Now that you bought a new laptop, you must be overwhelmed. Whenever you buy a laptop, you can use it instantly. The professionals at the store will make the laptop fully equipped with the apps you need.
It’s fine if you want to install apps on your laptop on your own. It helps you save time at the store. However, the task could be challenging if you do not know where to start. This post lists 10 important things to do with a new Windows laptop.
Keep in mind that after buying a new laptop, you have to set it up correctly. There are certain things to do after buying a laptop to ensure that you get the best out of it. This is how you will protect your investment.
10 Things to Do With a New Windows Laptop
Here are 10 things to do after buying a laptop to get maximum performance.
1. Sign Up for a Warranty
As soon as you buy the laptop, register it for a warranty. These days, registering a product for a warranty has become easy. Most vendors will do it for you at the store right away. Or, you have to register the products online on specific websites.
When you buy a laptop, register it online on the official site of the manufacturer. It will make the laptop eligible for warranty claims. Additionally, you can get offers on the laptop after registering the product. The process is straightforward as well.
You have to enter the serial number of the laptop along with other details. These might include the model number, vendor name, purchase date, etc. After the successful entry of details, the warranty on the device starts.
If the vendor provides you with a bill and warranty card, keep them in a safe place. You likely need them in case there is a warranty claim.
2. Update Windows
Whether you bought the laptop from a retail store or online, it will not have an updated operating system. That’s because the laptop was produced a few months back and has been sitting around for some time. Hence, an important thing to do with a new Windows laptop is to update its OS.
Microsoft releases security patches and updates periodically. The new updates help combat malware and bugs. As a result, your laptop stays safe and runs smoothly. Not only do the updates add new features, but they change the interface sometimes.
Below listed are the steps to check OS updates.
For Windows 10 – Go to Settings, click on Updates & Security, and hit the Check for Updates option.
For Windows 11 – Go to Settings and click on Windows Update.
After downloading the updates, the system will ask for a restart.
3. Consider Optimizing the Power Settings
One of the important things to do with a new Windows laptop is to optimize its power options. You should prioritize battery life because having a laptop is all about portability. With a few tweaks, your laptop can have an improved battery life.
Start by reducing the brightness of the screen. Keeping the display too bright will need more power resulting in poor battery life. But if you make the display too dim, it can cause fatigue in your eyes. So, find out the sweet spot and stick to the setting.
You can tweak power options in Windows 10 to improve the battery life of your laptop. Click on the Windows logo and choose Settings. Click System and select Power & Sleep. Choose your desired settings. On the right sidebar, you can find Additional Power Settings. Expand the window and adjust your preferences.
For Windows 11, click on Settings, System, and Power & Battery. Explore the settings and choose what suits your preferences better.
Want to know how to extend the life of your laptop in easy ways? We have a separate post on extending laptop life. We hope it will help you in many ways.
4. Review Firewall and Antivirus Software
Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 have Microsoft Defender. This built-in app is a good option for many people. Still, if you feel that you need more protection, there are several antivirus software options to choose from.
A good antivirus program protects your laptop from malware, viruses, and other threats that could damage your system. Because there are lots of options available, find the one that meets your requirements.
After installing the antivirus, configure firewall settings. A firewall restricts unauthorized connection to your laptop. It saves you from cybercriminals and hackers from accessing your system and causing significant damage.
There is no shortage of software and hardware firewall options available on the market. Hence, find out one that works great for you. This will help you keep your new laptop safe.
5. Remove Unwanted Software
One of the most common things to do with a new Windows laptop is to remove pre-installed software. Sometimes, manufacturers will pre-load certain apps on the laptop. Most of them could be trial versions that would expire after a stipulated time frame.
So, it is good to remove them from the system. Although these apps could benefit a few users, they are not necessary for everyone. To remove them from your system, go to Settings and click on Apps. You will see the list of software installed on your laptop.
When you select the program to remove it, you will see the uninstall option. Click on it and follow the instructions. This is how you will get rid of the suspicious programs from your laptop.
