Setting Up New Laptop
Setup Guides 8 min read 15 February 2024

Setting Up Your New Laptop Properly (From Day One)

R
Rob
Founder, Curly IT

You've just unboxed a shiny new laptop and you're excited to get started. But before you start installing everything and copying files over, let me show you how to set it up properly from day one.

Getting the setup right from the start saves you hours of frustration later. I've set up hundreds of laptops for people across Edinburgh, and these are the steps I follow every single time.

Before You Do Anything Else

1. Create a Recovery Drive

This takes 30 minutes but could save you weeks of hassle if something goes wrong. Plug in a USB drive (16GB or larger), search for "Create a recovery drive" in Windows, and follow the prompts.

Put this USB drive somewhere safe. If your laptop ever completely breaks, you can use this to restore it.

2. Check for Updates

Your laptop probably shipped with old software. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and run all available updates. This might take a while and require several restarts. Make a cuppa.

Essential Software to Install

Here's what every laptop needs from day one:

Security

  • Windows Defender. Already installed, just make sure it's enabled. You don't need to buy antivirus software.
  • Password Manager. Bitwarden (free) or 1Password (£3/month). Stop reusing the same password everywhere.

Productivity

  • Microsoft 365. If you need Word, Excel, etc. The subscription is worth it for OneDrive backup alone.
  • Google Chrome or Firefox. If you don't like Edge
  • PDF reader. Adobe Acrobat Reader or Sumatra PDF (lighter)

Communication

  • Zoom or Teams. Depending on what your work/friends use
  • WhatsApp Desktop. If you use WhatsApp a lot

Don't install anything you don't actively need. Every program you install is another thing that can slow down your computer or cause problems.

Transferring Files from Your Old Laptop

This is where people often make mistakes. Here's the right way to do it:

Method 1: Cloud Transfer (Recommended)

  1. On your old laptop, upload everything important to OneDrive or Google Drive
  2. On your new laptop, log in and download everything
  3. This is the safest method, nothing gets lost, and you have a backup

Method 2: External Hard Drive

  1. Copy everything from your old laptop to an external drive
  2. Plug the drive into your new laptop and copy everything over
  3. Make sure you check hidden folders for things like email data

What to Transfer

Make sure you get:

  • Documents folder
  • Pictures folder
  • Desktop files
  • Downloads folder (anything you want to keep)
  • Browser bookmarks (export from old laptop, import on new)
  • Email data (if using Outlook or Thunderbird)
  • Any files hiding in random places

Settings to Change Right Away

Privacy Settings

Go to Settings > Privacy and review what you're comfortable sharing with Microsoft. I usually turn off most of the diagnostic data collection.

Power Settings

Settings > System > Power & Sleep. Set it so your screen turns off after 10 minutes but your computer doesn't sleep for at least an hour. Adjust to your preference.

Backup Settings

This is crucial. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup and set up automatic backups to OneDrive or an external drive. Do not skip this.

Remove Bloatware

New laptops come with loads of pre-installed rubbish. Go through the installed programs list (Settings > Apps) and uninstall anything you don't recognize or need.

Common bloatware to remove:

  • Trial antivirus software (you don't need it)
  • Games you'll never play
  • Manufacturer utilities you don't understand
  • Weather apps, news apps, etc. (use a browser)

Organise Your Files from Day One

Create a simple folder structure in your Documents folder:

  • Work
  • Personal
  • Projects
  • Archive

Adjust to your needs, but having some organisation from the start makes life much easier. Don't dump everything on your desktop, it'll become a mess.

Test Everything

Before you declare success, check that:

  • WiFi connects properly
  • Webcam works (test in Teams or Zoom)
  • Speakers and microphone work
  • All your files transferred correctly
  • Your printer connects (if you have one)
  • External monitor works (if you use one)

What About Your Old Laptop?

Don't throw it away yet. Keep it for a few weeks to make sure you've got everything off it. When you're ready to get rid of it:

  1. Back up any last files you need
  2. Factory reset it (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery)
  3. Sell it, give it away, or recycle it responsibly

Never just chuck an old laptop in the bin, it's bad for the environment and your old data might still be on there.

Need Help Setting Up?

If this all sounds like too much hassle, or you just want it done properly, I can help. I'll come to your home in Edinburgh, set up your new laptop from scratch, transfer all your files, and show you how everything works.

It usually takes about 2 hours and you'll have a laptop that's set up perfectly for your needs, with nothing to worry about.

Got a new laptop that needs setting up? Give me a ring on 07352 385477 or email rob@curly-it.co.uk. I cover all of Edinburgh. Stockbridge, Morningside, Leith, and beyond.

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