10 steps every new laptop owner should take ASAP for the best setup

A new laptop feels like a fresh digital start: fast, clean, and ready for anything. But before you dive in, it’s wise to perform a quick system check, because many devices come with unnecessary software, suboptimal settings, and disabled security features.

We’ll show you the 10 most important steps you should take immediately after switching on for the first time, so that your Windows 11 laptop runs at full performance and with the best possible protection right from the start.

1. Setting up Windows and installing updates

The first step is the most important: setting up Windows carefully can save you a lot of trouble later. After logging in (whether with a Microsoft or local account), you should check for updates immediately:

1. Open Settings → Windows Update.
2. Click on “Check for updates” and install everything.
3. Restart the computer and repeat the process until no more updates are pending.

Many new laptops sit in storage for months before sale, so important security and driver updates may be missing. Optionally, you can also check your manufacturer’s website (e.g. Lenovo, Dell, HP, Asus) for the latest drivers for graphics or chipset. This ensures stability and performance.

Tip: If Windows annoys you with requests or recommendations for a Microsoft account, you can go offline during setup. Windows will then automatically offer a local account.

2. Find and uninstall unnecessary software

Manufacturers love to overload laptops with trial versions, tools, and mini-games. Such superfluous programs eat up memory, tend to run in the background, and can slow down your beautiful new system. That’s why it’s best to clear them out right at the start.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Sort by installation date or manufacturer.
3. Uninstall anything you don’t know or don’t need.

Tip: You can do an even more thorough job with tools such as Revo Uninstaller, which can also detect hidden remnants in the registry.

3. Install important programs and tools

Now comes the creative part. This is where your laptop gets its personalized basic configuration. No new Windows 11 device should be without this software:

• Browser: Chrome, Firefox, or Brave. Gamers go for Opera GX.
• Office suite: Microsoft 365, LibreOffice, or Google Docs.
• PDF tool: Adobe Acrobat Reader, SumatraPDF, or PDF24.
• Antivirus: Windows Defender is solid, but if you want more control, install an external tool.
• Password manager: Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePassXC.
• Cloud backup: OneDrive, Dropbox, or iDrive.

Tip: Install your most important programs immediately after the update process. This will give you a clear system status that you can rely on in the event of problems later on. Ninite also allows you to install several programs at the same time without annoying toolbars or additional software.

4. Important Windows settings for laptops

Windows 11 comes with many smart functions, but not all of them are optimally preconfigured. A few clicks in the settings make everyday life much more pleasant and secure:

• Privacy: Under Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows permissions, you can switch off unnecessary transmission of data, advertising, and location access.
• Windows Defender: Check under Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection whether real-time protection is active.
• OneDrive sync: If you prefer local folders, deactivate, or limit the automatic upload.
• Default apps: Select your preferred programs for browser, mail, and photos–otherwise Windows likes to open Edge & Co. without being asked. You can find the settings under “Default apps” (simply tap in the Start window). You can also get there via Settings → Apps → Default apps.

Tip: Activate the “Show file extensions” option in File Explorer. This makes it easier to recognize suspicious files and provides simple protection against phishing and malware. To do this, click on View in the menu bar and tick the “File name extensions” box.

5. Configure touchpad, keyboard, and function keys

Fine-tuning the input devices is worth its weight in gold, especially on laptops. A touchpad that is too sensitive or an impractical FN assignment can quickly become annoying and slow down work processes.

• Touchpad gestures: Open Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Touchpad. Here you can customize or deactivate gestures for scrolling, zooming, and changing the desktop.
• Mouse speed: In the same settings, you can adjust the pointer speed (“cursor speed”).
• Function keys: Many manufacturers offer tools such as Asus Armoury Crate or HP Command Center to configure FN keys.

Tip: Use three-finger gestures for multitasking. This allows you to switch between apps or jump to the desktop at lightning speed. This saves time in everyday life and allows you to work in a more relaxed manner.

