How to restore a Windows 10 system image to an existing or larger storage device

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Technical Level : Basic

Summary

Details
PSA: Create Backup Reinstall Media for Your Current Version of Windows 10 Before Upgrading to Windows 10 Feature Update

Here is a list of direct links to vendor support pages where you can check the make and model of your computer to find out if it is compatible with the Windows 10 or earlier versions. If its not, don’t force it, stick with your current version, contact the vendor by telephone or support forum to find out about support.The list will be updated as soon as OEMs update their support pages. 

If there are no plans to support a particular Feature Update (release of Windows 10), your options include: sticking with the current version of Windows 10 or backup then attempt a clean install. Many users have reported a clean install works sometimes, even though the manufacturer does not support it; or consider downgrading to the original version you were running prior to upgrade: Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 Update 1. Both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 with Update 1 will continue to be supported until January 2020 and January 2023 respectively. Other options include migrating to an alternative platform such as Linux or purchase a new computer preinstalled with Windows 10.

Windows 10 version (1909 or earlier)

Windows 10 Creators Update (1803 and earlier)

Windows 10 Anniversary Update (1607)

If you discover your system is not compatible with a particular version of Windows 10 but Windows Update keeps trying to install the Update, you can block it using the following tool:

Is there an option or work around to block updates or hardware drivers that might cause problems?

Yes, Microsoft has released a KB update (KB3073930) that will let users block or hide Windows or driver updates. Click Hide Updates then choose Windows 10 Anniversary Update or Creators Update then click Hide.

See instructions at:

How to Block a Windows 10 Feature Update and Why You Might Need To

You can download it at the following link:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3073930 

If you upgraded to a new version of Windows 10, remember, you have 10 days to rollback from the time you upgraded. If you discover your system is not working so great with the update, this is an option you have. For users who discover the new version of Windows 10 is not working 10 days after, but there is no option to rollback, you will need to perform a manual downgrade. 

Step 1: Download Windows 10 1903, 1809, 1803, 1709, 1703 or 1607

Choose the following:

- Windows Final
- Windows 10, version 1709, 1703 or 1607
- Windows 10 Pro + Home
- English
- x64 (64 bit) x32 (32 bit)

Step 2: Create a bootable copy on a blank DVD or empty USB thumb drive with 8 GBs of free space. 


Step 3: Perform a custom install, which will let you archive your current installation to a folder called Windows.old. This option lets you recover files from the Windows.old folder. 

Resources: