Six Steps to Take Before Performing the Windows 10 Creators Update

Microsoft recently announced that development of the latest Windows 10 Update (dubbed the Windows 10 Creators Update) has entered the final “bug bashing” testing phase. That means it will likely hit the streets as soon as April.
The Creators Update is mandatory, but Microsoft will allow you to choose when you undertake it. Before updating, however, you should follow these six steps to protect your critical data and ensure a smooth Windows 10 upgrade experience.

Six Tips to Prepare for the Windows 10 Creators Update

1. Plan your upgrade – If you have multiple PCs, don’t rush into installing the update on all your machines right away. Choose one computer and do the upgrade. This will help you learn what to do and what not to do, and make the upgrade process easier for your other PCs.

2. Back up your PC – Before you upgrade you need to back up all the information and applications on your PC. Upgrading without first backing up all of your files and your system as a whole can lead to data loss. Unexpected PC crashes could damage or even delete your files or the install process on a significant upgrade like the Windows 10 Creators Update could wipe out some of your folders containing important files or data.

3. Use disk-imaging technology for backup, not just file copy – Windows, even XP, is a complex operating system and some data lives outside of files. Think about all of your passwords and everything that exists on your computer in applications or system preferences that you do not save in a file or folder. For this reason, you need to use a backup solution with disk imaging technology that simultaneously backs up your entire system while also backing up individual files. If you opt for just a file backup solution, you will be unable to restore systems or applications on the new operating system.

4. Back up everything – Over time, you may have filed documents into desktop folders, temporary files, or even the Recycle Bin. Make sure to back up these forgotten folders. And don’t forget about hidden partitions. These partitions – found on Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and IBM machines – allow you to restore your computer back to its original state. You must back up this extremely important partition too.

5. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule – Create three copies of your data, store your copies in at least two types of storage media, and store one of these copies off-site.

6. Save older backups after you upgrade – Once the update is complete, make sure you keep older backups of your data. You may need them again if you update to a newer Windows version.

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Don't risk everything by not being backed up. If you follow the six simple tips above, you can make your Windows 10 upgrade experience a smooth one.
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