Wait! Follow these steps before updating your PC

As of July, Windows was the operating system running 87% of the world’s PCs.

You probably used Windows 10. Windows 7 support ended months ago, and using the outdated OS is not worth the risk. Resistance to change? You can make Windows 10 look a lot like its predecessor if you change the settings.

Running the latest operating system on all your devices is one of the best ways to keep your digital self safe. What else can you do? Check out this quick privacy check for more of my pro tips.

Well, not every Windows release is reliable and can break everything from your printer to your internet connection. Therefore, those in the know take four smart steps before clicking “update”. You will thank me later.

1. Back up your data

Have you ever had a computer hit you unexpectedly? It’s hard to forget that feeling of fear when you realize that you may never get back all the files you once ignored to save somewhere else.

Back up everything before you update. You can go the cloud storage route or make a physical backup using an external hard drive or USB flash drive. If you use a flash drive, make sure it has enough space to handle everything you need to store.

Physical backups come with a certain amount of risk. What if something happens to your external drive, or you just forgive that little USB stick? It can happen, and you will kick yourself.

My preference is cloud storage. Choose one that is encrypted and provides more than enough space for all the files you need to store. The best companies automatically import your data and back up all your devices to one account. This makes finding all the files super easy.

Ready to get started? 5 steps to back up your data like a pro.

2. Disable your antivirus (and then enable it again)

The fewer cooks in the kitchen, the better at updating your system. Third-party antivirus software can be extremely tricky when upgrading your OS. You do not need your AV files when you install new ones.

Before you start updating, remove your antivirus. You might be able to get away with disabling it, but every AV is different, and it’s easy to override some features and let them run.

Once your update is complete, reinstall and you are good to go.

Note: If you use Microsoft protection products, such as Windows Defender, you can leave them as is. Tap or click here to find out if Windows Defender is sufficient to protect your computer.

3. Disconnect all your peripherals

A peripheral is any external device that connects to your computer. Think printers, webcams, and external storage. These may prevent updates from being installed. If your computer restarts and you are left with a black screen, this may be a problem.

Let only the accessories you need be plugged in. That means yes, you can keep your mouse and keyboard connected.

What happens if your peripherals do not work after your update? Try switching USB ports. You can also shut down your computer and restart the device after 10 minutes.

If all else fails, try reinstalling through the Device Manager in the Start menu.

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4. Get informed

Just because you did one round of updates does not mean you are ready. After restarting your computer after installing updates, be sure to check again if you have the latest version of Windows. This is important if you have skipped multiple.

Here’s how to check:

• Click on the Start button, doe Settings (it looks like a mustache).
• Click on System, then select About.
• Scroll down and you can double check your version of Windows.

This page on the Microsoft site catalogs Windows 10 release info. The latest is Version 2004.

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Whoops! How to roll back to an old version of Windows

Now you know exactly what to do before hitting the “upgrade” button. But what if you are still problems with the update? You can easily revert to a previous version.

Taking these steps will remove everything new from the latest update. Your files should be safe, but your best bet is to recover them if you have to.

• In the search box next to the Start button, type “recovery options.”
• Under Recovery you will see “Go back to the previous version of Windows 10.” Click Get started.
• You have to choose a reason to go back, then hit Next. Follow the instructions on the screen.

This option is only available up to 10 days after your update, so do not wait if you are not satisfied with the version you performed.

There you have it. With a few simple steps, you can prevent the headaches that come with updating your computer. Well, most of them at least.

What questions about digital lifestyle do you have? Call Kim’s national radio program and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

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Learn about all the latest technology at The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest radio talk show for the weekend. Kim takes conversations and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For their daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit their website at Komando.com.