Quick tip today – big Windows Update is coming, so be ready for it by backing up your computer.

 
This update was actually released a few months ago, and is referred to by two names:

The May 2020 Update
Windows 10 version 2004

Even though it is called both names, it’s the same update. Some Windows 10 computers have already received it, but many have not.
Here’s how to check to see if your computer has already received it:

Hold down the Windows key on the keyboard, and tap the letter “r”
In the Open box, type: winver and click OK

This will open a new window which will show your version number for Windows 10:

 
If you already have the update, it will say Version 2004. The version just prior to that is 1909. The one before that is 1903.
What to do:
If your computer is at version 1903 or earlier, I recommend that you get updated to at least version 1909 (it’s quite stable).
If your computer is running version 2004 and not showing any problems, that’s good.
If your computer is running version 1909, you don’t need to get the newest update yet – but it’s coming. You need to be ready for it.
In some cases, the newest big Windows Update can cause problems for Windows 10 computers. So you need to have a full system image backup in place, so you are ready in case your computer gets stuck in an endless loop during a Windows update.
The program I use for this update is called Macrium Reflect. It’s free for personal use, and it works great. I have quite a few clients who have avoided losing data after a hard drive crash, because they had this backup. It’s a bit complex to set up initially, but once it’s in place, doing a backup is super simple. You just plug in the backup drive at night, and unplug it in the morning. It’s an incredibly easy thing to do, in order to avoid the huge headache that comes with losing all of your important files and folders.
So my challenge to you today is this: get your backup in place. If you need help with this, I can do the whole thing remotely. So you don’t have to have anyone come in to your home or office, and you don’t have to bring your computer anywhere.
AND – if you are one of my many clients who already has Macrium Reflect set up to do that overnight backup – when was the last time you did it? I do mine every single night, because it’s just easier to be in that habit. Do your backup tonight, and don’t worry about what a Windows Update might do to your computer.
The post Back up your files BEFORE this forced update comes in first appeared on The Computer Tutor.

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