what should you do if you have already performed the updates and downloaded software that came with the computer. Unfortunately I found your video a few hours too late.
I use clonezilla. it is free and works great, just a little slow, but way better then using something from microsoft. why? You start at 4 pm, and buy 12 pm after you reset the computer and restarted for the 10th time it comes up with another update.
Again great info. I just wished he had clarified an additional step in this regarding sending a backup with all programs and data from the original pc onto the new pc after completing all of the above steps. Especially if the new pc has a different processor like going from an AMD to Intel processor. Does the backup being restored cause conflicts with the new pristine pc. Well I guess is a another subject? Still a great checklist to have!
Great tips. I also advice to uninstall all bloatware that comes in your system or all programs you seem unnecessary as they take up disk space and a lot of times background resources making the computer slow or slower than it should be. A lot of times your computer it's faster than it seems and it is because of all those background processes using up your memory and cpu while it's doing nothing.
Hey Leo, Do you think you can add to this by discussing the best way to take advantage of new computers that come with two drives with one being a SSD and the other a standard HDD? I have a new PC on the way and after following all the steps here I'm wondering which drive I should be restoring my system backup onto. As well as other soon to be added programs. Thanks and this is the best site for computing info. Thx for your dedicated work doing it!
Thanks Leo. Currently waiting on new laptop as I type. Can the backup be done with EaseUS ToDo downloaded on a thumb drive from another computer and then just inserted into the new computer? JimE PS: Just watched "How Should I Back Up a New Computer?" March 23, 2023 and you gave me the answer. Thanks again. JimE
@@stevejohnson1321 Or, as I recently did, remove the NvME drive with Windows on it, install a new larger drive and THEN install Linux on that instead. That way you have a fresh install of Windows on a drive if you happen to need it. Another added benefit... every time you open the drawer and see that unused Windows OS drive, you can laugh at it!!
The suggestion with not connecting to the internet is something I applaud. But, in 2024 with a laptop PC, the set up process hits a dead-end and cannot get up-and-running until it is plugged into the internet. Try as I did with all sorts of workarounds, none worked.
Indeed, I had the same problem. Also it doesn't regognize my target device to get the image backups on. I have 1 tb space on my laptop, maybe EaseUs expects me to connect a device which is 1 tb? I connected a usb-stick with 128gb. It als says you have to pay so this does no longer work I guess.
There are a lot of things that are great to do to a new computer. First I'd get my hands on a device to "clone" the boot drive. A dual-bay dock is great for standard drives. Second, I'd install the latest version of "ShutUp10". This will allow you to take immediate control over what your computer sends out - especially to Microsoft. Then - after you have installed any additional applications that you want to use regularly - whether utilities or games, etc. - make another "clone" In fact, each time you make a major update to your computer, make another "clone" - but don't get rid of the old copies. If necessary in the future, you can go back as far as necessary to undo a "regret". If you are running an SSD, you can "clone" to the more economical HDs. Finally, just be careful where you "cruise" on the internet.
What about split the hdd in 2 partions? One for Os and software. The second one as data with all your photos, videos, documents etc you work with. Also backed up somewhere of cource. I always do that.
Win 11 makes it really hard not to use a Microsoft Account. In my opinion it's fine, and makes a few things easier. There are others who disagree strongly.
Microsoft is telling people that tool is going away and even THEY suggest using a third party tool. The built in tool, in my experience, is significantly more limited than 3rd party tools, and it's not getting any better.
In that case how should I get the backup software on my new computer and do a system backup before exposing the device to any programs or internet . Can I download from another computer and have the program run from a usb device and then after the system backup install it on the new machine. and which software do you prefer is better
@@stevewoodruff4242 The most pragmatic way is to download the programs installer on another computer, and then install it on your new. Yes, that's technically not "pristine" any more, but close enough. The alternative is to create "rescue media" on another machine with that other backup program, and then boot the new machine from the rescue media. In most cases rescue media can also be used to create backups. I've done it, and it's more effort than it's worth, though.
