You now have a new computer. Awesome! If you want to how to Set up a New Laptop or PC. That small metal box is the key to a huge range of possibilities. It can help you with everything from managing your money to staying in touch with your family to letting off some steam on, um, Steam.
But a new PC isn’t like a new car, where you can just turn the key and go. Okay, maybe you can—but you shouldn’t. When you first turn it on, doing a few simple things can make it safer, faster, and better prepared for the future. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to set up a new laptop or desktop computer the right way, whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11.
How to Set up a New Laptop or PC
Run all Windows updates
- Type “updates”in the search box.
- Click “Check for updates.”
- If Windows doesn’t automatically search for updates, select the “Check for updates” box.
Uninstall bloatware to set up new laptop
- Navigate to Settings.You can get there from the Start Menu.
- Select System.
- Select Apps and featuresfrom the left menu. If you don’t see this option, press inside thesearch box and type Apps, then select “Apps and features.” (Alternatively, you can skip steps 1 and 2 and type“Uninstall” from the Search Box on the Taskbar and choose “Add or remove programs.”)
- Select an app you wish to uninstall.
- Click Uninstall.
- Click the second Uninstall buttonthat appears.
Copy or sync your files
- OneDrive Sync: When you sign into the new computer with your Microsoft account, your important files that are stored in OneDrive will automatically download to the new machine.
- Using Google Drive or Dropbox: Although they function identically to OneDrive, these services are not preinstalled with Windows (unless your laptop’s maker adds them). Install them on the new computer if you were using them to store files on your old one.
- Manual file transfer: Choose every file in your Documents, Music, Videos, and Photos libraries, copy it to an external drive (such as a flash drive or hard drive), and then transfer it to the new computer. However, this is somewhat tedious, so if at all possible, we advise using cloud storage.
Install antivirus software
- Click the big green “free download” button on Bitdefender’s site
- Go to your downloads folder and find the bitdefender_online.exe file you just downloaded.Click on it.It will then install Bitdefender.
- Create a Bitdefender account (the window for doing this will appear automatically after installation) to prevent obtrusive pop-up reminders and any potential long-term issues with Bitdefender’s functionality. Just enter your name, email, and password to get started. After that, Bitdefender will work independently while you conduct your online activities in peace while still being protected.
Install your browser of choice
- Download and run the browser installer of your choice.
- Navigate to settings. You can get there from the Start Menu.
- Click System.
- Click the icon under Web browser. It may say “Choose a default” or it may have the icon for the current default browser.
- Select your browser in the pop-up menu that appears.
Disable the time-wasting lock screen
- Open the registry editorby hitting Windows + R or typing “regedit” into the run box.
- Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows by opening the folder tree in the left window pane.
- New > Key can be chosen by right-clicking in the right pane. Next, rename the Personalization key. If Windows already has a Personalization key, you can skip this step. You must have admin privileges to finish this step, so keep that in mind.
- Open the Personalization key.
- Right-click in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) value. Rename it to NoLockScreen.
- Set NoLockScreen to 1 by double-clicking on it and entering 1 in the dialog box.
- Close the Registry Editor and reboot your PC.
Unhide file extensions and hidden files
- Open File Explorer. You can get there by clicking on the yellow folder icon on the taskbar.
- Click the View tab at the top of the window.
- Toggle on “File name extensions” and “Hidden items.”You will need to hit “View” again after you check the first one.
FAQs
What is easy to set up a laptop or a desktop computer?
Desktop – Setting up a desktop requires a little more effort to connect everything, run it, and start using it. Additionally, setting it up takes more room. Even though connecting everything is simple, a laptop still makes the process less convenient.
Is it cheaper to buy a laptop or a desktop computer?
However, desktops typically cost less than laptops with similar features. (However, it’s important to keep in mind that desktops frequently require additional accessories—such as a keyboard and mouse—in order to be fully functional—while laptops are all-in-one devices.)
