I've always been happy with updates of PowerDirector and never had any problems. But as we always say, "Your results may vary". No two people have the same configuration and workflow.

Try the free trial and give it a good, rugged test drive. Only you an say if it's worth the upgrade.

ok thanks for the answer

What about all my memories, presets that I created, LUTS, etc

I assume I may need to back up all this stuff

I would need to know this before updating as I am afraid it may wipe out that stuff

Having backups is always a good idea, but new versions of PD typically discover and use all previously installed content and do not normally overwrite any previously installed packs or customized content.

Since you're buying the subscription DS license, there's no need to remove your older standalone products.

are you 100% sure of this regarding the previous content, memories, pre sets etc ?

to be safe, which specific folders should I make backups of that have all these presets, etc ?

My statement is based on having used PD since 2011 and upgrading many times. Nobody can guarantee anything 100% regarding how software operates or interacts on a specific computer, and in my opinion it's far better to have a full c: drive/system backup than trying to manually choose every possible folder where PD hides things.

There are plenty of free and low cost options for making system backups, and I suggest that you spend some time figuring out which one works best for you. I also highly recommend that you make a backup and verify that you can restore it before you run into a situation where you have to do it, only to find out there's a problem. Once that's done, you can upgrade to DS without any worries.

The best part about having system images is that they will protect you no matter what happens to your PC - as long as you keep the backup(s) offline and possibly even offsite. Cloud storage and USD drives are both good optionschoices

The other thing is that you can mount the image as a virtual drive and simply copy any files or folders that you need without doing a full restore.

TL;DR Make a system backup before making any significant changes to your computer

I am only referring to the Cyberlink Folders Backup. The Folders that contain the presets, memories, etc

Downloaded and customized content are stored in many places. Search the forum and you'll see at least a half dozen locations are used for different items: downloads from DirectorZone, content packs, NewBlue/Boris FX/Pro Dad and any customized content.

For example, PD's Profile.ini file, color boards and recent projects list are in one folder - typically C:\Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\CyberLink\PowerDirector\19.0\UserConfigure - and each version of PD often creates its own set of folders. Some content is in C:\Users\Public while others may be in C:\Program Files\Cyberlink\PhotoDirector(x)\PhotoDirector presets\, etc.

Again, none of those items should be touched by installing DS, but if you want to be 100% certain that nothing will disappear then my advice is to back up your whole C: drive. It will only take a few minutes and you'll have peace of mind.