How to set up new laptop running Windows 11 in 2024
Grabbed a new laptop PC? Here’s how to set it up.
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If you have anew laptop(or desktop) running Windows 11, you first need to set it up and adjust the settings to make it personal and make the most of it.
OnWindows 11, setting up a new laptop is a straightforward process, and it only takes some time to complete the initial setup to create an account and choose your preferences. In addition, you want to remove all unwanted software, download the latest updates, install and configure the apps you need, transfer your files from your old computer, and customize the desktop to make it more personal.
Thisguidewill walk you through the steps to correctly set up your new laptop.
How to set up installation on Windows 11
You can set up a new laptop in at least two ways. You can use the original installation and continue with the out-of-box experience (OOBE) to create a new account, choose your preferred settings, and continue undoing custom configurations and removing those pre-installed junk apps (bloatware). Or you can reinstall the operating system to start fresh with a clean copy of Windows 11.
Out-of-box experience (OOBE)
To set up a new device, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the system will finish the setup automatically.
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The steps outlined above represent the experience on version 22H2, but your experience may be slightly different. Also, manufacturers often provide a customized version of the out-of-box experience with different settings, including a device registration form and specific settings for the device, which you can always skip.
If you want to keep the original installation, you can continue with the steps below to uninstall those promotional applications. Alternatively, you can perform a clean installation to ensure you will start with a completely fresh copy of Windows 11.
Uninstall bloatware
If you plan to keep the same installation, you want to remove those applications that the manufacturer pre-installed on your computer to free up space and system resources.
To uninstall pre-installed apps on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the instructions to uninstall other bloatware.
Clean installation set up
Although the default installation may come with unwanted configurations and applications, the setup should be alright for most users. However, the best approach is to clean the system and start with a fresh installation of Windows 11.
The only caveat about using a clean installation is that you may need to spend more time reconfiguring some devices and settings.
To start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 11 on your new computer, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the setup will erase the current installation, download the default image file from the Microsoft servers, and proceed with a clean installation of Windows 11.
After the installation, you will need to complete the out-of-box experience to choose your preferences and create a default account.
How to install updates on Windows 11
On Windows 11, updates download and install automatically, but it’s always a good idea to manually update the system to ensure the device isn’t missing anything critical.
Cumulative updates
To update your new computer running Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete these steps, the available updates will download and install automatically.
Upgrade to version 22H2
If you have a new laptop with Windows 11 version 21H2, as part of the initial setup, you want to upgrade to version 22H2. You can do this in at least two ways from the Windows Update settings and Installation Assistant tool.
Windows Update
To download and install updates on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will restart and continue with the upgrade process to version 22H2.
Installation Assistant
Alternatively, you can use the Update Assistant app to upgrade your device to version 22H2, and here’s how.
After you complete the steps, the tool will download the required files to upgrade the system to version 22H2.
How to check drivers on Windows 11
As part of the setup process, it’s important to check and confirm that components and peripherals are correctly configured.
Device Manager
To check that none of the devices are missing or having problems with drivers on Windows 11, use these steps:
If some components have problems, you may need to manually download and install the latest drivers from your computer manufacturer’s support website.
Windows Update
If the computer is missing or has problems with a specific driver, you can use Windows Update to fix this problem.
To install or update drivers on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will automatically download and install the drivers.
If Device Manager shows a problem with one of the components and a driver update isn’t available through Windows Update, you will need to check your manufacturer support website to download the driver in question.
How to personalize desktop on Windows 11
After completing the initial setup and updates, you want to personalize the experience tailored to your preference. For example, you want to change the desktop background, choose a system color mode, change the access color, and customize things like the Start menu and Taskbar to make you more productive.
Change theme
A theme is a collection of images and colors to quickly change the look and feel of the desktop and apps.
To change the theme on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the theme will change the system colors and desktop wallpaper.
Install themes
To download more themes from the Microsoft Store, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the theme will download and apply on Windows 11.
Change color mode
On Windows 11, you can choose from two color modes, including “light mode,” which works best for the daytime, and the “dark mode,” which is best for low-light situations.
To change the color mode on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the Start menu, Taskbar, and other elements will switch to the new color mode.
Change accent color
The accent color is the color that allows certain elements to blend with the current theme.
