A little bit of prior planning will help ensure a smooth Windows 10 upgrade process, and in a worst case scenario will leave you better prepared in the unlikely event that things do not go as planned. While the items referenced below are not required in order to upgrade to Windows 10, they are some good common sense suggestions that will lead to an enjoyable computing experience.

Routine Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 is up to date with the most recent updates.

• Article: How to Check for Updates in Windows 7
• Article: How to Check for Updates manually in Windows 8

Windows 8 to 8.1 Update: Hopefully if you are running Windows 8 you have installed the latest Windows 8.1 update by now, but if you have not, it will be necessary before you can upgrade to Windows 10.

• Article: How to update from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1

Data Backups: Having backups of your important data (documents, pictures, music, etc.) is always a good idea, and hopefully you have a routine in place for this purpose. Now is a particularly good time to make sure that you have good backups before upgrading your operating system. A routine windows backup will get your important data, provided it is stored in the expected places. Some programs may place data in non-standard places, or may have individual backup routines within those programs. Now is the time to make sure this is all in order. Hopefully you won’t need it, but if you do, you will be glad you have it.

• Article: How to run a backup with Windows 7 Backup and Restore
• Article: How to run a Backup with Windows 8 File History
• Article: How to back up your Outlook local content and archives PST file
• Note: If you have financial programs for your checkbook or taxes, or if you have proprietary programs that are used in a home business or similar environment check for backup routines within those programs or contact the program manufacturer for backup assistance.

General Windows Housekeeping: Now might be a good time to make sure that routine housekeeping tasks are current on your computer. Windows maintenance keeps your computer’s hard drive running in the most optimal condition and leads to a more satisfying computing experience.

• Article: How to keep Windows 7 Running Smoothly - Disk Defragmenter for use on standard hard drives.
• Article: How to keep Windows 7 Running Smoothly - Disk Cleanup
• Article: How to keep Windows 8 Running Smoothly - Disk Cleanup

Additional Suggestions: (Consult the manufacturer’s website or support resources as needed).

• Make sure your important productivity programs are compatible with Windows 10 and have their respective most recent updates installed when available.
• Make sure your antivirus program and similar utilities are compatible with Windows 10 and have their respective most recent updates installed.
• Make sure your important peripherals are compatible with Windows 10 and whether or not they will require any driver updates.
• Perform a virus and malware scan on your system prior to upgrading to Windows 10 and resolve any issues that are reported.

Visit The Micro Center Tech Center and take advantage of the many resources that are available.

Micro Center customers are also invited to enjoy the benefits of our Knowledge Bar / Walk-In Technical Support available during regular business hours in all Micro Center locations, and our informative In Store Clinics held most weekends at each Micro Center Location.