Question What is the thing that must be done on a new PC first?

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smalltech

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Hello,

What is the thing that must be done on a new PC first? I mean those steps that are irreversible (cannot wait) and must be done first before installing programs and normal usage etc.

Are these steps necessary to do first? Create a full macrium backup before doing anything else, use microsoft defender, create a recovery drive.

You guys are very experienced so I would like to hear your opinions.

Thanks
-----
Some info I saw
Got a New PC? 11 Things to Do Right Away | PCMag
How to set up your new computer | PCWorld
 
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smalltech said:
Hello,

What is the thing that must be done on a new PC first? I mean those steps that are irreversible (cannot wait) and must be done first before installing programs and normal usage etc.

Are these steps necessary to do first? Create a full macrium backup before doing anything else, use microsoft defender, create a recovery drive.

You guys are very experienced so I would like to hear your opinions.

Thanks
-----
Some info I saw
Got a New PC? 11 Things to Do Right Away | PCMag
How to set up your new computer | PCWorld
Click to expand...
First thing would be to make it yours, register windows in your name. Run it for a while to see how it works, only then you can see if there's any "bloat" (programs you don't use) to remove. Windows 10 come with free and activated antivirus/anti malware, Defender already preset for best protection, Backup is always good idea at beginning and forever. In mean time update windows to latest.
 
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Some points that those sites claim, are indeed true, like "installing the latest updates", "setting up security", etc. although most other stuff like "install your fav browser", "fill you new computer with software" are stuff that you'll do anyway, and I don't see any use of them being added in that list except making it longer.
You can also do all of these whenever you like, and not at the setting up process of the computer.

A new PC if it's not a prebuilt it won't have bloatware from manufacturers, so you'll have less trouble getting them out.

Backing up is also a thing those sites mentioned, but you don't need a backup of the PC while you've not even installed anything yet. If something happens, you can reinstall Windows and since it's OOBE, you'll have no difference from the backup. After installing apps and stuff you'd be fine doing a backup.

Many of those sites promote their sponsored/features software, i.e antivirus software. Windows defender should be fine for most when set-up correctly.

Finally, installing and updating drivers should also be done.

smalltech said:
What is the thing that must be done on a new PC first? I mean those steps that are irreversible (cannot wait) and must be done first before installing programs and normal usage etc.
Click to expand...
Basically none. Whatever needs to be done, you'll be prompted to do when setting up the PC. Nothing to be overlooking on.
 
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smalltech said:
What is the thing that must be done on a new PC first?
Click to expand...
I run MEMTEST86 for multiple hours before ANY software install. This verifies that I don't have defective RAM or some other hardware issue, independent of Windows.
I update the BIOS before ANY software install.
I verify all temperatures shown in the BIOS.
I have ONLY the disk I want to be C: connected to the motherboard for the Windows install.
 
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Things I do at home and work.
1) update all drivers
1a) install any drivers or software for add in cards.....sound card, raid card, capture card, WiFi card and so on.
2) update windows
3) latest bios
4) For work i load what software is needed and then do a backup. I then leave the HDD in the cage but unplugged. It may take an hour or two to re-clone the drive from the backup and load whatever files they need vs a full day of reinstalling everything.
4a) I typically reinstall my computer between x-mas and new years every year. After doing the first 3 steps when i built the computer i then install what software i know i will need, then do the clone. Then every year when i reinstall i just clone the backup to my primary drive, go through steps 1, 2, and any software updates and then re-clone the drive back to the HDD.
 
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The absolute FIRST thing I do with a new W11 or W10 install is to uninstall One Drive. I mean, literally when it gets to the desktop I type in "Control Panel"....

After that is gone, I typically use the USB that I prepared in advance with the motherboard level drivers and sometimes utilities and get all that done. I then type in "Device Manager" and make sure all my hardware reports having a driver.

Once that is done, I typically sit there and play on another PC while I spam the "Updates" button. This aspect typically doesn't take long if you utilize the most modern installer for OS.

I then go through the OS deleting all the nonsense that I am not going to use. Skype, Spotify, such and so on spam that comes up on the Start Menu. I like to review privacy settings, what is allowed to run in the background. I will often go to Ninite and download a few installers, get my ad block program installed.

