When you get a new Windows PC, it can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What settings matter? This guide walks you through the essential first steps to get your computer running smoothly from day one.

If any terms feel unfamiliar, keep the Tech Glossary open in another tab. For a full beginner path, use Start Here.

1. First Boot & Windows Setup

When you turn on your new PC for the first time, Windows will guide you through initial setup:

Choose your language and keyboard layout — This determines how your keyboard behaves
Connect to WiFi or Ethernet — You’ll need internet for updates and software installation
Sign in with your Microsoft account — Creates a user profile (you can also create a local account)
Enable Windows Hello (optional) — Fingerprint or face recognition for faster login

Pro tip: If you have a Microsoft account, use it. It syncs your settings across devices and makes recovery easier.

2. Update Windows & Drivers Immediately

Your new PC likely has outdated drivers and Windows versions. Let Windows Update fix this:

Press Windows Key + I to open Settings
Go to System > Update & Security > Windows Update
Click Check for updates
Install all updates and restart when prompted
Repeat this process until it says “You’re up to date”

This usually takes 30-45 minutes and multiple restarts. Don’t skip this — updates fix security vulnerabilities and improve performance.

3. Install Antivirus & Keep It Updated

Windows comes with Windows Defender (good), but you have other options:

Free options:

Windows Defender (built-in, reliable)
Avast Free (lightweight)
AVG Free (minimal resource usage)

What to do:

If you want extra protection, install one of the free options above
Never install more than one antivirus at a time (they conflict)
Keep your antivirus updated — it’s critical for security

4. Clean Up Bloatware

New PCs often come with manufacturer software you’ll never use. Remove it:

Press Windows Key + I to open Settings
Go to System > Apps & features
Scroll through the list and uninstall anything you don’t recognize or need

Common bloatware to remove:

Trial antivirus (Norton, McAfee)
Shopping toolbars
Browser toolbars
Manufacturer bloat (Dell, HP, Lenovo utilities)

Removing these frees up space and improves startup speed.

5. Configure Important Settings

Storage & Backups

Settings > System > Storage > Storage sense — Enable automatic cleanup
Settings > System > Storage > Backup — Turn on automatic file backups

Power & Performance

Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode — Set to “Balanced” for everyday use (or “Best performance” if you game/edit)
Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep — Set to auto-lock after 10 minutes (security)

Privacy

Settings > Privacy & security > General — Review what’s enabled
Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions — Only grant permissions when needed

6. Install Essential Software

Here’s what most people actually need:

Productivity:

Microsoft Office (if you need Word/Excel) or Google Docs (free alternative)
Firefox or Chrome (web browser)

Utilities:

7-Zip (file compression, free)
VLC Media Player (plays any video, free)
Notepad++ (text editor for code, free)

Optional:

Adobe Reader (PDFs) — usually already installed
Zoom (video calls)
Slack or Discord (communication)

Don’t install:

Anything from email attachments you weren’t expecting
Random toolbars or “optimizer” software
Multiple antivirus programs

7. Set Up Regular Maintenance Habits

Your PC will stay healthy if you do these simple things:

Weekly:

Restart your computer (not sleep mode)
Run Windows Update check

Monthly:

Run Disk Cleanup (search for it in Windows)
Check Task Manager for programs slowing startup

Every 3 Months:

Clear out Downloads folder
Uninstall software you no longer use

Bonus: Create a Backup

Before something goes wrong, back up your important files:

Option 1: External Drive

Buy a USB external drive (2TB costs ~$50)
Plug it in and enable Windows backup (Settings > System > Storage > Backup)

Option 2: Cloud Storage

Use OneDrive (comes with Windows), Google Drive, or Dropbox
Automatically syncs your important folders

Common Problems & Quick Fixes

PC is slow:

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
Click “Performance” tab to see what’s using CPU/RAM
Disable startup programs you don’t need (Startup tab)

Need help with terms like CPU or RAM? Use the Tech Glossary.

Internet is spotty:

Restart your router (unplug 30 seconds, plug back in)
Update network drivers (Settings > System > Update & Security > Device drivers)

PC runs hot:

Check that vents aren’t blocked (laptop vents should be clear)
Lower screen brightness to reduce fan noise
Close unnecessary programs

Next Steps

Once your PC is set up, you’re ready to:

Learn keyboard shortcuts for productivity
Back up your important files
Explore settings that match your workflow
Set up scheduled maintenance

Still feeling stuck? AmanaTech offers 1-on-1 PC setup tutoring — we can walk you through all of this over a video call or on your computer remotely. No question is too basic.

Got questions about your new PC? Send us a message or reach out via WhatsApp on our contact page.

Need Help Faster?

New PC and want it configured right from day one? Book the New Laptop Setup session ($79) or start with the Computer Basics Jumpstart kit ($19).

Getting Started with PC Setup & Maintenance (2026 Updated)