How to Set Up a New Laptop

A new laptop is usable out of the box, but an hour of setup on day one saves trouble later: updates, a backup, and removing the apps you will never open.

The first hour

  1. Plug the laptop in and let it charge while you set it up. Do not run first-time setup on battery alone.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with a Microsoft account. On Windows 11 Home, setup asks for a Microsoft account. You can use an existing one or create one.
  3. Set a PIN when asked. A PIN is quicker than a password and only works on that device.
  4. Let Windows Update run. Open Settings, then Windows Update, and select Check for updates. Install everything and restart as asked. This can take a while on a new machine.
  5. Check for driver and firmware updates from the laptop maker's own app or support site if Windows Update does not cover them.

Clean it up

  1. Open Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps, and uninstall anything you do not want, such as trial software and preinstalled games.
  2. Open the Start menu, right-click apps you do not use, and select Unpin or Uninstall.
  3. Install the browser you actually use, then set it as the default in Settings, then Apps, then Default apps.

Protect it

  1. Confirm Windows Security is on: open Windows Security from the Start menu and check that virus and threat protection shows no warnings.
  2. Turn on backup. In Settings, then System, then Storage, then Advanced storage settings, then Backup options, set up OneDrive backup or File History with an external drive.
  3. Turn on Find my device in Settings, then Privacy and security, then Find my device, so a lost laptop can be located.
  4. Create a recovery drive on a USB stick: search for Recovery Drive in the Start menu and follow the wizard.

Common questions

Do I need a Microsoft account to set up Windows 11? On Windows 11 Home, setup asks for one, and you need an internet connection to finish it. Windows 11 Pro gives more room to set up a local account instead.

Do I need to buy antivirus for a new laptop? No. Windows Security is built in and turned on by default, and it is enough for most people. Keep it updated and do not install a second antivirus on top of it.

How long does setting up a new laptop take? About an hour including Windows updates. The first round of updates on a new machine is usually the slow part.

Related guides

How to Factory Reset Windows 11 · How to Recover Deleted Files

Was this helpful?