What to Do After Installing Windows 11 on a New Computer – A Checklist

Why is it a good idea to go through a checklist right after installation?

A new computer usually works great "right out of the box," but spending the first 60–90 minutes setting it up can save you many hours down the road. The most common problems that arise after a few weeks include a lack of backups, a jumble of apps running at startup, outdated drivers, weak passwords, or accidentally enabled file-sharing settings. A well-thought-out plan also helps you avoid situations where you only realize after a crash that you’re missing a Wi-Fi driver and that your important files were stored on just one drive.

You can treat the list below as a step-by-step guide: starting with critical items (updates and security), moving on to workflow efficiency, and ending with organization and optimization.

Checklist at a Glance (Tick-off List)

• Complete the first-run setup wizard and review your privacy settings

• Install all system, driver, and app store updates

• Check your security measures (built-in protection, firewall, encryption)

• Create a restore point and set up a backup

• Organize your startup apps and remove unnecessary manufacturer add-ons

• Set up your browser, passwords, 2FA, and essential apps

• Set up power settings, the display, notifications, the clipboard, and shortcuts

• Transfer data from your old device and organize your folders

• Run a quick test: internet, sound, camera, microphone, printer

Getting Started: Account, Region, and Basics

Setup Wizard: Don't click "Next" automatically

When you first start it up, take a moment to slow down. Make sure that:

• the correct region and date/time format are selected,

• the interface language and keyboard layout match what you actually use,

• The Wi-Fi network is yours (not, for example, a guest network) and has a strong password.

Online account or local account?

The system allows you to work with either an account linked to the manufacturer's services or a local account (depending on the edition and settings during installation). An online account makes it easier to sync settings, recover your password, and use the store, but a local account can be convenient if your computer is typically a “home/offline” machine or a work computer with its own policies. Most importantly: set a strong password and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

Quick tip

If you plan to use your computer for work, consider setting up separate accounts: one with administrator privileges solely for installations and changes, and another for everyday use with restricted access. This is a simple practice that enhances security.

Updates: The Foundation of Stability and Security

Run a "full cycle" of updates

After a fresh installation, updates often come in waves. It’s good practice to:

1. start checking for updates,

2. install everything that's available,

3. restart the computer,

4. Keep checking until the system no longer suggests anything new.

At this stage, don’t skip optional updates if they involve drivers (e.g., for the network card, graphics card, or chipset). These updates most often resolve issues with the system waking up, connection drops, or unusual audio behavior.

Drivers from the manufacturer: when is it worth it?

If you have a brand-name laptop or desktop computer, you may need drivers and tools from the manufacturer (e.g., for function keys, power profiles, or BIOS/UEFI updates). For a custom-built PC, the system’s default software plus a graphics driver downloaded directly from the graphics card manufacturer is often sufficient. Stick to the rule: install only what you actually need—the fewer unnecessary background services, the better.

BIOS/UEFI and firmware

Updating the BIOS/UEFI can improve system stability, RAM compatibility, and power-saving features. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, use a stable power source, and take your time.

Security: Set this up before you install apps

Built-in protection and firewall

This modern system has security features enabled by default. Check the Security Center to see if:

• real-time protection is enabled,

• The firewall is enabled for the private profile,

• Warnings about suspicious apps are enabled.

If you plan to use a third-party security program, first make sure it doesn’t duplicate functions in a way that slows down your computer. Having two solutions running at the same time can do more harm than good.

Disk encryption and access protection

If your device supports disk encryption (depending on the model and hardware capabilities), it’s worth considering this feature, especially on a laptop. This protects your data in case of theft or loss. Just remember to store your recovery code securely (e.g., in a password manager or printed out and kept in a safe place).

Passwords and 2FA

Set up a password manager and enable two-factor authentication for accounts that support it (email, banking, online stores, cloud services). This is one of the most worthwhile habits to adopt right from the start.

Privacy and diagnostic data: settings worth reviewing

Personalized ads, content recommendations, and activity history

In the privacy settings, you’ll find toggles that control personalized ads, content recommendations, activity history, and the sharing of diagnostic data, among other things. There’s no single “perfect” configuration for everyone, but it’s worth making an informed decision:

• Would you like suggestions and recommendations based on your activity,

• Should apps have access to your location, microphone, and camera?

• whether the system should send extended diagnostic data.

App permissions: the principle of minimalism

After installation, many users automatically click "Agree." It’s safer to follow this rule: an app should only be granted the permissions it actually needs. For example, a word processor doesn’t need location access, and a simple calculator doesn’t need to use the microphone.