This is good advise and in hindsight I would have taken an image with easeus todo as soon as possible, but unfortunately I only made a recovery usb when I bought the computer thinking it was a factory image. What would this give me if I wanted to reinstall to factory settings ? Also another question how difficult is it to do a clean install of windws 10/ 11 these days and how would it be done ?
Windows Reset is basically a re-setup of windows - setting it up from scratch. An image is just a copy of the already-set-up disk. Not sure what you're asking about drivers in this context.
@@askleonotenboom when we first install windows, then we need to install or update drivers isnt it? Best take system image before or after install drivers? Do you backup your drivers? Which software is best? double driver or drivermax etc
Ok, as an ex-ICTer I never give up and found a way to make my image. Not 100 % sure how I got there but found a screen that gave me the choice for a backup of the disk, after I left cloning the disk for that said I needed to upgrade and pay. I could not choose a destination for the backup but it gave me an designated place on C in a folder for backups on disk 0 which felt strange but I had no other choice so did it. After the image was placed there I searched for the path and checked it out. Then I copied it on to my external usb memory stick and checked the results of that. The 2 are identical and seem to be a proper image. I would like to delete the 1 on C: but am not sure whether I will be able to use the image on the usb-stick so as it is not in my way I'll leave it for now. Also I would like to know if I can compress the external image back-up without corrupting it, and how? So Leo, I realy hope you will read this and can explain what happened precisely and tell me how I should go on. In the meantime I will go on preparing my new laptop according to this video. Thank you so much for this video, it is helpful, regards Maaike.
What's this about Windows back up utility being deprecated? I have used this for many years including Windows 10 where it came in valuable a couple of times for reinstalling from a back up image. Had a situation where back ups were made to different file formatted partitions and hard drives, some did not work yet finally seen a pattern that does work, could never get a back up to work that was created on a exfat or fat32 formatted drive, instead ntfs. Not quite sure if that is a requirement yet seemed to work in my situation.
Microsoft advises using a 3rd party replacement instead of "Windows 7 Backup and Restore". It's no longer updated or supported. It'll probably disappear at some point.
Another important tip is to install an Undelete app. Windows doesn't have one. And sometimes Recycle Bin is not enough because many times you will need to delete files bypassing the Recycle Bin (Shift-Del), and you will be at risk, when doing this, to recover files that you deleted with this method.
Leo if you take a system image from the get go will you have to keep that entirely separate from any other image back ups . Ie will it get over written by future backups.?
An integrated list of the steps to create a windows 11 system recovery USB drive would have been helpful. No big deal, but it would save wandering off and looking for it elsewhere.
In 2018, I created win 7 image with easeus. In 2020, upgrade to win 10. In 2022 my asus laptop win 10 feel so slow. What should I do? Reset or restore image? What will happen cause the image is win 7?
If you restore the Win 7 image, your machine will run Windows 7 and all updates applied since that image was taken will be lost. I recommend a Windows 10 reset at this point.
I usually buy a gaming laptop about once a year. I don't game but a I'm a software developer so I like as much power as possible. Most come with Home edition... first thing I do it wipe entire drive and put Win11 Pro on it (I have license) because that is what I need for work. Then repurpose the old machine to a Linux machine and probably use the Linux machine more when I'm not working than the Windows one. 😁
The last time I bought a computer with Windows on it the very first thing I did was to format the hard drive and install Linux. My last two computers had Linux on them when I bought them.
First, scrub off the OEM Windows and install a debloated version with hardware compatibility checkup and compulsory Microsoft Account bypassed or disabled. Just use a local account. Next, download Wise program uninstaller and remove or disable Edge, OneDrive, Recall, Bitlocker, and CoPilot. Lastly, import a firewall rules list to block Microsoft telemetry and set your DNS server address to AdGuard DNS. Also, never use the Microsoft App Store. Instead, provision your PC using Winget App Installer. All this stuff will take an hour or two but it is well worth it to reclaim ownership of your computer.
