backup your wallet.dat in case something goes wrong. The file is located in the <a href="https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Data_directory" rel="nofollow">data directory</a>:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Windows</strong></p>
  
  <p>C:\Documents and Settings\YourUserName\Application data\Bitcoin (XP)</p>
  
  <p>C:\Users\YourUserName\Appdata\Roaming\Bitcoin (Vista and 7)</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The easiest way to open your appdata folder is to press Windows Key-R, then type %appdata% and hit enter.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Linux</strong></p>
  
  <p>~/.bitcoin/</p>
  
  <p><strong>Mac</strong></p>
  
  <p>~/Library/Application Support/Bitcoin/</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Then install the new version in the regular manner. The new client should use your previous settings (including the wallet and the blockchain data).<br>
If, by some strange magic, your wallet gets corrupted, just copy your backup into the data folder.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-13T17:53:04.627Z
From @Jasom Dotnet "If you have problem to access AppData dir on your Win, you can type %APPDATA% into commnad line (Win + R)"
makerofthings7
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-09-24T05:04:38.863Z
Please see my comment on the question.
ripper234
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-09-24T12:08:00.563Z
@ripper234 OK. I removed the website from the answer.
nmat
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-09-24T16:25:29.113Z
Great.  I was hoping it would be simple and figure it would be.  I just didn't see anywhere saying for sure what to do.  Thanks for the answer.
Canen
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-09-24T02:46:47.967Z
2013-03-13T18:41:50.410Z
2013-03-13T18:41:50.410Z
nmat
<p>I am working with an older version of Bitcoin and want to upgrade to version <code>.4</code>.  Is there a specific way to do this?  I want to try to upgrade, but am paranoid that I could lose my wallet if I do something wrong.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-09-24T01:44:18.433Z
Which operating system are you using?
blunders
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-09-24T05:04:30.190Z
Make sure to download the client securely: http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/565/how-can-one-download-the-bitcoin-client-securely
ripper234
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-09-24T16:26:20.737Z
Personally I am using a Mac but I would like to know how to do it on a Windows also because my parents use it there.
Canen
<bitcoin-core>
How do I upgrade my Bitcoin client?
Canen
# How do I upgrade my Bitcoin client?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2011-09-24)

I am working with an older version of Bitcoin and want to upgrade to version `.4`. Is there a specific way to do this? I want to try to upgrade, but am paranoid that I could lose my wallet if I do something wrong.

**Tags:** bitcoin-core

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Which operating system are you using?  
> **username_2**: Make sure to download the client securely: http://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/565/how-can-one-download-the-bitcoin-client-securely  
> **username_0**: Personally I am using a Mac but I would like to know how to do it on a Windows also because my parents use it there.  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2011-09-24. Score: 12 | Accepted answer

First, you should backup your wallet.dat in case something goes wrong. The file is located in the [data directory](https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Data_directory):

> **Windows**
>
> C:\Documents and Settings\YourUserName\Application data\Bitcoin (XP)
>
> C:\Users\YourUserName\Appdata\Roaming\Bitcoin (Vista and 7)

The easiest way to open your appdata folder is to press Windows Key-R, then type %appdata% and hit enter.

> **Linux**
>
> ~/.bitcoin/
>
> **Mac**
>
> ~/Library/Application Support/Bitcoin/

Then install the new version in the regular manner. The new client should use your previous settings (including the wallet and the blockchain data).  
If, by some strange magic, your wallet gets corrupted, just copy your backup into the data folder.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Please see my comment on the question.  
> **username_3**: @username_2 OK. I removed the website from the answer.  
> **username_0**: Great.  I was hoping it would be simple and figure it would be.  I just didn't see anywhere saying for sure what to do.  Thanks for the answer.  
> **username_4**: From @Jasom Dotnet "If you have problem to access AppData dir on your Win, you can type %APPDATA% into commnad line (Win + R)"  

---

