Docs: #3299

Author: BornToBeRoot

Website/docs/changelog/next-release.md

@@ -29,6 +29,16 @@ Release date: **xx.xx.2025**
 
   :::
 
+- Profile and settings files have been migrated from `XML` to `JSON`. Existing files will be automatically converted to `JSON` on first load after the update. [#3282](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/pull/3282) [#3299](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/pull/3299)
+
+  :::info
+
+  Starting with this release, new profile and settings files are created in `JSON` format. Existing `XML` files will be converted automatically on first load after upgrading. Automatic support for the migration will be provided until at least `2027`; after that only `JSON` files will be supported and very old installations may require an interim update.
+
+  The migration process creates a backup of the original files in the `Backups` subfolder of the settings and profiles directories. You can restore the originals from that folder if needed, but it's recommended to make a separate backup of your profile and settings files before updating.
+  
+  :::
+
 ## What's new?
 
 - New language Ukrainian (`uk-UA`) has been added. Thanks to [@vadickkt](https://github.com/vadickkt) [#3240](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/pull/3240)
@@ -47,13 +57,14 @@ Release date: **xx.xx.2025**
 
 **Profiles**
 
+- Profile file format migrated from `XML` to `JSON`. The profile file will be automatically converted on first load after the update. [#3299](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/pull/3299)
 - Profile file creation flow improved — when adding a new profile you are now prompted to enable profile-file encryption to protect stored credentials and settings. [#3227](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/pull/3227)
 - Profile file dialog migrated to a child window to improve usability. [#3227](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/pull/3227)
 - Credential dialogs migrated to child windows to improve usability. [#3231](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/pull/3231)
 
 **Settings**
 
-- Settings format migrated from `XML` to `JSON`. The settings file will be automatically converted on first start after the update. [#3282](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/pull/3282)
+- Settings file format migrated from `XML` to `JSON`. The settings file will be automatically converted on first load after the update. [#3282](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/pull/3282)
 - Create a daily backup of the settings file before saving changes. Up to `10` backup files are kept in the `Backups` subfolder of the settings directory. [#3283](https://github.com/BornToBeRoot/NETworkManager/pull/3283)
 
 **Dashboard**