If the computer is cheap enough, the first thing I do is remove windows from the compute and pick a linux distro to be installed. this year I have moved from Linux Mint to Ubuntu, why, because I wanted an operating system to play steam games. why, because I don't need to be told (from my windows 10 computer) that your OS is about to be moved to the microsoft digital bone yard, but we have found a new problem with your computer it doesn't meet the hardware requirements to run Windows 11, so you will have to buy a windows qualified ready computer for the hardware changes. WAIT! WAIT! I am 73 years old I just bought this computer from Best By 4 years ago, I use it only to play Valve games, and Fallout series games, and use it for Amiga emulation (a good OS) that doesn't interrupt me when I am changing how my Amiga OS works. With all respect who the fuck is microsoft to tell me what I can do with my computer and tell me I need to buy a new computer. My words back to MicroSoft is I am getting to old for your Bull Shit so instead of doing as you demand, well I own my computer and you either meet my needs or you can hit the road Bill, because I don't need gates telling me what I can do or what I will use. For that matter if it comes down to it, I can always pull out my old C64 or Amiga 500 and do what I am doing and have fun. When Microsoft first started I loved there DOS OS's up to 6.22, now they where fun, After Windows 98 I began to lose interest. and the last good OS they had (just my thoughts) was Windows 7.
You have a very clear and concise way of explaining things... you should be explaining how to get rid of that Windows virus... if grandma can figure out One Drive she sure as heck can install a linux distro.
Windows 7 has gone out of date. Another Windows OS option you can choose is Windows 8.1. This is isn't to say that Windows 7 is bad, but it might have errors and will lack the support.
You only have one chance to take some of these steps.
what should you do if you have already performed the updates and downloaded software that came with the computer. Unfortunately I found your video a few hours too late.
@@rldsmith86 Take an image as soon as you can. It's not worth starting over. :-)
@@askleonotenboom thank you very much for responding to me. I immediately shut down the computer, in hopes that you would respond. Thank you again.
very helpful, thanks Leo
Leo, you are the best that is out there at helping people. Your very much appreciated
.
FIRST Backup with the manufactures Software.
How do you download macrium reflect? 8:13
From macrium.com
I use clonezilla. it is free and works great, just a little slow, but way better then using something from microsoft. why? You start at 4 pm, and buy 12 pm after you reset the computer and restarted for the 10th time it comes up with another update.
Acronis will work also
Again great info. I just wished he had clarified an additional step in this regarding sending a backup with all programs and data from the original pc onto the new pc after completing all of the above steps. Especially if the new pc has a different processor like going from an AMD to Intel processor. Does the backup being restored cause conflicts with the new pristine pc. Well I guess is a another subject? Still a great checklist to have!
Great tips. I also advice to uninstall all bloatware that comes in your system or all programs you seem unnecessary as they take up disk space and a lot of times background resources making the computer slow or slower than it should be. A lot of times your computer it's faster than it seems and it is because of all those background processes using up your memory and cpu while it's doing nothing.
Bloatware == Windows! 🙂
Hey Leo, Do you think you can add to this by discussing the best way to take advantage of new computers that come with two drives with one being a SSD and the other a standard HDD? I have a new PC on the way and after following all the steps here I'm wondering which drive I should be restoring my system backup onto. As well as other soon to be added programs. Thanks and this is the best site for computing info. Thx for your dedicated work doing it!
Thanks Leo. Currently waiting on new laptop as I type.