To change the system accent color on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, buttons, links, system icons, and other elements throughout the experience will reflect the new color accent. The color will also be reflected in parts of the Start menu, Taskbar, and applications if you enable the option to show accent colors on title bars and windows borders and the Start and Taskbar in the “Colors” settings page.
Custom or dynamic background images
Windows 11 allows you to change the desktop wallpaper in at least two ways. You can use custom images, such as pictures from your collection, or you can enable the Spotlight feature that will dynamically download and change wallpapers automatically.
Custom image
To use a custom background image on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the new custom image will appear in the desktop background.
Spotlight
To enable Spotlight on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the system will download and refresh the desktop background throughout the day. (This feature takes a while to start showing images.)
If you are showing desktop icons, you will also notice a new icon, which you can right-click to switch to the next picture or thumb up or down to allow the system to learn the kind of images you like.
Customize Lock screen
You can also customize the Lock screen background and notifications.
To customize the Lock screen on your new laptop, use these steps:
As part of the Lock screen settings, you can customize several options, including the background image and app status.
In the Lock screen, theWindows spotlightis the default option that shows a different background every time you sign in to your account. However, you can use thePictureoption to showcase a custom image or theSlideshowoption to rotate a collection of photos.
If you select theSlideshowoption, the system will load the images from thePicturesfolder. However, you can add and remove the folders to show on the Lock screen. You can even include the camera roll folder from your computer and OneDrive.
In addition, there’s an option to show the Lock screen with the slideshow when the device is inactive.
Some applications can show detailed status, and you can configure this feature by using the Lock screen status drop-down menu and selecting the app you want to see the information.
Customize Start menu
The Start menu may not be as flexible as the classic design. However, you can customize various aspects, such as folder icons, pins, and recommendations, and even disable the highlight information in the search interface.
Recommendations
On Windows 11, you can’t disable apps and file recommendations, but you can show more pins than suggestions. Here’s how:
Once you complete the steps, the Start menu will show four rows of pins and only one row of suggestions.
Folders
On Windows 11, you can create folders to organize your apps in groups, and here’s how:
Inside the folder, you can rearrange the apps to update the preview and drag out the apps one by one to delete the folder.
Pins
The “Pinned” section lets you list your favorite apps for quick access.
To add or remove apps from the “Pinned” section, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the Start menu will only show your favorite apps in the “Pinned” section.
Quick access
In the Start menu, you can also add quick access to “Folders,” such as Settings, File Explorer, Documents, Downloads, etc., next to the power button, and here’s how:
After you complete the steps, the items should be available next to the power button in the Start menu.
Customize Search
In the Search interface, there’s not a lot you can customize. However, you can turn off the ability from Windows 11 to show news and information that may make you less productive.
To disable the highlights feature from Search, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the Search interface will show quick searches for settings and a list of your top apps instead of news headlines.
Customize Taskbar
The Taskbar is more limited than in previous versions, but there a least two things everyone should do when setting up a new device, including changing the icon alignment to the left and removing those unnecessary items.
Left icon alignment
To align icons and the Start menu to the left for a more classic experience on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the icons and Start menu will align to the left, like on Windows 10.
Remove items
To remove items from the Taskbar on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the specified icons will no longer be available in the Taskbar. However, you will still be able to access search from the Start menu or using the"Windows key + S"keyboard shortcut or the"Windows key + W"keyboard shortcut to open the Widgets board.
How to optimize system performance on Windows 11
Applications and services that start automatically on startup can negatively impact performance and account load times on your new laptop. After installing the necessary apps, you should review the “Startup” settings and disable those that may affect the experience.
Control startup apps
To disable apps on the Windows 11 startup, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the startup process should be noticeably faster.
Change power modes
On laptops is a good idea to review and adjust the power settings to conserve battery life as much as possible.
To change the Windows 11 power settings, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the computer will turn off the display and sleep according to your settings.
Configure power saving
You can also change the power settings to decide when the system should enable battery-saver mode to conserve battery.
To configure battery saver mode on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, battery saver mode will activate, according to your configuration.
Enable night light
The night light feature reduces the amount of blue light at night and uses warmer colors to minimize eye strain and help you fall asleep when working long hours at night.
To enable night light on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the feature will show warm colors on the screen to help minimize eye strain while working at night.
How to set up apps on Windows 11
We all have different app requirements. However, we usually need the same core apps and configuration. For example, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Microsoft Edge, and others to browse the internet. If you use the computer for school or work, you probably need to install the Office apps.
