GUIDE: Format Your Computer and Reinstall Windows

 Being able to format our computer can be very important. Not only do computers accumulate a lot of "garbage" (problems in the file system, old apps in the memory) over the years, which makes them slower and more prone to security breaches, but you may get a virus that is wrecking your computer or worse - theft of personal details or a hacking that puts your files on ransom. So how do we create a new computer from the old, formatting it and making it work like new?

Whether you're a Windows or Mac user, the guides provided here offer a clear and detailed roadmap to securing your data and ensuring your computer runs efficiently. For Windows users transitioning to Windows 11 or Mac enthusiasts updating to the latest macOS, these steps are a lifeline. The process helps not only in routine maintenance and performance improvement but also prepares you for unforeseen circumstances that may require a clean slate, such as malware attacks or system errors.

In accessible language, free of jargon, these guides are tailored to assist even those with minimal technical know-how. By following these comprehensive instructions, you'll be equipped to protect your digital data and restore your system's functionality, giving you peace of mind and keeping you in control of your digital domain. Whether it's for routine upkeep or emergency recovery, mastering these skills is an empowering step for any computer user.

PC Users

Maintaining a backup system for your Windows 11 computer is not just an option, it's a necessity. In the digital era where data is as precious as any physical asset, safeguarding it against cyberattacks, system malfunctions, and unforeseen disasters is critical. This guide will walk you through the process of preserving your peace of mind by keeping your data safe and secure.

Is Windows 11 equipped with a backup utility?

Windows 11 does indeed have its own set of backup tools. The first one is the legacy "Backup and Restore" feature that allows for full-image backups, meaning it captures everything from your personal files to the very nuts and bolts of your operating system. The second tool is "File History," designed to back up individual files and folders to an external drive.

Then there's OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud service, which syncs your files across devices. However, OneDrive is not a true backup solution; it's a synchronization service that mirrors deletions across all devices. If something is deleted on one device, it's gone from OneDrive after the next sync.

Disabling OneDrive

If OneDrive's syncing is not what you're looking for, you can opt out. Here’s how:

1. Open "File Explorer."
2. Right-click on the OneDrive icon.
3. Select "Settings," then "Manage OneDrive Backup."
4. Click on "Stop Backup" for the folders you no longer wish to sync.
5. Your files remain on OneDrive, but you’ll have to manually move them back to your local storage if desired.

Archiving with OneDrive

For those who still want to use OneDrive without it monopolizing local storage:

1. Right-click on a folder.
2. Uncheck "Always Keep on This Device."

The insufficiency of Windows 11's native backup

The tools provided by Windows 11, while useful, have limitations. They don't offer cloud storage for backups, and they don’t naturally conform to the 3-2-1 backup rule, which suggests having three total copies of your data, two of which are local but on different devices, and one copy off-site.

Backing Up Files in Windows 11

Using Windows 11's Backup and Restore:

1. Go to "Control Panel," then "System and Security," and select "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)."
2. Choose "Set up backup."
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your backup destination and what to back up.
4. Complete the setup and initiate the backup.

Using File History:

1. Connect an external storage device.
2. Go to "Settings," then "System," "Storage," and "Advanced storage settings."
3. Click "Backup options" and select "Add a drive" to use File History.
4. Adjust settings such as backup frequency and which folders to include.
5. Start the backup process.

Restoring Files in Windows 11

For files backed up with Backup and Restore:

1. Navigate to "Backup and Restore."
2. Select "Restore my files" and follow the prompts to select which files or folders to restore.

For files backed up with File History:

1. Go to the File History menu and select "Restore personal files."
2. Choose the files or folders you want to restore and proceed.

Creating a System Image Backup

For a full system image backup, the process is more complex and involves creating a bootable Windows 11 USB or DVD and using the "System Image Recovery" option from the Windows Recovery Environment to restore your image.

Backing up your data might seem like a daunting task, but it's a straightforward process that can save you from a lot of headaches. By following these steps, you can ensure that your digital life is secure against whatever challenges may come your way.

MacOS Users

Step 1: Backing Up Your Data with Time Machine

A. Setting Up Time Machine Backup

1. Connect an external hard drive to your Mac. This should have enough space to accommodate all your current data.
2. Click on the Apple menu (🍎) at the top left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
3. Choose Time Machine.
4. Click Select Backup Disk and choose your external hard drive, then click Use Disk.
5. You can choose to encrypt your backup with a password if desired.
6. Time Machine will automatically start creating a backup of your system. This could take some time, depending on the amount of data you have.

Step 2: Preparing to Reinstall macOS

1. Once the backup is complete, ensure that you are connected to the internet.
2. If your Mac is running macOS Sierra or later, you don't need a bootable installer to reinstall macOS.
3. Ensure that you have your Apple ID credentials at hand, as they may be required during the setup process.

Step 3: Reformatting Your Mac

A. Entering Recovery Mode

1. Restart your Mac.
2. Immediately press and hold the Command (⌘) and R keys on your keyboard as your Mac starts up.
3. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.

B. Using Disk Utility to Erase the Disk

1. Once in recovery mode, select Disk Utility from the utilities window and click Continue.
2. Choose your main startup disk (usually named "Macintosh HD") from the sidebar and click the Erase button.
3. If Scheme is available, select GUID Partition Map. For Format, choose APFS if SSD or MacOS Extended (Journaled) if HDD.
4. Click Erase to format your main startup disk.
5. Once the process is complete, exit Disk Utility to return to the utilities window.

Step 4: Reinstalling macOS

1. In the utilities window, select Reinstall macOS and click Continue.
2. Follow the onscreen instructions. You'll be asked to select your disk (if you don't see it, click Show All Disks), and then click Install.
3. Your Mac will download and install a fresh copy of macOS. The time to complete the installation will vary depending on your internet speed.

Step 5: Setting Up Your Mac After Reinstallation

1. After installation is complete, your Mac will restart to a setup assistant. If you're selling, giving away, or trading in your Mac, press Command-Q to quit the assistant without completing the setup. Then click Shut Down.
2. If you're keeping your Mac, continue with the setup, which includes selecting your country, signing in with your Apple ID, and choosing your startup disk (usually named "Macintosh HD").
3. You can then restore your data from the Time Machine backup by using the Migration Assistant. To do this, go to Applications > Utilities > Migration Assistant and follow the on-screen instructions.

Additional Tips

• Make sure your Mac is plugged into AC power throughout the process.
• If you encounter any issues during reinstallation, it's safe to restart your Mac and repeat the reinstall process.
• If your Mac is using macOS Mojave or earlier, or if you're creating a bootable installer for an older macOS, different steps are involved. You may need to download the installer from the Mac App Store first.

Keep this guide on hand during the process, and take your time. If you follow each step, you'll have your Mac backed up, reformatted, and running a fresh installation of macOS without any prior technical knowledge needed.