Most of my clients are on Macs, but plenty of homes and offices have a Windows PC too. This is the checklist I use to set one up right.
Work through it top to bottom. Skip anything that doesn’t apply.
Still on Windows 10? Microsoft ended free security updates for Windows 10 in October 2025. If your PC can run Windows 11, upgrade it. If it can’t, it’s time to plan a replacement.
1. Get the basics in place
- Run every update. Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Install everything, restart, and check again until nothing is left.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account. This links your PC to OneDrive, Office and the Microsoft Store.
- Set a password and a PIN. Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options. The PIN is quicker for everyday sign-in.
- Add other user accounts for anyone else who uses the PC. Settings → Accounts → Other users.
- Connect to Wi-Fi from the network icon in the bottom-right corner.
2. Clean it up
New PCs often come loaded with trial software.
- Remove what you don’t want: Settings → Apps → Installed apps. Uninstall trial antivirus, games and anything else you don’t recognize or need.
- Speed up startup: right-click the Start button → Task Manager → Startup apps. Disable anything you don’t need running the moment the PC turns on.
- Tighten privacy: Settings → Privacy & security → General. Turn off the advertising ID and the other tracking options.
3. Protect it
- Microsoft Defender is built in and good. Make sure it’s on: Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security. You don’t need to pay for a separate antivirus.
- Install Malwarebytes as a second opinion when something seems off.
- If you paid for Norton, Webroot or similar, use one antivirus only. Two at once slow the PC down and fight each other.
4. Set up your web browsers
- Edge comes installed. If you prefer, install Google Chrome or Brave.
- Set your default: Settings → Apps → Default apps.
- Import bookmarks from your old computer.
- Add the 1Password extension to each browser you use.
5. Make it yours
- Taskbar: right-click the apps you use most → Pin to taskbar.
- Printers and scanners: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add device. Install the printer maker’s software only if the printer isn’t found on its own.
- Email: sign in to Outlook, or use your email in the browser.
- Office: activate Microsoft Office with your Microsoft account, or use the free LibreOffice.
- PDFs and video: PDFs open in Edge already. For video, install VLC, which plays almost anything.
6. If you have an iPhone or iPad
Install iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store to get your iPhone photos and iCloud Drive files on the PC. Install the Apple Devices and Apple Music apps if you used iTunes before.
7. Bring over your files
Sign in to OneDrive if you use it. Then copy anything that isn’t already there from the old computer: Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, Videos and browser favorites.
8. Set up a password manager
- Install 1Password and sign in (or create an account).
- Install it on your phone and tablet too.
- Import passwords saved in Chrome or Edge.
- Read How to Create a Strong, Memorable Password for 1Password before you pick your master password.
9. Back it up, two ways
- Local backup: plug in an external drive and turn on File History: Control Panel → File History → Turn on.
- Online backup: install Backblaze, which backs up everything to the cloud automatically.
- Restore point: search Start for “Create a restore point” → Create. If an update ever goes wrong, you can roll back to today.
10. The finishing touches
- Remote support: install Splashtop SOS and pin it to the taskbar so I can help you remotely if you ever need it.
- Extra apps: Zoom, Dropbox, Spotify, Kindle, 7-Zip, whatever you use every day. Download only from the Microsoft Store or the company’s own website.
- Power protection: for a desktop PC, plug it into a battery backup (UPS) from APC or CyberPower.
Done. Your PC is updated, cleaned up, protected and backed up.