Reply To: Is there a way to iherit my preferences and customizations in newer updates?
Yes,
When you first open a new Version, Blender will ask you if you want to import the Settings from the earlier Version (if there is one). But when you miss that, you’ll have to find your userpref.blend< for me (Linux) it’s in the .config:
For your OS look here: https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/4.5/advanced/blender_directory_layout.html
Delete the 4.5 userpref.blend and copy the one from 4.4 in there (or whatever versions are applicable).
As for the Addons, it f you got them from the Extensions, you should be fine. Otherwise, you might need to install them manually in the new Version.
I hope I got everything right, it’s been more than 12 years since I had to do this😉