5 steps you must take BEFORE updating to Windows 11
Finally – we have a new version of Windows!
Remember when a Microsoft employee was famously quoted out of context saying that the Windows 10 would be the last version of their flagship OS? Well, today we have Windows 11 knocking on our door – so are you going to let Windows 11 in or are you going to wait a while BEFORE updating?
If you are one of those people who must have all the latest tech, then you are probably itching to get started, but before you wave goodbye to Windows 10, there are some basic steps we need to follow to ensure the update runs smoothly.
5 essential steps you must do BEFORE you hit that update button:
Step 1 – Update Twice!
Before starting the update, make sure you have all the latest Windows updates installed. Your current system needs to have all the latest software, drivers, patches and bug fixes so that you don’t start the process of updating to a new operating system with software that has known solutions.
To check that you have the latest update, simply click on Windows search, type “Check for updates” and click on the button to check for the updates.
Once this has been done, reboot your computer and then run through this process again. The reason you need to do this twice is to ensure that there are in fact no new updates after you just updates your system.
Sometimes, the newest version of a given software can only be updated if you have the previous version installed which you just completed.
Repeat this process until it says you have no new updates.
Step 2 – Hardware Check
Windows 11 has a very specific set of hardware requirements. In order to ensure that your computer is able to be updated to Windows 11, Microsoft released a PC Health Check app.
Run it to make sure you can run Windows 11.
If your system doesn’t meet the requirements, there is no reason to rush out and buy all new hardware just for this update. Windows 10 will be available and supported until 2025 and so you have plenty of time to update your hardware over the years.
One of the items you’ll notice on your PC Health Check app is the “TPM,” which stands for Trusted Platform Module. TPM 2.0. This allows your PC to run new security and authentication features that are bundled within Windows 11. If you have purchased your computer in the past couple of years, odds are good that your system already has TPM but it needs to be enabled. Microsoft has an entire webpage dedicated to explaining how to enable TPM to change the software on your Windows 10 and in the BIOS.
Step 3 – Back up your data!
As long as you don’t do a completely clean install, the update will retain your files, apps and settings. However, if something fails during the process, it is always wise to ensure that you have a backup of your data.
Many people skip this step in the rush to install the new shiny operating system, however, it is highly advisable that you don’t.
Step 4 – Compatible apps
Microsoft Office 365 will indeed run on Windows 11 — but what about all the other apps you use daily?
You may have banking apps, anti-virus, or a slew of productivity apps that you require for your work or school.
Check the apps’ website to ensure that the software vendor has Windows 11 listed as compatible. Some vendors are great at informing users that their system will work with a new OS — but others are not.
Step 5 – Microsoft account
In order to update your system will need to be able to log into your Microsoft account. This is something that you probably created way back when you set up your windows 10 so ensure that you still remember the username and password before you upgrade to Windows 11.
If you don’t have an account for some reason, you can create one and if you don’t recall your login credential, reset your passwords.
Extra bits
When updating, ensure that you have a solid internet connection. Not only will you be downloading large installation files but also additional patches and bits of software that are required for a successful process.
It is wise to avoid using your phone as a hot-spot for this unless you have no other choice of course.
It is also advisable not to updated all your computers at once. Instead, update the least mission-critical computer first. This allows you the opportunity to identify any major issues and bugs and then decide if you should upgrade the rest of your system.
So in summary:
As with everything new, there are going to be bugs and issues. There is no way for Microsoft testers to catch all of these issues in a lab and therefore, the more people who use Windows 11, the more bugs will be reported the more fixes that will be released.
Above all, there is no rush. You may want to wait a while before taking the plunge.
