Windows users often encounter many problems after upgrading to a new version or installing a major update. This article contains some guides that will help you to avoid these problems.
Recently, Microsoft has released a beta version of Windows 11. Some users have already been using it since an ISO file was leaked online before the beta release. Windows 11 also has errors like windows hello missing, blue screen of death, etc. In the past, We saw that millions of users encountered various problems after upgrading their Windows 7 or 8 to 10. In fact, It is normal. Because many older PCs are not fully compatible with modern operating systems. However, You can do a few things before installing a major update or new windows to reduce the possibility of facing some common problem.
Essential Things to do Before Upgrading Windows to a New Version:
If we look at the problems that users face after installing new windows or updates, we can easily get which things we could do before proceeding to the new windows build. Anyway, I recommend you to do the following things if you have the plan to upgrade.
1. Take System Image Backup
For security reasons, this should be the first thing you should do. There are many ways to make a system image backup. You can use a built-in tool or any third-party tools to do it. If you plan to use third-party tools, you can consider AOMEI Backupper. However, I suggest you use the built-in backup system that comes with windows.
2. Check System Compatibility with Latest Windows Build
First of all, You should check the system requirements of the latest windows. Then, Make sure your computer meets all the requirements. Visit: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-specifications to know the latest Windows 10 system requirements. However, All popular manufacturers provide compatible device list on their websites for specific Windows versions. You should check this list. However, here are the links for popular brands that will help you to know if your computer is compatible with the latest windows build or not.
3. Ensure Windows Installation Drive (C) has Enough Disk Space
Often people encounter low disk space problems in local disk C. You can use windows disk cleanup to delete all junk files and also uninstall the unnecessary software. If you are Windows 10 user, moving the OneDrive folder to another partition may save a lot of space. However, Do all necessary things to free up enough disk space for windows upgrade.
4. Update All Drivers to Latest Version
Before installing any major windows update or upgrading windows to the new version, you should make sure all of the installed drivers are up to date. Because often users face various problems due to driver incompatibility. Read: How to Update Drivers in Windows
However, there is a third-party tool called Driver Booster that can update all of your drivers without any issue. You can use it.
5. Disable Security Programs
In many cases, Antivirus or firewall hinders major windows updates. So, Before upgrading windows, you should disable these programs.
6. Fix System Files Problems
Windows update/upgrade may not go smoothly if there is a problem with some windows system files. So, You should ensure everything is fine. To do it, run those commands as administrator.
Instructions:
- At first, Open Start Menu, type cmd, right click on Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator.
- Now, Type sfc /scannow and hit enter. It may take a few minutes to 1 or 2 hours to complete the process. However, You will need to wait until it finishes this task. It will fix corrupted system files.
- However, I also suggest you run those commands.
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These commands will ensure that the windows upgrade process is getting a smooth environment.
7. Reset Update Components
If it is a major windows update like creators update or anniversary update, you should make sure that the update components are OK. To ensure it, you should reset these components.
8. Disconnect External USB Devices
Experts often suggest disconnecting external USB devices except for Mouse and Keyboard when you are going to upgrade your operating system.
9. Make Sure Laptop or UPS is Fully Charged
When the installation process is in the middle state, the system should not lose electricity. It may cause damage to your computer. So, You should make sure that your laptop or desktop UPS is fully charged.
10. Disable Third-Party Background Services
You also should disable all third-party background services. Because they may cause problem during the installation process of a major updates. To do it, perform a clean boot.
After doing these things, It is safe to install major windows update or new windows. I hope these tips will help you. However, If you have any other idea, feel free to share in the comment box.