Install browser
Although Microsoft Edge is one of the best browsers for Windows users, you may still want to use another application, such as Google Chrome or Firefox.
To install a new browser on Windows 11, use these steps.
After you complete the steps, the browser will install on Windows 11.
Change default browser
To change the default browser experience on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will set the specified browser as the new default.
Set up Office
If you need the suite of Office apps, the best way to get the apps is through a Microsoft 365 subscription.
The Microsoft 365 Personal plan costs $70 per year, and the Microsoft 365 Family plan costs $100. They give you access to all the apps and other perks like 1TB of OneDrive storage. If you choose the Family plan, you can share the benefits with six people.
Get more and increase productivity with the latest features
Microsoft 365 gives you access to all the Office apps and benefits like 1TB of OneDrive, Outlook.com premium, and Skype minutes. You can also install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other desktop apps on up to six devices, and depending on the plan, you can share the subscription with up to six people.
To install Office from Microsoft 365, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and the other apps and features will install on the computer.
How to transfer files on Windows 11
If switching from an old to a new computer, you may need to bring over the files stored on the other device. If this is the case, transferring your files is an easy process. You can use cloud storage services like OneDrive, which makes restoring files almost instantaneous. Or you can move your files with a portable drive when dealing with multiple terabytes of data.
Transfer files from OneDrive
If your files are available through OneDrive, you do not need to complete these instructions since the files will already be accessible as you set up the account with a Microsoft account.
To transfer documents and other files to the new laptop, use these steps on the old laptop:
After you complete the steps, it could take some time for the files to upload to OneDrive. Once the upload completes, you will be able to access the files from the OneDrive folder on the new computer.
Transfer files from portable drive
If you have a lot of files, consider transferring files over to the new computer using a portable USB drive.
On the old laptop, connect an external hard drive with enough space, and use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the files will be imported to the new computer. If you have a lot of files, this process could take a very long time.
How to secure computer on Windows 11
Another important step while setting up your new laptop is to ensure that all the security features are working correctly to keep your device and data safe and secure, including Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Microsoft Defender Firewall.
Antivirus scan and updates
The Microsoft Defender Antivirus is always running in the background. However, it’s still a good idea to check the antivirus status and updates.
To check the status of the Windows 11 antivirus, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the antivirus will protect the laptop and files against viruses and other types of malware.
If the default antivirus from Microsoft isn’t for you, check our roundup of thebest antivirus software in 2022to find third-party alternatives.
Enable firewall
A firewall is another critical element to protect your device and files from malicious attacks. It monitors the incoming and outgoing network traffic, allowing only packets based on security rules. By default, the Microsoft Defender Firewall offers the optimal security settings for most users. You only need to make sure that it’s enabled on your device.
To enable the Microsoft Defender Firewall, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the Microsoft Defender Firewall will monitor incoming and outgoing network connections to protect the device from network threats.
Enable Find my device feature
Windows 11 includes a “Find my device” feature that saves the most approximate physical location of the laptop in your Microsoft account, which you can use to find your computer if it ever gets lost or stolen.
To enable “Find my device” on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, if you need help remembering where you left your laptop, you will be able to find the last known location by checking the details on theFind My Device pageavailable in your Microsoft account.
How to create full backup on Windows 11
It’s also a good idea to create a full backup of the new system if you need to recover from hardware failure, malware attacks, or file corruption.
You can use many available third-party software products. However, you can still use the legacy tool on Windows 11, which allows you to create afull backupto a portable drive, which you can disconnect and store in a safe location.
Important:Microsoft has stopped maintaining the backup feature, but it’s still available to create a temporary full backup.
To create a full backup on Windows 11, connect a storage drive with enough space, and use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the tool will back up everything on the primary hard drive and other internal storage you may have chosen to export. After the process is complete, disconnect and store the external drive safely.
Although this is a handy tool for creating a backup of your computer, you can only restore changes until the last backup. Apps, files, and settings added after the backup won’t be part of the recovery process.
In addition, the Backup and Restore feature was designed to restore the whole system, not individual files. If you want an up-to-date backup of your files, consider using other solutions, such as OneDrive, to back up your files to the cloud or File History, which is still available on Windows 11.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Cutting-edge operating system
A refreshed design in Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly and safely, with biometric logins for encrypted authentication and advanced antivirus defenses.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
