Published 2021-01-20 by TechNet New England
Setting up a new Windows computer properly saves time and prevents problems later. Follow this checklist in order. ## 1. Complete Windows Setup When you first turn on the computer, Windows walks you through initial setup: Choose your language, region, and keyboard layout. Connect to Wi-Fi. Sign in with your Microsoft account (personal) or your organization's account (work). Choose privacy settings. Turn off advertising ID and optional diagnostic data unless you need them. Wait for Windows to finish setting up. ## 2. Run Windows Update Before doing anything else, update Windows. 1. Go to **Settings > Windows Update**. 2. Click **Check for updates**. 3. Install all available updates. 4. Restart when prompted. 5. Check for updates again (some updates are only available after others are installed). 6. Repeat until no more updates are available. This ensures you have the latest security patches. ## 3. Enable BitLocker Encryption If you have Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education: 1. Go to **Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption**. 2. Turn on BitLocker for your C: drive. 3. Save the recovery key to your Microsoft account or print it. ## 4. Set Up Antivirus / Endpoint Protection If your organization uses endpoint protection (SentinelOne, CrowdStrike, Sophos, etc.), install it now. If not, Windows Defender is enabled by default and provides reasonable protection. Make sure real-time protection is on: **Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Security > Virus and threat protection**. ## 5. Install Your Applications Install the applications you need for work: Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 apps (from office.com or your organization's portal). Web browser of choice (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge is already installed). Communication tools (Teams, Zoom, Slack). VPN client (if required by your organization). Password manager. Any line-of-business applications. ## 6. Set Up Email Open Outlook and add your email account. Or set up webmail bookmarks (outlook.office.com or mail.google.com). ## 7. Set Up Cloud Storage Sign in to OneDrive, Google Drive, or your organization's cloud storage. Enable backup of Desktop and Documents folders if offered. ## 8. Configure Backup If you have an external drive, set up File History (Settings > System > Storage > Backup options). If your organization provides cloud backup, make sure it is installed and running. ## 9. Adjust Settings for Productivity **Display scaling:** If text is too small, go to Settings > Display > Scale and layout. 125% or 150% is common on high-resolution screens. **Night light:** Settings > Display > Night light. Reduces blue light in the evening. **Default browser:** Settings > Apps > Default apps > choose your preferred browser. **Notifications:** Settings > System > Notifications. Disable notifications from apps you do not need. ## 10. Create a System Restore Point 1. Search for **Create a restore point** in the Start menu. 2. Click **Create** and give it a name like "New setup complete." 3. This gives you a recovery point if something goes wrong later. ## For Managed Computers If your IT provider is setting up the computer, they will handle most of this. Your role is to sign in, test your applications, and report any issues. Do not install personal software on a work computer without IT approval.