In a very general sense something like 80+% of new installs I perform are on a breadboarded system so at that point I generally install the mobo to its case, hook up any additional drives or hardware like wireless cards and whatnot. Before I cable manage I do a last operational check to see that everything is showing up and working as expected.

Afterwards (and according to the level of hardware) I choose appropriate levels of benchmark programs I can just set to run and let that go for a good while. I like to start with CPU-Z very simple tests to see if CPU temps are staying in line, generally Cinebench after that. There are well more grueling tests that can be run but my opinion of those is they often represent an unlikely workload. I also like to test the graphics in a similar fashion. I like Heaven and Furmark in most cases. In particular Furmark is a great way to get a ballpark of performance and temps from selected resolutions.

The last thing I typically do is to install appropriate level game or two and run those for a moment, if such use applies.
 
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Everything above except benchmark tests and memory tests (unless there's a problem) + i install Windows 10 Firewal Control (works on 11 too).

In addition to Windows own firewal, Firewal Control blocks incoming and outgoing traffic. There's a lot of apps and Windows features that absolutely have no reason to run at all, but they will run silently and they will try to use the internet connection.
I do not like processes i've never heard of and do not fully understand connecting to who knows where and sending who knows what data.

It can be a bit annoying sometimes because initial attempts by *any* process will be blocked. Helpfully, there are presets that can be quickly selected for those connections you trust. Like Windows update or drivers, or games, web browser, etc.

It's not for everyone, but it cuts a lot of bloatware and malware out.
Oh and for the love of all that is holy and still sane, replace the stock alert sound if you try using it! It's very annoying.


One other thing i have learned on this very forum is that web results can be removed from the Win 11 start menu search. web links are mixed with files you're searching for and they're confusing and annoying.
See here how to disable that feature of Win 11 - https://pureinfotech.com/disable-search-web-results-windows-11/
 
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Are we talking a new pc, or are we talking a self built pc?
I don't know that there is any single action that NEEDS to be done first.
I probably would run memtest for a single pass as my first thing.
With a new pc, I will update the bios to currency.
In the event that something goes wrong, you do not have much work invested. Later, I do not update bios unless it fixes a problem that is impacting me.

Just me, but one of the first things I install is "windows classic shell". The windows tiles drive me crazy.
 
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There's a few things I typically do.

1. Turn off the Windows System Automatic Timeout. It is one of the most annoying features of Windows 10 and 11. This can be a truly colossal headache if you're trying to install software or move large amounts of data. Just turn it off via the registry and be done with it.

2. I always setup automatic logins for most of my programs and websites that I frequently use so that all I have to do is launch them without having to login with a username password.

3. Remove bloatware, and download and install all the necessary utilities, drivers, and software that my hardware needs to run smoothly.

4. For desktops, I always turn off all the laptop power saving features. You don't really need them for a full desktop PC.
 
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35below0 said:
Everything above except benchmark tests and memory tests (unless there's a problem) + i install Windows 10 Firewal Control (works on 11 too).

In addition to Windows own firewal, Firewal Control blocks incoming and outgoing traffic. There's a lot of apps and Windows features that absolutely have no reason to run at all, but they will run silently and they will try to use the internet connection.
I do not like processes i've never heard of and do not fully understand connecting to who knows where and sending who knows what data.

It can be a bit annoying sometimes because initial attempts by *any* process will be blocked. Helpfully, there are presets that can be quickly selected for those connections you trust. Like Windows update or drivers, or games, web browser, etc.

It's not for everyone, but it cuts a lot of bloatware and malware out.
Oh and for the love of all that is holy and still sane, replace the stock alert sound if you try using it! It's very annoying.


One other thing i have learned on this very forum is that web results can be removed from the Win 11 start menu search. web links are mixed with files you're searching for and they're confusing and annoying.
See here how to disable that feature of Win 11 - https://pureinfotech.com/disable-search-web-results-windows-11/
Click to expand...

