If you’re reading this, you might have gotten a new PC for the holidays or you’re considering buying one in the new year. Thaddeus, from Ellenton, Florida reached out to us with this question after purchasing a new PC.
I just bought a new laptop for the first time in 8 years (how times change!). I want to set this one up correctly and in the most secure way possible from the very start. I mean from the first time I boot it up. QUESTION: Is there a checklist of suggestions that I can follow to set-up a new computer correctly & securely? – Thaddeus, Ellenton, FL
Yes, Thaddeus, we have some great suggestions for you. Here’s how to set up your new PC, fresh out of the box. And for those who have a new Mac, check out these 5 essential steps to set up your Mac.
1) Getting started with Windows
When you first open your new PC, Windows will ask you to pick some basic settings. First, it’ll ask you to select a language. Then, it’ll ask to connect to your WiFi. Select whatever network you use and input your password. You can then click on “connect automatically” so Windows won’t ask you for a password every time you want to connect to the internet.
After connecting to your WiFi, Windows will ask you to setup your language, time, and calendar settings. It then asks you to create a login. Windows might ask you to create an online Windows account, but that’s optional when setting up a new PC. While it does sync up your new PC to other PCs you might own, you can also create a local account.
To use a local account when setting up a new PC
- On the first screen, select your region and keyboard layout, then click Next
- On the second screen, click I don’t have internet at the bottom left corner. This will skip the Wi-Fi setup and take you to the account creation screen
- On the third screen, click Continue with limited setup. This will allow you to create a local account without an email address or a password
- On the fourth screen, enter your name and a security question, then click Next
- On the fifth screen, customize your privacy settings, then click Accept
- On the sixth screen, wait for the setup to complete. You can now use your new PC with a local account
2) Updating to latest version of Windows
First thing’s first, you should make sure you have the latest version of Windows. It doesn’t matter if you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11 — you should be using the most up-to-date version. Luckily, Windows allows you to easily update your new computer.
Once you connect your PC to the internet, Windows will automatically search for updates. If you want to update your computer once it has been set up, here’ s how:
Windows 10:
- Click Start and select Settings
- Select Update & Security and then click Windows Update
- Click Check for updates and if one is available, click on Download and install
Windows 11:
- Click Start and select Settings
- Select Windows Update
- Windows should automatically start Checking for updates, if not, select Check for updates
- Click Download and install
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3) Install a new browser
Google Chrome is more ubiquitous and features a huge library of extensions for you to download and use. It also connects to your Google profile, letting you have a more seamless experience across multiple devices. Firefox is more catered towards privacy and also features a pretty big selection of extensions. And if you’re a fan of gaming or have gamers in your family, Opera GX has features that focus on your CPU, RAM, and network connectivity. Or you may want to go with Brave, a browser that blocks ads and trackers by default, and also offers built-in firewall and VPN services. Brave is fast, secure, and privacy-focused.
To download any of those browsers, just head to their respective websites and click on the version that works best for your PC.
MORE: TOP BROWSER EXTENSIONS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER
4) Setting up your computer security settings
Windows 10 and 11 both come preinstalled with Windows Security (also known as Windows Defender). It’s turned on by default unless you have a third-party antivirus preinstalled. You can access it pretty easily, here’s how:
- Click Start and select Settings
- Select Windows Security
- Use the options on screen and make sure everything has a green check
Courtesy of: Microsoft
Windows Defender, integrated as a complimentary antivirus software in Windows 10 and 11, offers capabilities to detect and remove a variety of malware, along with firewall and device protection features. However, its scope is limited. It does not safeguard against phishing or spam, and its functionality is confined to the individual Windows 10 or 11 system where it’s installed, primarily supporting other Microsoft products. Unfortunately, it lacks compatibility with popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, leaving third-party applications and programs susceptible to security and privacy breaches. Consequently, Windows Defender may not be sufficient for comprehensive security needs, and exploring reliable third-party alternatives could provide more robust and extensive protection.
Special for CyberGuy Readers:
5) Backing up your PC
Backing up your PC gives you some security in case something goes wrong. You can use it to restore your Windows back to normal. And a backup feature is built right into Windows.
Windows 11:
- Connect the external drive for your backup to your computer
- Open File Explorer
- You should see the external drive in the left-side panel
- Copy the content you want to back up by
- Paste the copied files or folders into the external drive
Windows 10:
- Connect the external drive for your backup to your computer
- On the main desktop, go to the ‘Windows’ icon to open the menu
- Click Settings
- Scroll down the ‘Windows Setting’ page, and click Update & Security
- Click Backup
- Select Add a drive
- Choose the external drive or network location you want to back up the files
6) Transferring your files
While transferring files to a new PC can seem daunting, it’s actually quite simple. All you need to do is backup your files onto a cloud storage service like Dropbox, One Drive or Google Chrome. Then log into your service on new PC and download/restore those files onto your new computer. For an offline option, you could upload your files to a thumb drive or external hard drive. You’d then plug them into your new PC and download them.
7) Cleaning up bloatware
Many PCs bought off the shelf will have bloatware which is software that is pre-installed by the manufacturer or retailer, often without the user’s consent or knowledge. It’s that unneeded Candy Crush clone or antivirus software trial that you don’t really need taking up space on your computer. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to get rid of. Here’s how:
Windows 10: uninstalling apps:
- Select Start, then select Settings
- Click on Apps and then select Apps & features
- Choose the bloatware you want to Uninstall
Uninstall programs from the Control Panel
- Use the search box to find the Control Panel
- Click on Programs and then select Programs and Features
- Right click on the program you want to get rid of and select either Uninstall or Uninstall/Change
- Follow the directions on the screen
Windows 11: uninstalling apps:
- Click Start and select Settings
- Select Apps
- Click on Installed Apps and uninstall any bloatware
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8) Register your PC, software and hardware
You should register your device with its manufacturer. It’s an additional record that you’ve bought their product in case you ever need help with it. It also gives the manufacturer a way to contact you in case there’s a recall.
You can register your device online, but that could put you on a mailing list and subject you to spam. One way to combat that is using an alias email.
MORE: CONTROL SPAM – HOW TO CREATE A QUICK ALIAS EMAIL ADDRESS
9) Set up a password manager
One of the most critical steps in securing your new PC is to use a password manager. Password managers help you generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, store them securely, and automatically fill them in when you need to log in. This helps protect your accounts from hacking attempts and simplifies your online life. After installing your chosen password manager, make sure to set it up and start using it to store and manage your passwords.
By using a password manager, you’ll enhance the security of your online accounts and ensure that you’re not using weak or duplicate passwords, which can be a significant vulnerability. With this additional step, your new PC laptop will be even more secure.
10) What to do with your old PC
The first thing you should do with your old PC is wipe it clean. You don’t want to risk compromising your own data. If you don’t, you could be leaving your information exposed.
Windows 10:
- Click Start and select Settings
- Select Update & Security and then click Recovery
- Click on Get Started and select Remove Everything
- Click on Local reinstall and click on Change Settings, then choose Wipe the drive
- Select Confirm and then Next and then click Reset
Windows 11:
- Click Start and select Settings
- Select Update & Security and then click Recovery
- Click on Reset PC and select Remove everything
- Click on Local reinstall or Cloud download
- Select Change Settings in Additional settings
- Select Clean data
- Select Confirm and then Next and then click Reset
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Setting up a PC can seem like a daunting task. But this handy checklist shows how easy it can be. Just follow these 10 steps and you’ll be on your way to surfing the web, streaming videos and more.
What do you do first when you buy a PC? What are your biggest issues or challenges? We’d like to know in the comments below.
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