Can the backup be done with EaseUS ToDo downloaded on a thumb drive from another computer and then just inserted into the new computer? JimE
PS: Just watched "How Should I Back Up a New Computer?" March 23, 2023 and you gave me the answer. Thanks again. JimE
I know this one... I just bought a new Windows computer. First thing, I installed Linux Mint on it! Works great!! ;-)
@@stevejohnson1321 Or, as I recently did, remove the NvME drive with Windows on it, install a new larger drive and THEN install Linux on that instead. That way you have a fresh install of Windows on a drive if you happen to need it. Another added benefit... every time you open the drawer and see that unused Windows OS drive, you can laugh at it!!
@@stevejohnson1321 Yes, but they will never reduce the bloat, the spying and the constant attempts to get more money out of us.
You still need to make sure the OS is up to date and set up backups....
You also need an anti virus for it...
@@chrissimpson1183 Far simpler and less annoying with Linux. No contest, whatsoever!
The suggestion with not connecting to the internet is something I applaud. But, in 2024 with a laptop PC, the set up process hits a dead-end and cannot get up-and-running until it is plugged into the internet.
Try as I did with all sorts of workarounds, none worked.
Indeed, I had the same problem. Also it doesn't regognize my target device to get the image backups on. I have 1 tb space on my laptop, maybe EaseUs expects me to connect a device which is 1 tb? I connected a usb-stick with 128gb. It als says you have to pay so this does no longer work I guess.
There are a lot of things that are great to do to a new computer. First I'd get my hands on a device to "clone" the boot drive. A dual-bay dock is great for standard drives. Second, I'd install the latest version of "ShutUp10". This will allow you to take immediate control over what your computer sends out - especially to Microsoft. Then - after you have installed any additional applications that you want to use regularly - whether utilities or games, etc. - make another "clone" In fact, each time you make a major update to your computer, make another "clone" - but don't get rid of the old copies. If necessary in the future, you can go back as far as necessary to undo a "regret". If you are running an SSD, you can "clone" to the more economical HDs. Finally, just be careful where you "cruise" on the internet.
Sorry but how do I do the things you are suggesting?
What about split the hdd in 2 partions? One for Os and software. The second one as data with all your photos, videos, documents etc you work with. Also backed up somewhere of cource. I always do that.
What about the pros and cons of signing into Windows 11 with a MS account? Is it better and more secure than a local account? Which do you advise?
Win 11 makes it really hard not to use a Microsoft Account. In my opinion it's fine, and makes a few things easier. There are others who disagree strongly.
@@askleonotenboom Tks
Hi Leo, Why do you recommend installing a system image backup tool rather than just using windows system image to do a system backup? Thanks
Microsoft is telling people that tool is going away and even THEY suggest using a third party tool. The built in tool, in my experience, is significantly more limited than 3rd party tools, and it's not getting any better.
In that case how should I get the backup software on my new computer and do a system backup before exposing the device to any programs or internet . Can I download from another computer and have the program run from a usb device and then after the system backup install it on the new machine. and which software do you prefer is better
@@stevewoodruff4242 The most pragmatic way is to download the programs installer on another computer, and then install it on your new. Yes, that's technically not "pristine" any more, but close enough. The alternative is to create "rescue media" on another machine with that other backup program, and then boot the new machine from the rescue media. In most cases rescue media can also be used to create backups. I've done it, and it's more effort than it's worth, though.
My first time here. Clarity is extremely important and this is as good as I have seen. Bookmarked!
This is good advise and in hindsight I would have taken an image with easeus todo as soon as possible, but unfortunately I only made a recovery usb when I bought the computer thinking it was a factory image. What would this give me if I wanted to reinstall to factory settings ? Also another question how difficult is it to do a clean install of windws 10/ 11 these days and how would it be done ?
What is the diffrence bw image and windows reset? Whatabout to maintain manage drivers?
Windows Reset is basically a re-setup of windows - setting it up from scratch. An image is just a copy of the already-set-up disk. Not sure what you're asking about drivers in this context.
@@askleonotenboom when we first install windows, then we need to install or update drivers isnt it? Best take system image before or after install drivers? Do you backup your drivers? Which software is best? double driver or drivermax etc
@@dannid.8115 I let Windows Update deal with drivers. No other tools are needed 99.99% of the time.