Are you using Windows 10 Firewall free or paid? https://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/index.html

Can Windows 10 Firewall free version block windows update forever? I will install windows update only I am free, I always have the fear that windows update might cause problem to the PC and interrupt my work (needs time to restore/troubleshoot)
 
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g-unit1111 said:
1. Turn off the Windows System Automatic Timeout. It is one of the most annoying features of Windows 10 and 11. This can be a truly colossal headache if you're trying to install software or move large amounts of data. Just turn it off via the registry and be done with it.
Click to expand...
Can it be done inside Windows 10 by following this guide? https://www.guidingtech.com/turn-off-auto-lock-windows-10/

g-unit1111 said:
2. I always setup automatic logins for most of my programs and websites that I frequently use so that all I have to do is launch them without having to login with a username password.
Click to expand...
What software are you using to setup automatic logins?
 
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smalltech said:
Are you using Windows 10 Firewall free or paid? https://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/index.html

Can Windows 10 Firewall free version block windows update forever? I will install windows update only I am free, I always have the fear that windows update might cause problem to the PC and interrupt my work (needs time to restore/troubleshoot)
Click to expand...
That is not something Firewall Control was designed to do. It may be possible but it's not it's intended purpose. It can shut up separate applications and even Windows "features", telemetry, game bar, edge update, intel product improvement program, oneDrive, outlook, phone link, etc, etc.
Of course you can also "silence" stuff like Steam, Nvidia, any installed games, or for some reason notepad++.
Anything that tries to use the internet.

The purpose is to give finer control over the firewall and add an extra layer of sense and security.

I'm not even sure it's possible to force the win update process offline. This is not the program to try that. InControl is the tool for locking Windows down to a certain version: https://www.grc.com/incontrol.htm
It's what THW use in order to "lock down" a GPU testing rig in order to test GPUs in the same enviroment.

I used both the free and paid versions of Firewall Control. The paid version is honestly a little more complex than i need. The only neat plus is that it can allow virtually all traffic except telemetry traffic. Handy when you do want the application to fully use the internet but still don't like it collecting data. Personally i'm ok with performance data being collected IF i trust the company doing it.

I believe the paid version is also the only way to control system processes, so if you wanted to try blocking updated, that would be the version to use.
The free version auto-allows system processes. You can only accept this default, not choose what to do.
 
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smalltech said:
Can it be done inside Windows 10 by following this guide? https://www.guidingtech.com/turn-off-auto-lock-windows-10/


What software are you using to setup automatic logins?
Click to expand...

1. No it must be done using the Windows Registry. Just changing the power settings won't shut off the automatic timeout feature. On the current version of Windows 11 (22H2), there is a feature to turn off the setting via the account called "dynamic power". But this way is generally better.

https://www.speedguide.net/faq/how-to-change-or-disable-the-lock-screen-timeout-528

2. I just setup Firefox and any other programs to remember my username / password so I don't have to repeatedly login.
 
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punkncat said:
The absolute FIRST thing I do with a new W11 or W10 install is to uninstall One Drive. I mean, literally when it gets to the desktop I type in "Control Panel"....

After that is gone, I typically use the USB that I prepared in advance with the motherboard level drivers and sometimes utilities and get all that done. I then type in "Device Manager" and make sure all my hardware reports having a driver.

Once that is done, I typically sit there and play on another PC while I spam the "Updates" button. This aspect typically doesn't take long if you utilize the most modern installer for OS.

I then go through the OS deleting all the nonsense that I am not going to use. Skype, Spotify, such and so on spam that comes up on the Start Menu. I like to review privacy settings, what is allowed to run in the background. I will often go to Ninite and download a few installers, get my ad block program installed.

In a very general sense something like 80+% of new installs I perform are on a breadboarded system so at that point I generally install the mobo to its case, hook up any additional drives or hardware like wireless cards and whatnot. Before I cable manage I do a last operational check to see that everything is showing up and working as expected.

Afterwards (and according to the level of hardware) I choose appropriate levels of benchmark programs I can just set to run and let that go for a good while. I like to start with CPU-Z very simple tests to see if CPU temps are staying in line, generally Cinebench after that. There are well more grueling tests that can be run but my opinion of those is they often represent an unlikely workload. I also like to test the graphics in a similar fashion. I like Heaven and Furmark in most cases. In particular Furmark is a great way to get a ballpark of performance and temps from selected resolutions.

