2017 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 2017. There are many lessons to be learned from the original Windows 10 launch, so read on to find out how to protect your critical data and ensure a smooth Windows 10 update experience.
Another Windows 10 update is coming soon and many individuals are planning to upgrade their personal PCs. If you are one of these individuals, follow these 7 tips to ensure you have a positive Windows 10 upgrade experience and that you don’t lose any data.
7 Tips to Prepare for Your Windows 10 Update
1. Plan your upgrade – If you have multiple PCs, don’t rush into installing Windows 10 on all your machines right away. Choose one computer and upgrade to Windows 10. This will help you learn what to do and what not to do, and make the upgrade process easier for your other PCs.
2. Make sure your PC can handle the upgrade - If you recently purchased a PC that runs an older version of Windows, you can probably keep this machine and upgrade it to Windows 10. However, if your PC is over three years old, you should consider replacing it with a newer machine that can more easily run Windows 10. New operating systems running on old machines can slow things down significantly. At some point, you will be using more advanced applications that require better computing power. When that happens, you will need to upgrade your machine anyway. Plan ahead so your PC can run the more advanced applications and avoid having to upgrade twice.
3. Back up your old PC - Before you upgrade to Windows 10, you need to back up all the information and applications on your original 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, so you should back up everything before you upgrade. Windows 10 is not a simple Windows update, but rather a clean rollout of a new system and the install process will wipe out many folders containing important files or data.
4. 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, preferences, 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, 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.
What is a disk clone? When you clone a hard drive you take all of the data from one computer and make an exact copy on another drive. Every bit of data from the original drive is copied, including: files and folders programs and their patches preferences and settings and the full operating system
5. Back up everything – Over time, you may have filed documents into desktop folders, temporary files, or even a Recycle Bin. You must back up even these forgotten folders. Also, 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.
6. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule — With the 3-2-1 backup rule, you create 3 copies of your data, store your copies in at least 2 types of storage media, and store 1 of these copies offsite.
7. Save older backups after you upgrade – Once you switch over to Windows 10, make sure you keep older backups of your data. You may need them again if you update to a newer Windows version.
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office – The #1 Personal Backup Software
Before you make the move to Windows 10, don't risk everything by not being backed up! If you follow the 7 simple tips above, you can make your Windows 10 upgrade experience a smooth one.
If you need a backup solution or an upgrade to your current one, check out Acronis before you make the move. We're offering the award-winning Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office - the world's #1 personal backup software. Learn more and get it here!
(This article was originally posted on 4 Aug 2015 )
About Acronis
Acronis is a Swiss company, founded in Singapore. Celebrating two decades of innovation, Acronis has more than 2,000 employees in 45 locations. Acronis Cyber Protect solution is available in 26 languages in over 150 countries and is used by 18,000 service providers to protect over 750,000 businesses.
