What to Do When You Get a New Windows Computer

When you get your new computer, you might think that it’s ready to start using as-is. Sorry to burst your happiness bubble, but there are some things you need to do to your computer before it can safely be used.

You’ll need to do things such as look for Windows updates, install your preferred browser, add a good antivirus, and so on. This may not seem like a lot of fun, but they are necessary steps to keep your computer safe.

Uninstall Bloatware

When you first get your computer, you’re going to see programs that you don’t need and are only taking up space. If you decide to leave these programs on your computer, they’re not going to harm your computer, but they will take up processor power and memory.

To uninstall these unwanted programs go to the Control by using the search option. Click on the Uninstall a program option, under the programs section.

You should see a list of all the programs you have on your computer. Right-click on the ones you want to uninstall and click on the uninstall option.

Install Any Available Windows Updates

Windows 10 will have updates for you to install from time to time. Those updates are vital since they have bug fixes and security updates that keep your computer up and running.

To install these update turn on your computer. Once your computer has finished starting up, connect it to a trustworthy WiFi network. Click on the Start menu and go to Settings > Update and security > Check for updates.

When you click on the Check for updates button, you’ll see the following options:

• Change active hours – Windows will not restart your computer between the hours you select.
• View update history – This option will adjust the updates you already have in your computer.
• Advanced options –  Here, you’ll find granular options to manage better and configure updates.

Install a Good Antivirus

Depending on the computer you get, it could already come with a free trial of a good antivirus. If not, you can use Windows Defender Security until you decide which antivirus to go with. In your computer’s search option type Windows Defender and click on it to open it.

When it’s open, click on the grey Open Windows Security button. This is going to allow you access sections such as Security at a glance, Virus and threat protection, Account protection, Firewall and network protection, App and browser control, Device security, Device performance and health, and Family options.

For example, in the App and browser control section, it’s possible to make changes to things such as Windows Defender checking apps and files, SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge. Take a look through these options and decide which security options you want to set up and which ones you want to live without.

Create a Backup of Your Files

Since you just bought your computer, you don’t have many files on it or if any. But creating a backup of your files is something you should make a habit of doing. You never know when you might lose or damage your computer, you can always buy a new computer, but you might not be able to recover all those files.

There are various ways you can back up your files. One of those ways is by using a USB hard drive. To backup, your files using this method you’ll need to use the File History feature on your Windows 10 computer (no need to install additional software).

With this backup tool, you can leave the USB connected to your computer and have future files backed up to it on a schedule. The first thing you’ll need to do is insert the USB drive into your computer. Once you’ve done that go to Settings > Update & security > Backup.

Click on Add a drive, and your computer will begin to search for the USB drive you’ve inserted. You’ll also need to choose the drive to save your files to. Under the Automatically back up my files option (that should be toggled on) click on the blue More options.

It’s in the More options where you can set up how often you want your files to be backed up. There will be options to backup your files every 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, one hour, three hours, six hours, 12 hours, and once a day. Right above this option is the Backup now button, you’ll need to click on to save your files.

There will also be an option where you can have your computer delete your backups after one month, three months, six months, nine months, one year, or even two years. As you can see in the image above, you can also choose the files you want to leave out of the backup.

Choose Your Browser

There are different browsers for you to choose from. For example, you can either use Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. Each browser offers various features, but the one you choose will depend on your wants and tech needs.

Conclusion

Getting a new computer is an exciting experience, but it’s also a good idea to take some time to stay safe while using it. What’s the first thing you did to your computer when your fist got it? Share your experience in the comments below.