The last thing I typically do is to install appropriate level game or two and run those for a moment, if such use applies.
Click to expand...

Why do you want to uninstall OneDrive? What are the cons if you do not uninstall OneDrive?

If I do not use microsoft account in Win 10 or Win 11, does it mean I can ignore deleting the OneDrive because I assume OneDrive need to login a microsoft account to use OneDrive?

What is the purpose of running benchmarks? Does running benchmarks stress the components more so the components wear out faster? Does the components perform the same if I do not run benchmarks? I did not run benchmarks before.
 
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g-unit1111 said:
1. No it must be done using the Windows Registry. Just changing the power settings won't shut off the automatic timeout feature. On the current version of Windows 11 (22H2), there is a feature to turn off the setting via the account called "dynamic power". But this way is generally better.

https://www.speedguide.net/faq/how-to-change-or-disable-the-lock-screen-timeout-528

2. I just setup Firefox and any other programs to remember my username / password so I don't have to repeatedly login.
Click to expand...
What exactly is the automatic timeout feature that you mean? Is the automatic timeout feature = leaving the pc untouched for some time and the screen auto becomes black and pc goes into sleep mode?
 
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zinkles said:
Some points that those sites claim, are indeed true, like "installing the latest updates", "setting up security", etc. although most other stuff like "install your fav browser", "fill you new computer with software" are stuff that you'll do anyway, and I don't see any use of them being added in that list except making it longer.
You can also do all of these whenever you like, and not at the setting up process of the computer.

A new PC if it's not a prebuilt it won't have bloatware from manufacturers, so you'll have less trouble getting them out.

Backing up is also a thing those sites mentioned, but you don't need a backup of the PC while you've not even installed anything yet. If something happens, you can reinstall Windows and since it's OOBE, you'll have no difference from the backup. After installing apps and stuff you'd be fine doing a backup.

Many of those sites promote their sponsored/features software, i.e antivirus software. Windows defender should be fine for most when set-up correctly.

Finally, installing and updating drivers should also be done.


Basically none. Whatever needs to be done, you'll be prompted to do when setting up the PC. Nothing to be overlooking on.
Click to expand...
My PC is no brand (not those dell, lenovo etc), custom built from different components by the seller and the seller install Windows 10 Pro unactivated.

Is there a need to backup any drivers?

In the future if I need any drivers would I be able to download online from the driver sites?

Are the drivers auto installed via Windows during Windows installation and updates?

I assume if I reinstall Windows I do not need to worry about needing any drivers because Windows will auto search and install during Windows installation?
 
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USAFRet said:
It is always good to have a current copy of your hardware drivers on a flash drive.
Don't depend on Windows to do it.
Click to expand...
What do you do to have a current copy of your hardware drivers on a flash drive?

Can I copy and paste C:\Windows\System32\Drivers folder and C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore folder into a flash drive to have a current copy of my hardware drivers?

-----
I read this
"Windows 10 Driver Location
All Windows versions including Windows 10 store the drivers in the C:\Windows\System32\Drivers folder or C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore folder. You can find all the hardware drivers of your Windows computer in these two folders.

Generally, the Drivers folder contains .sys files that are the device driver files used for various devices on your computer. The DriverStore folder contains .inf files that are used for installing drivers when needed."

"Q1. How to backup and restore hardware drivers in Windows 10?
You can copy the Windows 10 driver folders, Drivers and DriverStore folder, to another location like an external hard drive, USB flash drive, etc. to back up them. When needed, you can copy them back to your computer to restore drivers in Windows 10. The folder size may be large. You can also only copy the Windows 10 driver cache folder FileRepository under DriverStore to a backup location in case you need to reinstall the driver in the future." source https://www.minitool.com/data-recovery/windows-10-driver-location.html
 
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smalltech said:
Can I copy and paste C:\Windows\System32\Drivers folder and C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore folder into a flash drive to have a current copy of my hardware drivers?
Click to expand...
A better way would be to store the driver setup files on a USB.

EDIT: Generally, all the basic stuff (keyboard/usb, etc) should be installed, so all you have to do is to get the additional ones. That too is if Windows couldn't install it for you.
 
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