{"id":76106,"date":"2024-02-07T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-07T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/?p=76106"},"modified":"2025-01-31T00:05:13","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T05:05:13","slug":"got-a-new-computer-here-are-the-10-things-you-should-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/got-a-new-computer-here-are-the-10-things-you-should-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Got a New Computer? Here Are The 10 Things You Should Do"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Getting a new computer is an exciting experience, like purchasing a new car—you can’t wait to test its capabilities. At the same time, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re changing platforms, for example, from Windows to macOS. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Following our step-by-step guide, you can effectively set up your new computer and optimize its performance. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What <\/span>to Do Immediately After Getting a New Computer\n<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a helpful guide for those who have just acquired a new computer. Let’s start on the essential steps after getting a new machine. These tips work for the devices running Windows 11 and the earlier versions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Power On & First Charge (for Laptop Users)\n<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After buying a new laptop, the first step is to connect it to a power source and allow the battery to charge completely<\/a> before switching it on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it might be challenging to wait patiently, this step is crucial. Charging your computer for approximately 10 to 12 hours for the first time is recommended, roughly equivalent to leaving it overnight. This method ensures that your computer recognizes the total capacity of its battery, ensuring optimal performance and maximizing its overall lifespan. Rushing this process may negatively impact the longevity of your battery, something we want to avoid. <\/p>\n\n\n

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If you live in an area prone to power interruptions, don’t forget to add a surge protector to protect your computer against sudden power fluctuations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. First Start \n<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After you connect all the essential components like the monitor, keyboard, and mouse and charge your computer, it’s time to check that everything is in the right place and you got what you paid for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it’s a Windows computer, the OS will prompt you to set up crucial details such as language, time zone, and clock settings. Microsoft encourages creating or using a Microsoft account for login, offering the convenience of syncing wallpapers and settings across all your Windows PCs through cloud connectivity. However, if you prefer to maintain a local account, setting up is a bit trickier. Still, you can achieve this by disconnecting from the internet during the Windows setup process. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Additionally, you might want to consider setting up multiple accounts for family members or kids, though this isn’t mandatory during the initial setup and can be done later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To check the hardware specifics of your new computer, Windows users can download the free CPUID<\/a> software. Mac users can access this information by following the path Apple Icon <\/span>> About This Mac<\/span> > More Info<\/span> on OS X. Linux users also have various options. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Verify that the installed processor model and speed, hard disk drive (HDD), and dedicated graphics card (if applicable) match your ordered specifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, it’s essential to check your screen for dead pixels. Doing so will help ensure the display is free from defects. If any dead pixels are found, remember that you typically can return the computer for a replacement. You can easily find online resources by searching for “check for dead pixels” to assist you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Get Rid of Bloatware<\/span>\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To streamline your PC experience and declutter your system, it’s essential to tackle bloatware (bundleware, shovelware, and crapware). These preinstalled applications consume storage space and often clutter your Start menu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can go through the list of the apps installed and uninstall any unwanted programs. Don’t delete apps from your hardware makers \u2014 leave software from the likes of Intel, AMD, Dell, Nvidia, Microsoft, HP, or Lenovo. But feel free to wipe out any bundleware you see. You can find more specific information on what <\/a>bloatware is, as well as how to identify and remove bloatware<\/a> from your computer, in our previous tutorials. <\/p>\n\n\n

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On top of that, follow these steps to remove extra bloatware and ads from your Windows operating system and efficiently eliminate unwanted apps using third-party uninstaller utilities: \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Start Menu Advertising<\/span>. Open Settings<\/span>, go to Personalization<\/span>, and select Start<\/span>. Turn off the option Show suggestions occasionally in Start<\/span> to avoid unnecessary advertisements.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Lock Screen Ads<\/span>. Navigate to Settings<\/span> > Personalization<\/span> > Lock screen<\/span> and change the background to a Picture or Slideshow to avoid advertisements for Microsoft products via Windows Spotlight. \n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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    1. Taskbar Pop-Ups<\/span>. You might encounter persistent notifications suggesting Windows 10 tips. To turn these off, go to Settings<\/span> > System<\/span> > Notifications & actions<\/span> and turn off Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows<\/span>. Also, turn off the Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates and when I sign in<\/span> option. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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      1. File Explorer Advertising<\/span>. If you notice ads in File Explorer, especially when using the free plan of OneDrive, go to View<\/span> > Options<\/span> > Change folder and search options. In the Folder Options<\/span> window, head to the View<\/span> tab and disable Show sync provider notifications<\/span>.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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        Following these steps will help rid your system of unnecessary ads, suggestions, and bloatware, providing a cleaner and more focused user experience on your Windows PC. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        4. Download Updates \n<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
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        Ensuring your PC is up to date with the latest Windows updates is crucial for maintaining system security and performance. Here’s how to manage updates effectively. You’ll find the Windows Update Manager on the Windows Control Panel. Make sure you have a stable internet connection before you begin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n