How to set your new computer up

So now you have a new computer. Fabulous! This simple metal box holds the key to a vast world of possibilities. It can help with everything, from managing your finances to staying in touch with your family to letting off steam, to juggling your finances. steam.

A new PC is not like a brand new car. You can’t just flip a switch and press the pedal. You might be. can—but you don’t have to. You can make your computer safer, more efficient, and more ready for the future by performing a few simple tasks when you first start it up. Here’s how you can set up a file New laptopOr desktop computerNo matter whether you are running Windows 10 (or Windows 11), the right way, step-by-step, is what you need.

Windows Update is available for your new computer

The most difficult step is the first. The first step is the most tedious. Now for the bad news: Depending on how long your computer has been sitting on the retail shelf, this could take minutes — or hours. It must be done, regardless of how long it has been sitting on the retail shelf.

Microsoft releases new Windows patches at the least once per month. Major feature upgrades to Windows 10/11 have been done twice a calendar year in the past. This will slow down to one per year in future. There will also be new features added throughout the year. If your computer isn’t fully patched, it could be missing major security fixes or notable new features.

First, make sure that your computer has an Internet connection. Windows 10 opens the Start menu. Settings > Security updates > Check back for updates. Your system will scan for updates and return a list. After installing them, restart your computer. We hope it doesn’t take! It is veryUpdates to a new computer can take up an hour, in the worst case, for a long time.

Windows will download new updates as soon as they are available. This is a positive thing! It’s not hard to get past the initial hurdle.

You may be able to upgrade to Windows 11 if your laptop already has Windows 10. We recommend skipping Windows 11 for now. Not only is there a brand new interface to learn but the new operating systems that have been baked in the oven also have multiple jagged edges. Frank bugsIn these early days. You are welcome to continue reading Comprehensive review of Windows 11These are your choices, and you can decide for yourself if they are possible. You can download the Microsoft new operating system here if you already have it How to fix the worst annoyances of Windows 11How and why Make Windows 11 look like Windows 10.

Install your favorite browser

Surfing the internet in an unfamiliar browser is like trying out tango in another person’s shoes. It’s possible, but it’s not easy. Here are direct links. ChromeAnd the Fire FoxAnd the operaIf Edge isn’t your thing.

Chrome has been our favorite browser for years, but Microsoft Edge is now the world champion in Chrome. The final round of web browser testing. Edge is the best browser you can use right now, if Chrome is not your preference. It’s also the default Windows 10 browser. We recently published pieces extolling Edge’s virtues. Fire FoxAnd the VivaldiAnd the edgeAnd the operaYou can experiment with your options.

Install security on your new computer

Now that you have found something more comfortable, it is time to put your safety ducks on the right track.

Windows comes with Windows Security is enabled by defaultYou should not install a trial version on your desktop or laptop computer of any third-party antivirus. Windows Security is a solid, but not overly detailed solution that detects malware and is probably good enough to be used by most people. However, it isn’t the best solution to malware protection. You can’t even schedule scans! PCWorld’s Guide Best antivirus for Windows PCIt can help you locate all the right tools to protect your computer.

We also offer a guide to building solid foundations Free security suiteIt is more time-consuming than premium antivirus options, but it is still possible.

Get rid of bloatware on your computer

Once you have strengthened your defenses, it is time to eliminate trash from your computer.

If you already have a Windows PC, you can skip this step. Windows installations are simple and do not come with excessive junk cluttering your hard disk. Bloatware is a common problem with boxed PCs made by big-name PC companies.

It is easiest to get rid unwanted messages by typing “Add and Remove Programs”, then click the option that appears at top of the results. Browse the list, and uninstall any undesirable programs. Do not delete apps from hardware makers. Instead, leave software from Intel and AMD, Nvidia Microsoft, HP or Lenovo. But feel free to remove any bundles you see. Antivirus, Dropbox, Candy Crush and Spotify are some of the most popular preinstalled apps.

If you decide to perform Fresh install of WindowsIf you are cleaning out the floor and wish to keep certain programs (like Office), make sure you take down the product keys before you begin the process. Bellark ConsultantTo find it. It should be easy enough to go through the list and remove major offenders.

The software should be loaded onto the new computer

Why not get rid of all the clutter and rubbish? To make more space for your stuff. Only new hardware He pleadsTo match the program

Although it is a personal decision to equip your machine, PCWorld has a guide that can help you. The best free softwareThis is very informative and very helpful. UsefulThey should be used on every computer. These program guides and review reports can help you find the best programs.

