5 things you need to do after each Windows 10 update

Microsoft distributes major functional updates for Windows 10 twice a year, sometimes making profound changes to the system, which can lead to problems. Here are five simple steps you can take to begin the process of preparation for mediation.

Microsoft released its latest version of Windows (21H1) on Tuesday. Here you can see what changes the May update will bring. These six-month feature updates can sometimes take a while. Large file packages must be downloaded and installed. Restart is necessary.

Updates can affect software operations

Update custom Windows 10 Unfortunately, complications are also a regular feature. After almost every major update, forums about erroneous messages, crashes, or issues with compatibility with software and hardware run smoothly for some time before frequent complaints. Problems often only appear after a while. In bad case, the update must be modified (Instructions can be found here).

So the special magazine “Chip Day” recommends testing the system in five steps after each new Windows 10 installation and every major update.

Step 1: Restart the update search

If Microsoft is aware of serious issues regarding an update, a solution usually works quickly. It is then available as a link. It is therefore useful to restart the update search as soon as the functional update is complete. This slideshow explains how to manually check for available updates.

This way, users who install the update will later benefit from the experiences of others and avoid problems with their computer. So take a few weeks with the installation when Microsoft releases its new version of Windows 10. But make sure you are using the latest version, otherwise you will soon be surprised by the mandatory update (More here).

Step 2: Check quickly

Windows 10 has some simple tools you need to know. This includes what is called a performance monitor, which allows you to scan your computer for a simple 60 seconds.

As the name implies, the diagnostic tool checks to see if any hidden issues are affecting the performance of the system. It verifies that the operating system and all Windows services are working properly, that the data carrier is intact, and that the correct drivers are installed. Non-updated drivers can slow down the system and affect the performance of connected devices such as printers. A detailed explanation and instructions can be found here.

Step 3: Security test

Third-party antivirus software may interfere with Windows updates. For example, if you use virus scanners from Avast or AVG, There were issues with the fall update in 2019. Sometimes a brief closing of the protective shields will only help. This means: After the update, users should not forget to re-enable virus protection. Check if the virus scanner is running and up to date.

Those who rely entirely on internal Windows Defender – which should usually be sufficient for home users – should only go to the Windows Security area and see if all the signs are “green”.

You can read more about this here: What virus protection is required for Windows 10?

Step 4: Check your privacy settings

Microsoft is pleased to adjust data security settings in the background as new functions are introduced. Consumer lawyers are therefore advised to adjust after each renewal. Here are some tips for data efficient Windows systems. Chip.de recommends the Windows application “O&O ShutUp10”, which does this automatically for the user.

You can also find your preferred settings for a standard software reset after a major update. For example, the Microsoft Edge browser came to the fore recently. With a few clicks you can block it from the field of view again.

Step 5: Free up space or backup

If the check does not reveal any major issues, you can free up space now if necessary by deleting earlier versions of Windows. Before the update, the Windows backup is stored in the “windows.old” folder, which takes up a lot of space. This can be removed using disk cleanup. You can find the instructions here. But be careful: you can not go back to the previous version after this.

It is also a good idea to create a backup of the standard system. Experienced users often create a backup routine and make weekly backups of their most important files.