Backups: Set them up right away, not “someday”

The 3-2-1 Strategy for Home Use

If you want to approach this sensibly, follow this simple rule:

• 3 copies of the data,

• on two different media,

• 1 copy stored off-site (e.g., in the cloud or on a drive kept elsewhere).

In practice, this could involve: data stored on your computer’s hard drive + a copy on an external USB drive + additional synchronization of your most important folders to the cloud.

System restore point and system image

It’s a good idea to make sure that system protection is enabled for the system drive and that a restore point has been created after the update and driver installation are complete. For more demanding users, periodically creating a system image (e.g., after finalizing the configuration) is also a great option.

Playback test

A backup without a test is just wishful thinking. Make sure you can recover at least one file and that you know where the backups are stored.

Post-installation cleanup: apps, startup programs, and manufacturer add-ons

Remove unnecessary programs and pin what's important

New devices often come with pre-installed tools, trial versions, and promotional apps. Go through the list of programs and uninstall anything you don’t use. This will help you:

• you speed up startup,

• you reduce the number of background processes,

• You limit notifications and "ads" in the system.

Autostart: Less is more

In Task Manager, check the Startup tab. Keep only what you need on a daily basis (e.g., touchpad drivers on a laptop, or a messaging app if you use it constantly). You can launch the rest manually.

Cleaning up storage space

Set your system to automatically clean up temporary files and empty the Recycle Bin every so often. It’s a small thing, but over the course of a year, it can save you a lot of space.

Convenience settings: display, sound, notifications, shortcuts

Customize the screen to suit your needs

To start with, you should set:

• interface scaling (especially on 2K/4K monitors),

• refresh rate (if the monitor supports 120/144 Hz),

• Night mode and schedule (for a comfortable evening work environment).

Notifications: Mute notification sounds

Review the list of apps that send notifications and limit them to only the ones you really need. Also, set "Do Not Disturb" mode for when you're working or sleeping.

The layout of the Start menu and taskbar

Choose which icons you want to see, remove unnecessary items, and pin your most-used tools to the taskbar. It’s a small customization that can really speed up your workflow.

Web browser, email, and basic productivity tools

Clean up your browser

After installing the new system, you should immediately:

• log in to your browser and sync your bookmarks,

• enable tracking protection/protection against malicious websites,

• Install the necessary extensions (but don’t go overboard—each one adds potential overhead and risk).

Mail and Calendar

If you use multiple email accounts, set them up so that messages are delivered to a single location. For those who work in teams, it’s also helpful to set up signatures, rules, and folders right away.

Password manager and recovery codes

Keep your 2FA recovery codes in a safe place. It’s a small detail that can save your access to your accounts in an emergency.

Check-ups: before you start "working normally"

Quick hardware diagnostics

Take a quick test:

• The Wi-Fi connection is stable (it doesn't drop out after a few minutes),

• The camera and microphone work in the calling app,

• The audio switches correctly between the speakers and headphones,

• The USB ports recognize the flash drive/hard drive,

• If you have a printer, print a test page.

Temperature and Performance Monitoring

In the first few days, check to see if the fans are running constantly at high speed and if the computer is overheating during simple tasks. If so, the following are often to blame:

• background indexing and updating processes (this is normal at first),

• an overly aggressive power profile,

• Unnecessary apps that launch at startup.

Save this action plan for later

You don’t have to do everything on the first day. Just make sure the critical elements (updates, security measures, backups) are in place, and you can fine-tune the rest as you go.

A "must-have" list for the more discerning

For remote work and businesses

• Set up the VPN according to the company's guidelines

• Set the screen lock and auto-sleep policy

• Enable the lockout after a short period of inactivity

• Organize your folder structure (Projects, Clients, Archive)

• Back up your data to an external drive and sync it to the cloud

For gamers and developers

• Install the latest graphics driver from the official source

• Check if the monitor is operating at its full refresh rate

• Set the game/project directories on the correct drive (SSD/NVMe)

• Make sure you have enough space for the cache

For Home and Family

If the computer will be used by several people, create separate user profiles, set up parental controls where necessary, and establish rules for installing apps.

Common mistakes after installation and how to avoid them

1) “I’ll make a copy later”

More often than not, “later” never comes, and the breakdown happens at the worst possible moment.

2) Installing everything at once

The more programs you run at startup, the harder it is to figure out what’s slowing down your computer and where the problems are coming from.

3) Ignoring app permissions

A quick check of your privacy settings and camera/microphone access can save you a lot of stress.

4) No restore point after drivers

It's a simple "safety net" in case something goes wrong after the update.