6. Optimize battery and energy settings

A fresh battery lasts a long time at the beginning, but with the right settings, your laptop will run even more efficiently. Windows 11 offers several options for fine-tuning runtime, performance, and power consumption.

1. Open Settings → System → Power & battery.
2. Under Energy status, select what is more important to you: Best Energy Efficiency, Balanced, or Best Performance.
3. You can reduce the screen brightness in battery mode by a few levels. This often gives you an additional 30-60 minutes runtime.
4. Activate energy-saving mode when the battery level drops below 30 percent.

Tip for technology fans: Use the command “powercfg /batteryreport” in the terminal (Win X → Terminal (Admin)) to create a detailed battery report. This shows how often your battery has already been charged, what capacity it still has, and when it’s time to replace it.

To protect your battery in the long term, we also recommend:

• Regular intermediate charges instead of continuous operation on the mains adapter.
• No permanent 100 percent charging, this stresses the energy cells.
• If the battery isn’t used for a longer period of time, charge it to around 50 percent, and store it in a cool place (but not cold).

7. Strengthen security and data protection

As soon as your system is up and running, you should activate the most important security functions. Windows 11 already has everything you need for this, you just have to switch it on.

1. Activate Windows Hello: Under Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options, you can set up a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
2. Activate BitLocker or device encryption: This will protect your data even in the event of theft.
3. Check the firewall: This should always be active.
4. Wi-Fi security: Delete old networks, avoid public hotspots, or secure them with a VPN.

Tip: If you use Windows 11 Pro, you should activate BitLocker. This encrypts the entire hard drive and may be linked to your Microsoft account for recovery. On devices with TPM 2.0 (standard since 2021), this works automatically. If you want maximum control over your privacy, tools like O&O ShutUp10 help to deactivate hidden telemetry services with one click.

8. Set up backup and restore

Nothing is more annoying than losing a perfectly set-up system because an update interferes or a virus strikes. That’s why we recommend creating a full backup right at the start.

1. Open Control Panel → System and Security → Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Don’t be confused by the term “Windows 7,” this is just an old name that Microsoft still uses.
2. Select “Create system image” and save it to an external hard drive.
3. It’s best to set a restore point immediately afterwards. To do this, simply type “Create restore point” in the search.

Tip: Alternatively, you can also use cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive to automatically back up personal files. If you prefer convenience and are prepared to spend a little money, you can use tools such as Macrium Reflect or AcronisTrue Image. These allow you to create complete images and schedule regular backups automatically.

9. Performance tuning and convenience functions

A few quick tweaks not only make Windows faster, but also more convenient.

• Reduce AutoStart programs: In the Task Manager (Ctrl Shift Esc → “Autostart”), deactivate everything you don’t need all the time.
• Activate memory optimization: Settings → System → Memory → Switch on “Memory optimization.” Windows will then automatically delete temporary files.
• Customize visual effects: Enter “Advanced system settings” in the search and select the “Customize for optimal performance” function via Advanced → Performance → Settings.
• Use snap layouts and virtual desktops: Arrange windows flexibly with Win Z and switch between workspaces with Win Tab.

Tip: For power users, it’s worth taking a look at PowerToys. This free Microsoft tool provides additional functions such as window snap, keyboard shortcuts, or color pipette.

10. Extras for advanced users

If you want to be really precise, you can now make a few fine adjustments that are often only known to experienced users:

• Check BIOS/UEFI: Call up with Del or F2 at startup. There you can adjust Secure Boot, boot sequence, or fan profiles.
• Check manufacturer tools: Programs such as My Asus, Lenovo Vantage, or HP Support Assistant provide firmware updates. Decide for yourself which ones you want to use or keep.
• Gaming optimization: For laptops with a dedicated GPU, it’s worth checking the energy profiles in the graphics card control.
• Deactivate Windows features: Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Activate or deactivate Windows features. Unnecessary services such as “Internet Explorer 11” or “XPS services” can be switched off here.