Many people will be getting a new PC for Christmas. First, congratulations and yes, I may be slightly jealous. But only because you bought one since I did and yours has more updates and features. Of course, the one your neighbor buys tomorrow will have more features than yours. It is almost impossible to get the latest and greatest as tech changes so quickly.
For the initial setup follow the computer/manufacturer’s directions. This is the best for anyone. You will get it like the manufacturer built it to be, you should encounter no issues, and you can always change things later. Make sure during the installation of Windows in the new pc, you update all the Operating System components, which will give you much better performance.
Once finished, I would restart the computer. Even though it has probably restarted a time or two during the installation. This allows it to shake out any possible issues.
If you have not used Windows 11 previously, familiarize yourself with the Operating System. Spend time clicking, looking around, and learning the basics of the system. There are maybe a couple of million YouTube videos you can check out for, “How to do…” most anything on your new pc.
Now, I suggest using Ninite.com to install most of your essential software. Like your favorite web browser (Microsoft Edge is preinstalled so you may not need a new browser), popular apps, like Malwarebytes, LibreOffice and iTunes. And please keep in mind any others you see that you will use there.
Configure the settings by adjusting system settings for privacy and usability according to your preferences.
If you have other people who will be using the computer, make sure to set up each a new user account. It can provide some privacy for others and also keep your significant other (ok, kids) from installing numerous games on your account.
One more application that I highly recommend is PatchMyPC, which I wrote about a couple of months ago. You may find the new, updated free version at, ghtech.site/patch.
Now, enable windows security that is included with Windows 11. Find it by clicking the Start Menu and typing, “Windows Security” then click it and set that all the settings are checked. It will most likely be running already. Unless you have a “free” copy of some other software that your manufacturer made a deal with, to sell you at a later date. You do not need that additional antivirus software, so I would uninstall it ASAP. If not, you will get a message several weeks or months later that your antivirus has expired and you “must” pay to resubscribe…DO NOT DO IT.
There are a couple of other suggestions I have for a new computer setup. The first, some people disagree with me on, so check and see what you think. I would use a Microsoft account instead of a local account for enhanced security features, including two-factor authentication, encryption, and access to Microsoft OneDrive subscriptions. It allows you to use Copilot, if you so choose, much more simply with this account. You will be able to easily access the Microsoft store, which has improved greatly over the years. And if you need to replace your hard drive and reinstall Windows on the same computer, it is significantly better, easier, and quicker.
Clean up unnecessary shortcuts and pre-installed apps from the Start menu. Right-click on unwanted icons to uninstall them easily from the start menu. It is easy and quick. If you wonder if a program is bloatware, or crapware, run a review of the software name on your favorite search engine.
Next, adjust the Start menu layout by changing the space allocation between pinned and recommended items, and add shortcuts for easier access to important folders. And again, declutter everything. If you see something you do not want on the start menu, right-click on the icon and choose, “Unpin from Start.”
This will help you get started on your new PC. Next week I will have a few more suggestions for you to try. Remember, you can always contact me at GrayHaired.Tech with questions, or search YouTube.com for tutorials.
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