@@dannid.8115 it is best to take a system image backup before AND after driver install
Ok, as an ex-ICTer I never give up and found a way to make my image. Not 100 % sure how I got there but found a screen that gave me the choice for a backup of the disk, after I left cloning the disk for that said I needed to upgrade and pay. I could not choose a destination for the backup but it gave me an designated place on C in a folder for backups on disk 0 which felt strange but I had no other choice so did it. After the image was placed there I searched for the path and checked it out. Then I copied it on to my external usb memory stick and checked the results of that. The 2 are identical and seem to be a proper image. I would like to delete the 1 on C: but am not sure whether I will be able to use the image on the usb-stick so as it is not in my way I'll leave it for now. Also I would like to know if I can compress the external image back-up without corrupting it, and how?
So Leo, I realy hope you will read this and can explain what happened precisely and tell me how I should go on. In the meantime I will go on preparing my new laptop according to this video. Thank you so much for this video, it is helpful, regards Maaike.
What's this about Windows back up utility being deprecated? I have used this for many years including Windows 10 where it came in valuable a couple of times for reinstalling from a back up image. Had a situation where back ups were made to different file formatted partitions and hard drives, some did not work yet finally seen a pattern that does work, could never get a back up to work that was created on a exfat or fat32 formatted drive, instead ntfs. Not quite sure if that is a requirement yet seemed to work in my situation.
Microsoft advises using a 3rd party replacement instead of "Windows 7 Backup and Restore". It's no longer updated or supported. It'll probably disappear at some point.
Another important tip is to install an Undelete app. Windows doesn't have one. And sometimes Recycle Bin is not enough because many times you will need to delete files bypassing the Recycle Bin (Shift-Del), and you will be at risk, when doing this, to recover files that you deleted with this method.
Leo, how can I set up to my OWN, local hard disk backup. Microsoft seems to want to sell me cloud storage, which I hate.
You can skip the cloud-related items in this list: askleo.com/how-to-back-up-windows-10/
Simply thank you you teach like a father and You care about my computer so like I say simply thank you.
Leo if you take a system image from the get go will you have to keep that entirely separate from any other image back ups . Ie will it get over written by future backups.?
This depends entirely on the tool you use and how it's configured. (The default is generally not to overwrite, but to accumulate.)
What about using Windows on the new computer to make the system image backup instead of Macrium or Easetodo?
Windows built-in image backup, while better than nothing, has problems. Even Microsoft says it'd deprecated and third party tools should be used.
@@askleonotenboom And you're still recommending Macrium correct?
@@civsully1740 Macrium Reflect or EaseUS Todo
An integrated list of the steps to create a windows 11 system recovery USB drive would have been helpful. No big deal, but it would save wandering off and looking for it elsewhere.
*My thoughts exactly.* 👍
Leo is great, but I find that a lot of his advice involves telling us what to do but not how to do it. 😟
Gotta buy one first.
In 2018, I created win 7 image with easeus. In 2020, upgrade to win 10. In 2022 my asus laptop win 10 feel so slow. What should I do? Reset or restore image? What will happen cause the image is win 7?
If you restore the Win 7 image, your machine will run Windows 7 and all updates applied since that image was taken will be lost. I recommend a Windows 10 reset at this point.
I usually buy a gaming laptop about once a year. I don't game but a I'm a software developer so I like as much power as possible. Most come with Home edition... first thing I do it wipe entire drive and put Win11 Pro on it (I have license) because that is what I need for work. Then repurpose the old machine to a Linux machine and probably use the Linux machine more when I'm not working than the Windows one. 😁
The last time I bought a computer with Windows on it the very first thing I did was to format the hard drive and install Linux. My last two computers had Linux on them when I bought them.
1 First thing I do is re-install Windows from recovery partition! 2 partition hard-drive, move all folders to new partition!
