Don’t Forget to Back Up Before Reinstalling Windows!

Some users are happy to reinstall Windows 10, but before doing so, they might want to back up certain things. This guide will walk you through the backup checklist and the steps to take a backup using free backup software.

Before you reinstall Windows, you should figure out why you're doing it. Is the performance suffering? Are you trying to get rid of a virus? Or do you just want a fresh start? Once you've established your reason, you can proceed with the reinstallation with peace of mind. However, hold on—there are a few potential downsides to reinstalling Windows.

If you don't back up your files first, you risk losing important data. If you're not sure what programs you have installed, the process can be time-consuming and frustrating. We recommend taking the time to prepare and do your research. Reinstalling Windows can be a great way to fix problems and breathe new life into your computer.

< strong >Preparation: You must have it!</strong>

1️⃣ Download a new performance-based software - the Todo Backup tool.

Todo Backup is one of the best backup and recovery solutions for all your data. It offers an easy and convenient method to back up and restore all your data with just a few clicks, supporting full backup, incremental backup, and differential backup. The software runs on Windows 7/8/10/11, and its features are applicable to all versions of Windows.

You can download it safely on your Windows computer/laptop, as the tool is entirely secure and free from any viruses. Moreover, it occupies minimal storage space and won't interfere with your regular activities while you work.

2️⃣ Run an antivirus scan on your hard drive. We certainly don't want to back up files that could reinfect your new operating system with viruses.

3️⃣ It's recommended to store backups on an external hard drive. If they're saved on your computer, you might lose the backups when reinstalling the operating system.

⏰ Important: You should only proceed with the backup after completing all three steps above.

What should I back up before reinstalling Windows?

It's an age-old problem that has plagued others, let's look at what you need to do before resetting Windows 10.

1️⃣ Back up personal data – identity documents, log-in credentials, settings, accounting files (such as Quickbooks), and paper records.

When reinstalling Windows, it's crucial to back up personal data, such as IDs, login passwords, settings, and accounting files. This ensures that all necessary information is preserved and can be easily restored once the reinstallation is complete. Doing this beforehand can save time and headaches in the long run.

2️⃣ Back up all files (from Microsoft Office or other document processors), emails, videos, and audio.

When reinstalling Windows, you'll need to back up all of your files. This includes any documents you created with Microsoft Office or another word processor, as well as any emails, videos, or audio files. If you don't back up your files, you might lose them forever.

3️⃣ Backup bookmarks/favorites (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.)

Browsers that save passwords for each account are not the answer.

And if something goes wrong during the upgrade, you can still get to all your favorite sites.

4️⃣ Back up apps and drivers.

The primary reason for supporting the latest applications and drivers is to prevent data loss due to system crashes or other unexpected issues. Having a backup is always a good idea, just in case you need to roll back to a previous version of an application or driver.

5️⃣ Back up the database for the server computer.

Backing up the database ensures that you have a copy of all your data in case something goes wrong during the reinstallation.

Video Walkthrough – The Ultimate Checklist for Reinstalling Windows 10

• 00:00:39 - Back up files
• 00:02:14 - Sync and save settings
• 00:03:20 - Save application and product key listings
• 00:05:32 - Extract settings from applications
• 00:06:30 - Unlink apps/remove computer associations
• 00:07:21 - Prepare drivers/installation files
• 00:08:58 - Note down drive letters and Windows product key

Of course, these new tools are not perfect.

Items to backup before reinstalling Windows

 

How do I back up my computer before reinstalling Windows?

First, download the backup tool Todo Backup on your Windows computer.

Step 1. Tap the Select Backup Content button to begin the backup process.

Step 2. Shows four backup types: Files, Disks, OS, and Mail.

Step 3: The file list will appear on the left side of the screen. Navigate through your folders and select the files you want to back up.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to choose where you want to save your backup.

Make sure the backups are encrypted, and set up a backup schedule by clicking on 'Options' within 'Backup Options.' You can also initiate a backup at a specific time by selecting 'Options' and then choosing a time under 'Backup Schedule.' There are many other customizable options you might want to explore as well.

Step 5: You can store the backup file on your computer, on the tool's cloud service, or on a network-attached storage (NAS) device.

Step Six: Todo Backup, another tool, lets customers store copies of their files on third-party cloud drives or their company's own cloud storage.

If you want to back up your data to a third-party cloud drive, choose “Local Disk,” then scroll down and add a “Cloud Device.” Enter your account information when prompted.

Click “Cloud Backup,” register, and log in with your account to store backup files in the tool's cloud storage service.

Step 7. Click Backup Now to start the backup process. When it's finished, it'll appear as a card on the left side of the screen. Right-click it for more in-depth backup options.

After you've used some of the best free Windows 10 backup software, you can proceed with installing Windows 10 without losing any data. You can then recover your data files in the same way.

Restoring from a backup after reinstalling Windows

Step 1: Launch Todo Backup and click on "Browse Restore"

Step 2. Point to your backup destination and select the backup file you want to restore. (Backup files created by Todo Backup are .pbd files.)

Select the backup file

Step 3. Choose a recovery location. You can recover the data to a specific location or the original one.

4. Click Proceed to begin the restore process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Backing Up Before Reinstalling Windows

1. Do I need to back up my files before reinstalling Windows 10?

You should back up first, in case the reinstall goes belly-up during the clean install.

Which folders should I back up before reinstalling Windows?

• "Documents" folder

It contains all your files, such as photos, music, and documents. Backing up this folder ensures that you won't lose any important data.

• The "AppData" folder

It contains a lot of information about the programs you have installed and your settings.

• The “Desktop” folder

It contains shortcuts to your most frequently used programs and files.

Do I need to back up my files to upgrade to Windows 10?

If you're keeping your existing files, you don't need to back up everything, because Windows 10 will save them. But if you plan a clean install, you should back up any personal files you want to keep before proceeding.

How can I reinstall Windows 10 without losing any games or apps?

First, back up all your important files, including any game saves you don't want to lose. Next, uninstall any apps you want to keep using after the reinstallation. Then reinstall your operating system and restore your apps.

5. If I back up my files and then do a clean install, will that avoid Windows 10 problems?

Though this might keep Windows 10 from crashing in the short run, it is not a sustainable solution. Over time, as more files accumulate and more programs are installed, the risk of another breakdown will rise.