What is the first step to take before applying a major update to minimize risks?

Creating a test environment is a critical first step before applying a major update as it allows for safe experimentation without impacting the production environment. By establishing a separate instance that mimics the live system, you can evaluate the update's compatibility, performance, and potential issues in a controlled setting. This helps identify problems that could arise when the update is applied to the production system, significantly reducing the risk of downtime or data loss.

In a test environment, you can also verify that all functionalities work as expected and that existing configurations are not adversely affected. This proactive approach ensures that any adjustments or fixes can be made prior to implementing the update in the live environment, ultimately contributing to a smoother deployment and improved system reliability.