I think they're saved in appdata so unless you remove them manually they will be on your pc, so basically they are automatically transfered to the new version even if it's a separate game folder.
Yep your correct, it should instantly transfer your progress to the next update if you install the game. Even if you completly uninstall it off your pc or other devices as long as you devices still has the cookies of it it should still have your progress if you reinstall it.