Step forward NinetWhen it comes to actually installing all those programs. Ninite allows you to install as many free programs as you want at once. It also automatically disables any bundled crapware that may be sneaking in during the installation process. It’s a handy tool that makes it easy to boot up a new computer.

You might not be happy with the new Start menu or taskbar design if Windows 11 was installed on your laptop. Consider paying StartAllBackOr The beginning of Stardock 11If so. Both $5 programs allow you to recreate Windows 11’s look in a way that Windows 11 cannot. In no time, you can feel normal again.

Back up your new computer

After all this, your computer is now ready for action: it’s up-to-date and secure, it’s free of junk, and it’s loaded with software that meets your specific needs. It’s almost over! We are not finished! juuuuuust after.

Now that your computer is in a fighting mood, it’s the perfect time to create a copy, or image, of your primary hard drive—the one Windows boots from—and save it to another hard drive. A copy, or an image, is a copy of the snapshot of a drive that you can use to boot Windows, if it has lost its ghost. A copy of your system in its current, bloatware free, custom state will save you the effort of reinstalling Windows.

What is the difference between image and clone? Essentially, a clone creates an exact copy of one hard drive onto another drive—files, master boot record, everything. Cloning will take up most of your hard drive, but it’s easy to use if ever you need it. Pictures, however, creates a single file that contains all of your computer’s data. Although it takes more effort to make an image backup that can be used in case of disaster, you have more freedom with how you store it. Lincoln Spector has it More detailed comparisonIf you are interested.

There are many excellent backup tools that allow you create copies and images. We discuss these in detail in PCWorld’s reports The best backup software for WindowsThen there’s the The best online backup services. Do you not want to pay data protection? We also have a list of other data protection options. The best free backup optionsIf you’re willing to do a little more technical work to save some money, we’ll show you step-by-step the native imaging tool for Windows in PCWorld’s guide. Create a free and secure backup system. Uses Something anyway. Backups are the only way to save your data in case of disaster.

Optional: Update your drivers for the new computer

This step is not right for everyone. Drivers that refuse to be cooperative for any reason are the fastest way to introduce unwanted ghosts into your computer. If your desktop computer was working well out of the box and you plan to use it only for basic tasks such as browsing the internet, Office, and other similar tasks, don’t worry about it until then. She hasContinue to install the drivers. Windows Update should have found reasonably new drivers for your hardware by now.

If you have a DIY device, or a gaming machine, it is a good idea check if there are any newer drivers for your hardware. Windows Update is not always up-to-date with driver updates. New drivers for your motherboard and network card, however, can provide useful features and performance updates. Gamers will need regular updates to their graphics card drivers to ensure optimal performance in the most recent games. You can do this easily with nvidiaThen there’s the AMD’sIndispensable graphics collections. We will notify you when new collections become available.

PCWorld’s Guide Update your Windows driversHe has all of the information you need to keep in touch. This article was written for Windows 8. However, if you are looking for Device Manager in Windows 10 and 11, the same steps will apply. If the driver is not listed, DoWindows will automatically create a new computer if you manage it in some way. system restore pointWhen installing new drivers.

If TRUEDisaster strikes in unexpected and extreme situations. You have the backup image that you created.truly?

Optional: Get acquainted with your new computer

After all the hard work has been done, you can take your time to explore all the nooks, crannies, and features of Windows. There is a surprising amount there, in fact. Associate, helper, benefactor, philanthropistHidden tools and tricks in its depths. PCWorld’s guide is a great resource. Windows 10 tips, tools and tricks. You will be able to gain a lot useful knowledge. We also have a roundup The best hidden Windows 11 featuresWhat can you do? Make Windows 11 look like Windows 10And the How to fix the worst annoyances of Windows 11. No matter what OS version, this guide will work regardless. 10 little-known Windows features that will blow your mindIt is worth reading.

It is contained

This is it. You will still need to perform some tasks, such as transferring files to your new PC or saving product keys (again) for Windows and other software. Bellark ConsultantYou can also use the rocks to do this), but you can do it all at your own pace. Enjoy the thrill of owning a new computer. It’s fully optimized and protected against attacks. It can also be recovered in the event it becomes damaged.

Enjoy!