First, scrub off the OEM Windows and install a debloated version with hardware compatibility checkup and compulsory Microsoft Account bypassed or disabled. Just use a local account. Next, download Wise program uninstaller and remove or disable Edge, OneDrive, Recall, Bitlocker, and CoPilot. Lastly, import a firewall rules list to block Microsoft telemetry and set your DNS server address to AdGuard DNS. Also, never use the Microsoft App Store. Instead, provision your PC using Winget App Installer. All this stuff will take an hour or two but it is well worth it to reclaim ownership of your computer.
boot into an arch install usb
that's much easier than this...
The first thing I do with a new Windows computer is make the GUI as much like XP as possible.
This is not helpful for beginners like me. I need step by step instructions.
Those that DON'T need instructions probably don't need this video!
Also uninstall software installed my the manufacturer that you don’t want.
The first thing to do is reformat and install Linux! 🙂
The first thing I do with a new PC is to kick and punch it, show it who is boss!
Does it help?
@@askleonotenboom
Well lets put it this way, I never had a problem with Windows ME!!
Telling people to make a system image backup is not helpful if you don't tell them HOW to use that backup when it is needed...
I have perhaps a dozen videos and articles on the topic. Start by searching askleo.com.
You can't get your new laptop to work without going up the internet anymore. 😢
It should be illegal for these computer companies to force us to keep buying new computers, just to keep up with their new operating systems.
No one is forcing you to buy a new machine.
@@askleonotenboom OK, I will just go back to pen and paper.
If the computer is cheap enough, the first thing I do is remove windows from the compute and pick a linux distro to be installed. this year I have moved from Linux Mint to Ubuntu, why, because I wanted an operating system to play steam games. why, because I don't need to be told (from my windows 10 computer) that your OS is about to be moved to the microsoft digital bone yard, but we have found a new problem with your computer it doesn't meet the hardware requirements to run Windows 11, so you will have to buy a windows qualified ready computer for the hardware changes. WAIT! WAIT! I am 73 years old I just bought this computer from Best By 4 years ago, I use it only to play Valve games, and Fallout series games, and use it for Amiga emulation (a good OS) that doesn't interrupt me when I am changing how my Amiga OS works. With all respect who the fuck is microsoft to tell me what I can do with my computer and tell me I need to buy a new computer. My words back to MicroSoft is I am getting to old for your Bull Shit so instead of doing as you demand, well I own my computer and you either meet my needs or you can hit the road Bill, because I don't need gates telling me what I can do or what I will use. For that matter if it comes down to it, I can always pull out my old C64 or Amiga 500 and do what I am doing and have fun. When Microsoft first started I loved there DOS OS's up to 6.22, now they where fun, After Windows 98 I began to lose interest. and the last good OS they had (just my thoughts) was Windows 7.
first thing: install linux
Job # 1 = install a newer Linux distro!
Yeah, stuff microsoft and their downloads and take your advice.
Load Linux
Installing Linux is easier...
Put it back in the box and return it for a full refund!
Who can afford a new computer
Throw it directly in the trash. It is already old & obsolete! 😆 ...Lol
Helping people use Windows is unethical.
That's ... new.
@@askleonotenboom It's carved on the stela of Hammurabi look it up... heh...
You have a very clear and concise way of explaining things... you should be explaining how to get rid of that Windows virus... if grandma can figure out One Drive she sure as heck can install a linux distro.
Uninstall Windows 10, Install Windows 7
Windows 7 has gone out of date. Another Windows OS option you can choose is Windows 8.1.
This is isn't to say that Windows 7 is bad, but it might have errors and will lack the support.
If you're doing that, just keep your old system. Win 7 is outdated & unsupported. Win 10/11 blow it out of the water.
The first thing to do is erase windows and install linux
Second thing to do: Call the manufacturer/OEM and get a refund for the OS license that will never be used.