How to Set Up a New Computer With Windows 10

You just bought a new computer? Here are the 8 important steps to follow to configure new computer with window 10.

How To Set Up A New Computer With Windows 10
How To Set Up A New Computer With Windows 10

Who says new PC says more storage space, more performance, and the latest version of Windows? In short, that happiness!

To get the most out of your new device, here are the steps to configure it: settings, file transfers, software downloads …

Set up a new computer with window 10

The first time you turn on a computer running Windows 10, you must choose the basic configuration.

The process is simple since it is enough to answer the questions that appear on the screen. These relate to computer language, license terms, WiFi network, settings, and your Microsoft account.

It is not necessary to have a Microsoft account to use Windows 10, but as it gives access to OneDrive ( a free cloud ) it is worth the 5 minutes of registration. Plus, OneDrive will back up your computer’s settings and preferences.

Remove unnecessary software

Your computer is likely to come with a lot of preinstalled software. Some will be useful, others not.

To access the list of your programs, go to your Start Menu (Windows logo), then in your Settings (wheel icon) and click Applications and Features.

Browse through the list and if you see any software that will not work for you, click it, and then click Uninstall. If you are not sure about the usefulness of a program, keep it, since you can always reconsider your decision.

Install applications with Ninite

Now that you’ve rid your computer of unnecessary software, it’s time to download applications that will really help you.

If you have just purchased your computer and want it to be up and running immediately, we recommend you take a look at the Ninite site.

This site allows you to download simultaneously and for free a multitude of programs: Chrome, Skype, Open Office, Dropbox, Java … Select the software you want and click on Get Your Ninite.

Transfer software from an old to a new computer

If you have purchased software for your old computer (Photoshop, Office, etc.), you can manually reinstall it on your new device. To do this, all you need is the product license number and installation disc (or download link).

Do not worry if you have lost your license number, there are free software like Belarc Advisor and Magical Jellybean ( English website ) that can help you out. Once installed on your old computer, they can extract the license numbers of most of your software.

Download new applications

In addition to software downloaded via Ninite and programs you have recovered from your previous computer, Windows 10 allows you to download applications directly from the Windows Store.

To access it, click on the white bag icon in the taskbar.

Note that you do not necessarily need to download 1001 programs since there are now many services available online like, for example, Google Docs that can replace Microsoft Office.

Change default programs

Windows comes with many utilities (Photos, Groove, …). If you do not want to use them by default, type Control Panel in the Start Menu search bar, click Default Programs, and then click Configure Default Programs.

Transfer files from an old to a new computer

If you want to transfer files from a Windows XP to a Windows 7, the easiest way is to use the Windows Easy Transfer program ( downloadable here ).

For the rest of Windows configurations, it is easier to use a cloud or a good old external hard drive.

They work in much the same way since both serve as a bridge between the two computers. The only difference is that the external hard drive connects to the computer via a USB port and the cloud via the internet.

Set up a backup strategy

You are almost done configuring your PC. In order not to lose your hard work, all you have to do is save your hard disk.

To do this, go to your Settings (click on the Start Menu wheel) and then in Backup and Restore. There, you can choose where to back up the files on your computer and create a system image.

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