Transfer files to updated version on Elements

Don't worry about losing your photo files or catalog when updating to 2020.  I would be more concerned about your lack of hard drive space if you need to delete the old program before installing the latest.  How much free space do you have on your computer?

If this is really necessary, you can delete the old program before installing the new one.  Uninstalling the program will not remove your catalog with all your tags and other information.  Nor will it remove your media files.

When you install 2020, it will look for the latest catalog you have used on your computer, and will convert it to the format for 2020.  However, your old catalog will remain during the conversion process. Once the conversion process has taken place, you will be able to delete it to conserve space.  (The old catalog will be renamed "My Catalog 1" if you have just used the My Catalog default name.)  Depending on the size of your catalog and the amount of free hard space you have, the conversion process may run into some space issues, as some temporary files are probably created.

For safety's sake, it would be wise to backup your catalog to your external drive.  If necessary, you can restore the catalog using Elements 2020.  The old catalog will then be converted during the restore process.

Feel free to ask for more information if I have not been clear.