6. Install the Software You Need
People will use their laptops for different reasons. Some might use it to play games whereas others would use them for professional work. Hence, one of the important things to do after buying a laptop is to install the software you need.
For example, you may want to install video or photo editing software, word processing, or something else. When installing programs or software, make sure that they come from reliable sources. Also, check their compatibility with your laptop.
There is no point in installing software on your new laptop that you will use rarely. Over time, they will make your device perform slowly. Install and use the software you need.
7. Backup Your Important Data
Eventually, your new laptop will be filled with documents, photos, videos, projects, etc. Imagine a situation when your laptop suddenly stops working. It is nothing short of a nightmare. Losing personal data is the worst thing that can happen to you.
Setting up a backup plan for your laptop will protect your data. Therefore, one of the things to do with a new Windows laptop is to configure different backup options. You can choose between two types: local and online.
When it comes to local backups, they are stored on separate storage devices like an external hard drive. Online backups are stored in the cloud. System Restore, Backup & Restore, or Recovery Drive Creator are good options for local backups. Additionally, you can use 3rd Party software to backup important files.
Cloud-based backup storage is another popular method that many people use. It helps you store system and personal files. You can access the files via an internet connection. There are several options to choose from.
OneDrive and Google Drive are great options to get started. The best part is that you do not have to invest a lot of money initially. They offer several GBs of free storage after signing up. There are subscription-based options as well.
Whatever option you choose to back up your important files, set it up properly.
8. Configure Privacy and Security Settings
Now that you have done everything to get started with a new Windows laptop, let’s discuss privacy and security. Cybercriminals and hackers are the biggest threat to your system. Not only do they damage your laptop but also they cause significant harm to your data.
So, configuring basic security settings is one of the crucial things to do after buying a laptop. Start with enabling a PIN or password for account login. You can enable 2-way authentication for added security.
In terms of privacy, you have to decide what permissions you should give to websites and apps. Suppose, you may want to disable location history for certain apps. Or, you can limit personal data sharing for 3rd-party services.
9. Minimize Heat as Much as Possible
Compared to desktop PCs, laptops are prone to damage resulting from heat. Desktops have adequate space for ventilation. Whereas, most laptops do not have good air circulation. As such, dust accumulates after some time and puts the laptop in serious heating conditions.
In short, poor ventilation coupled with dust accumulation results in excessive heat, damaging the laptop. The CPU underperforms, slowing down the entire system. Excess heat damages other components, too. Here are some preventive measures to minimize laptop heat.
- Never use the laptop on a couch, bedding, carpet, or on your lap. Put your laptop on a flat, hard surface to allow free airflow.
- Make sure that the vents are not covered when using the laptop.
- Remove dust or debris that collects on the laptop
- If you find your laptop is getting hotter, close the apps that use more resources. Shut the laptop until it cools down.
10. Consider Buying Accessories that Support your Laptop
Many users including me feel uncomfortable using the keyboard or trackpad that comes with the laptop. In this scenario, an external keyboard and a mouse are the only way out. Or, you do not find peace when listening to music on laptop speakers.
In that case, you can buy headphones instead and listen to your favorite tracks. As said earlier, try to keep the laptop on a flat surface always. But if you need a laptop to watch your favorite web series on the bed, you need a suitable accessory.
This is when a good-quality laptop cooling pad comes to your rescue. These cooling pads help dissipate heat so that your laptop stays cool. Hence, having the right accessories is what many people consider one of the most important things to do after buying a laptop.
Wrapping Up
It is important to set things up after buying a new laptop so that it suits your needs better. Customizing a new laptop is easy and does not need profound expertise like a professional. Everyone can do it from the comfort of their homes.
So, those were some of the important things to do with a new Windows laptop. Although the preparations take some time to do correctly, it makes your laptop smoother. Its performance will increase, including lifespan.
Optimizing your laptop for improved performance does not require hiring an IT professional. Just follow the steps mentioned above and you will remain satisfied with your newly purchased device.
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