7 things to do first after installing Windows

Start with a full system update

Before doing anything else, run Windows Update. It ensures your system has the latest security patches and drivers. Updates can fix bugs, improve performance, and close security holes that attackers often target.

Go to Settings, then select Windows Update, and install all available updates. Some updates may require a restart; please allow time for this to occur. Running updates first helps avoid problems later. You’re starting fresh, so it’s smart to be fully up to date.

Get the right drivers installed

Without proper drivers, parts of your system won’t work right. You might lose sound, Wi-Fi, or smooth graphics performance. Drivers connect your hardware to Windows and keep everything running smoothly.

Check your PC or motherboard maker’s website for drivers. Look for graphics, audio, chipset, and Wi-Fi drivers, then install them one by one. Windows may have installed some automatically, but manual updates ensure the best match.

Fix display and resolution issues

A fresh install often defaults to basic screen settings. Things may look stretched, blurry, or low-quality. Fixing your display settings only takes a minute, but makes a big difference.

Open Display Settings and set the resolution to match your monitor. Enable HDR if supported. Adjust scaling if icons or text look too large or too small. If colors look off, check your graphics driver settings.

Remove bloatware immediately

Many systems come with unwanted apps pre-installed. These can slow down your computer, use background data, and clutter your start menu. Getting rid of them early helps your PC run faster and cleaner.

Open the Apps list in Settings and uninstall anything you don’t recognize or need. Watch for trial versions of antivirus software, games, or manufacturer tools you’ll never use. Some bloatware also runs at startup, which increases boot time.

Secure your system with antivirus

Microsoft Defender Antivirus (built into Windows) offers excellent, independently verified protection, 100% detection rates in recent AV‑TEST and AV‑Comparatives labs.

However, it lacks some advanced features found in premium third‑party suites (like cross‑browser web filtering, VPN, webcam protection), so users with higher security needs may still prefer a more comprehensive paid solution.

Pick one reliable antivirus, not multiple. Using more than one can cause slowdowns or conflicts. Set up real-time protection and schedule regular scans. Free or paid, go with a name you recognize. Keep it updated to stay protected as new threats appear.

Create a system restore point

Things can go wrong during setup. A bad app or failed update might crash your system. Creating a restore point now lets you roll back to a working state quickly and safely.

Search for Create a restore point in the Start menu. Select your system drive and click Create. Name it something clear, like Clean Install. It takes only a minute but can save hours of stress. If something breaks later, use System Restore to undo changes without losing files.

Install key everyday apps

Now’s the time to grab your go-to programs. That might include browsers, office tools, media players, or messaging apps. Without them, your system won’t feel ready for real use.

Download only from trusted sites to avoid bundled junk. Prioritize apps you use; no need to install everything at once. Think Chrome, Zoom, VLC, Steam, or Microsoft Office, depending on your needs. This setup step turns a fresh install into your daily driver.

Set your favorite default apps

After installation, Windows picks its default apps. Web links might open in Edge, and music might launch in Groove Music. That can get annoying fast.

Go to Settings, then Apps, then Default Apps. Choose the programs you prefer for browsing, email, photos, music, and more. If you use Chrome or VLC, make them the default. This saves you from manually switching apps every time.

Clean and customize the Start menu

The Start menu often shows apps you don’t care about. It’s filled with tiles, games, and shortcuts you’ll probably never touch. A quick cleanup makes the system feel much more personal.

Right-click to unpin unused tiles or uninstall unwanted apps. Then, pin your favorites like File Explorer, browser, or mail app. This trims clutter and makes it easier to get to what matters.

Tidy up the taskbar layout

The taskbar shows icons for tools and background apps. Some may be helpful, but others just take up space. Clean it up to make your desktop look better and run faster.

Right-click the taskbar to turn off unused items like Widgets, Cortana, or Task View. Unpin apps you never open. Then, add shortcuts for things you use often. You can also move the taskbar or change its size.

Adjust your power settings

Windows uses balanced power by default, but that doesn’t suit everyone. Gamers, workers, and casual users often need different settings. Adjusting power plans gives better performance or longer battery life.

Go to Power & Sleep settings and change sleep, screen, and lid options. On laptops, choose high performance for speed or power saver when on battery.

Enable File History backups

File History keeps copies of your files so you can restore older versions. It works quietly in the background and protects against accidental deletes or edits. You’ll be glad you turned it on if something goes wrong.

Plug in an external drive or choose a backup folder. Turn on File History in Settings under Backup. It automatically saves changes in folders like Documents, Music, and Pictures. Unlike full system backups, File History focuses on your content.

Review privacy settings

Windows shares certain data by default to improve services. But you can control what’s shared and what stays local. Going through privacy settings helps protect your info from the start.

Open Privacy settings from the Start menu. Disable things like ad tracking, speech recognition, and location access if you don’t need them. You can also control which apps use your microphone or camera.

Sync and secure your browser

After installing your preferred browser, sign in to sync bookmarks, extensions, and passwords. This restores your familiar setup and helps keep everything secure and backed up.

Go into browser settings and enable syncing for the data you want to carry over. Also, install a password manager if needed. Check that privacy and security settings are where you want them. Clear out default bookmarks you don’t need. With these steps done, your browser feels like home and is ready for safe, everyday browsing.

Curious about what’s next in the world of browsers? Take a peek at how Perplexity’s new browser is shaking things up.

Make your desktop feel yours

Now that everything works, make your desktop feel comfortable. Change the wallpaper, theme, taskbar color, and sounds to your liking.

Right-click the desktop and go to Personalize. Choose a background that makes you smile and a color theme that fits your style. You can also adjust icon size and font scaling. These changes don’t improve performance, but they improve how it feels to use your PC every day.

Want to take your desktop vibe on the go? Check out what Google’s cooking up with desktop mode for Android.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.