Summary
Similar to buying a new automobile, getting a new computer is an exciting experience that makes you want to explore all of its features. However, it may also seem rather daunting, particularly if you’re switching between platforms—for instance, from Windows to macOS.
You can efficiently set up and maximize the performance of your new computer by following our step-by-step instructions.
What You Should Do As Soon as You Receive a New Computer
This is a useful manual for anyone who just purchased a new computer. Let’s begin with the necessary actions to do after obtaining a new computer. Both Windows 11 and previous versions may be used with these recommendations.
1. Turn on and charge your laptop for the first time.
The first thing to do after purchasing a new laptop is to plug it in and let the battery run entirely flat before turning it on.
It may not be easy to wait patiently, but this is an important step. When charging your computer for the first time, it is advised to leave it for 10 to 12 hours, or about similar to an overnight stay. By using this technique, you can be confident that your computer will detect the full amount of its battery, which will maximize its longevity and provide maximum performance. We wish to prevent short-changing your battery’s lifespan by not rushing this procedure.
Remember to install a surge protector if you reside in a place where power outages often occur in order to shield your computer from unexpected power changes.
2. To Begin
It’s time to make sure everything is in its proper location and you received what you paid for after connecting all the necessary parts, such as the keyboard, mouse, and monitor, and charging your computer.
If it’s a Windows computer, the operating system will ask you to configure important settings like the clock, language, and time zone. Microsoft offers the ease of synchronizing backgrounds and settings across all of your Windows PCs with cloud connection, so they urge you to create or use an account. It’s more difficult to set up if you want to keep a local account. Nevertheless, you may do this by turning off your internet connection while Windows is installing.
Furthermore, you may want to think about creating other accounts for children or family members; this need not be done at the time of initial registration and may be completed at a later time.
Installing the free CPUID program on a Windows machine allows you to verify the hardware specifications. Users of Mac computers may get this data by going to Apple Icon > About This Mac > Additional Information on OS X. Users of Linux also have a variety of alternatives.
Check to see whether the hard drive (HDD), dedicated graphics card (if applicable), and installed CPU model and speed match the specs you bought.
Lastly, it’s critical to look for dead pixels on your screen. By doing this, you may assist make sure there are no flaws in the display. Keep in mind that you may usually return the computer for a replacement if any dead pixels are discovered. A simple internet search for “check for dead pixels” can lead you to helpful resources.
3. Remove Bloatware
Bloatware (also known as crapware, shovelware, and bundleware) must be removed off your computer in order to simplify your use and clear up clutter. Preinstalled programs take up disk space and can clog your Start menu.
You may remove any undesirable applications by going through the list of installed apps. Keep the software from manufacturers such as AMD, Intel, Dell, Nvidia, Microsoft, HP, Lenovo, and don’t remove it. You may, however, remove any bundleware that you come across. Our earlier lessons have more detailed information on what bloatware is and how to detect and get rid of it from your computer.
In addition, use these methods to effectively remove undesired programs using third-party uninstaller software and remove more bloatware and advertisements from your Windows operating system:
1. Begin promoting the menu. Navigate to Personalization in Settings, then click Start. Disable the sporadic recommendation feature in Start to get away from pointless adverts.
2. Block advertisements on screens. To prevent Microsoft product adverts via Windows Spotlight, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen and set the backdrop to a picture or slide show.
3. The Pop-Up Taskbar. You may get recurring alerts with Windows 10 advice. Turn off “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows” by going to Settings > System > Notifications & actions. Additionally, disable the option that says “Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates and when I sign in.”
4. Advertising in File Explorer. If you see advertisements in File Explorer, particularly if you’re using OneDrive’s free subscription, choose View > Options > Modify search and folder settings. Turn off Show sync provider notifications under the View tab of the Folder Options box.
By taking these simple steps, you can help your Windows PC become cleaner and more focused by getting rid of bloatware, recommendations, and needless advertisements.
4. Get Updates
Keeping your computer up to date with the most recent Windows updates is essential to preserving system security and functionality. Here’s how to efficiently handle updates. The Windows Control Panel is where you may locate the Windows Update Manager. Before you start, make sure your internet connection is steady.
Look for any updates. To check whether there are any pending updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. There might be a number of significant updates waiting to download since your Windows system could not be up to date.
Give Updates Enough Time. Updates sometimes take a while to download and install, particularly the bigger ones. Allow the updating procedure to complete itself. Watch a movie, have a food, or take a rest while you wait for the updates to finish.
Launch the Windows Update. Once more. Run Windows Update again after the first update. Updates that came thereafter may have been inspired by earlier ones. changes often trigger further changes in later iterations.
Update Settings should be optimized. Postpone updates for up to seven days if they seem too much at first. As an alternative, schedule your PC’s inability to install updates during off-peak hours, such as the night or the weekend, to reduce interference with your active hours.
You can make sure that your Windows computer runs smoothly, gets the necessary security updates, and is kept performing at its best by upgrading it on a regular basis.
5. Configure Security on Windows
On a new Windows PC, security setup is important but often disregarded. All security options are accessible via the Windows Security screen located in the Update & Security section of Windows 10 and subsequent editions.
Threat & Virus Defense
Select Manage settings after gaining access to the Virus and Threat Protection options. This is where you change important Windows Security settings, such turning on cloud-delivered security or allowing sample submission automatically to stop malware and viruses in real time.
Protection Against Ransomware
Click Manage ransomware protection to learn how to secure your data. To prevent suspicious programs from making changes to your files, turn on Controlled Folder Access and choose Protected folders. This will prevent unauthorized apps from changing your data.
Control for Apps and Browsers
6. Set Up Security Programs
To keep your new computer operating well, you must protect it from viruses. Basic antivirus software is usually preloaded on most PCs, although it isn’t updated very often.
Windows Defender is the pre-installed antivirus software. Even if it has recently improved, for better security, you should have a third-party antivirus software. Furthermore, a lot of antivirus protection packages come with parental controls, firewalls, and antispam capabilities in addition to anti-malware software.
There are trustworthy free antivirus apps like Avast One Essential that provide a respectable degree of security, even if you decide not to pay. Running more than one antivirus application at once may be bad for your system’s performance, so when you install a third-party antivirus, Windows Defender is immediately disabled.
Although personal firewall software was formerly essential for a new PC, Windows’ built-in firewall together with the firewall on your home network router typically provide enough security against unwanted internet access.
7. Open Your Preferred Web Browser
Selecting your web browser is a matter of taste and significance for your virtual journey. Fortunately, there are other solutions available, so you don’t have to use antiquated ones like Internet Explorer.
Because of Microsoft’s reliance, Edge is the default browser that comes with Windows and cannot be removed. Because Edge and Google Chrome share the same system basis, Edge can render webpages properly and work with Chrome extensions. Nonetheless, the majority of users continue to use Chrome.
Firefox is the browser that sets the standard if you emphasize standards support and want to use open-source applications.
8. Move Files
It might appear difficult to move data from your old computer to a new one if Windows 10 or 11 doesn’t include the Windows Easy Transfer tool.
The conventional approach is moving data from your old PC to an external hard drive or USB flash drive, and then to your new device. Nevertheless, the USB drive option might take a while if there are a lot of data. Using your home network to move data between devices is a productive substitute.
The easiest method is to use a cloud storage service, such as Dropbox, IDrive, or Microsoft OneDrive (which is integrated with Windows), backup your old PC data. All of your files on different devices are accessible once installed on your new computer. This procedure not only transfers data, but it also builds a backup system.
You may utilize File History on PCs or recover your previous Mac from a Time Machine backup to move data across devices. An other option is to transfer data from the old computer to the new one by connecting the hard drive.
In most cases, you will need to reinstall the program and enter your login information when transferring software licenses to a new machine. When using software that is device-limited, you may sometimes need to cancel the license on the old device before activating it on the new one.
9. Select Your Fallback Option
Installing a file recovery application could be a good idea before you really need it. Even if you haven’t used your computer yet, it’s imperative that you have this application installed beforehand. In the event that a file is inadvertently erased, using a recovery application afterwards might overwrite the deleted file’s original location, rendering it permanently lost.
You may test out some great tools from our selection of file recovery software programs. Just install one and keep it stocked. It will be hassle-free to utilize whenever required.
A further option to think about is signing up for an online backup service, such as Dropbox or Google Drive. These services automatically protect your desired data on secure servers located outside of your location by combining software tools with subscriptions.
Online backup services provide a long-term, reasonably priced way to secure your data. The most regarded services on our list include affordable prices, limitless backup capacity, and simple installation procedures. After purchasing a new computer, if you would like not to make any further large expenditures, think about utilizing a free backup service or, at the very least, a local backup program.
10. Evaluate Your Work
It’s crucial to confirm the performance of every new computer you purchase, whether it’s a desktop or a laptop, to ensure you received what you paid for. It’s advisable to double-check in a market inundated with comparable CPUs, graphics chips, and memory alternatives, even if reliable merchants often give the proper components.
Installing a hardware-checking program that shows information on the brand, model, and speed of each component is a good place to start. Check these details against the specs list or the invoice that came with your PC. Report any inaccuracies to the vendor right away.
There are various benchmarking tools available for performance assessment. For example, PCMark Basic Edition evaluates overall performance, 3DMark Basic Edition measures graphic card power, and UserBenchmark performs component-specific readings and tests.
These programs assess how well your computer performs in comparison to other computers with same hardware. You may determine if your system runs faster or slower than the typical average by examining this data.
It’s Time to Get Rid of That Old PC!
Are you prepared to part with your old laptop? Think about listing it for sale on websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. To preserve the value of your old equipment, be sure to give it a complete hardware cleaning before selling it.
To fully restart your computer, you may also reinstall the operating system. Not only does a filthy PC have less value when sold, but it also runs the danger of revealing your personal information.
