Do This After Installing or Upgrade to Windows 11 (Important)

Microsoft’s latest operating system windows 11 available as a free upgrade for compatible devices, offers modern design, enhanced performance and innovative features. However simply Installing or Upgrade Windows 11 is just the beginning, to unlock its full potential you need to set up and configure it properly. If you buy a new laptop or just finished installing Windows 11, here are the very first things you should perform to optimize performance, enhance security, and personalize your device to fit your needs.

Things to Do After Installing Windows 11

Taking a few minutes to perform essential post-installation tasks ensures your system is secure, runs smoothly, and meets your specific needs. From updating drivers to exploring new productivity tools, these steps are key to unlocking everything Windows 11 has to offer.

Check for Updates

Even after installation, your system may not have the latest updates. Microsoft frequently releases patches to address bugs, improve security, and add new features.

Keeping your system updated ensures it runs efficiently and stays protected from emerging security threats.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
• Download and install all available updates. These may include essential driver updates, security patches, or feature enhancements.

• In addition, click on Advanced options then View optional updates,
• If driver updates are available, check mark next to it then click download and install.

1. Also, open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click the Library page in the bottom left corner.
3. Here, click Get updates, then wait it out. Almost all the preinstalled apps are likely to have updates, so this process may take a while.

• Restart your computer after the updates are installed to ensure all changes take effect.

Install Essential Drivers

Drivers act as a bridge between your hardware and the operating system. Missing or outdated drivers can lead to performance issues or hardware malfunctions.

• Open Device Manager (search for it in the Start Menu) to identify any devices with missing or outdated drivers.
• Visit your Laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers for components like your graphics card, audio system, and network adapter.
• Install these drivers manually if Windows Update doesn’t detect them automatically.
• In addition, you can use third-party driver update tool to do it automatically.

Updated drivers ensure optimal performance and compatibility for all hardware components.

Configure Privacy Settings

Windows 11 collects diagnostic data and provides personalized recommendations based on your usage. Adjusting privacy settings can give you greater control over your data.

• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > General, turn off all options there.
• Also review categories like Diagnostics & feedback, Activity history, and App permissions.
• Turn off data collection options you’re uncomfortable with, such as tailored ads or location tracking.

Proper privacy settings help protect your personal information and enhance your sense of security while using the system.

Optimize Power Settings

Power settings affect your device’s performance and energy efficiency. Whether you’re focused on extending battery life or maximizing performance, adjusting these settings can help.

• Go to Settings > System > Power & battery.
• Choose a power mode that fits your usage:
• Best performance: Prioritizes speed and responsiveness.
• Balanced: Offers a mix of performance and energy efficiency.
• Best power efficiency: Conserves battery life for portable devices.
• Customize additional settings under Advanced power settings if needed.

Optimized power settings ensure your device runs efficiently without unnecessary energy waste, important if you are Laptop user.

<h3″>Enable System Protection

System Protection allows you to create restore points, which are snapshots of your system configuration. This feature is invaluable for recovering from unexpected issues. System protection, allow you to revert your computer back to that state if something goes wrong with recent system changes, like installing new software or updates.

Restore points provide a safety net, allowing you to revert to a previous state if something goes wrong.

• Search for Create a restore point in the Start Menu.
• Select your system drive, click Configure, and turn on System Protection.
• Click Create to manually generate a restore point.

Activate Windows 11

Activating Windows 11 is crucial to unlocking all its features, receiving updates, and ensuring a legitimate installation.

• Navigate to Settings > System > Activation.
• If the system isn’t activated, enter a valid product key or sign in with a Microsoft account linked to a digital license.
• If you already have a valid license still getting activation error, Click Troubleshoot and follow on screen instructions.
• Activation helps verify your copy of Windows and guarantees access to important updates and support.

Without activation, some features may remain restricted, and you may see periodic reminders to activate your system.

Set Up Microsoft Account and OneDrive

A Microsoft account allows you to sync your settings, files, and preferences across devices. Integrating OneDrive ensures your important files are backed up in the cloud.

• Sign in with your Microsoft account under Settings > Accounts > Your info.
• Open OneDrive and follow the prompts to configure file backup and syncing.
• Choose folders like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop to keep secure copies in the cloud.

This setup protects your data and makes it accessible from other devices, adding convenience and security.

Install Essential Apps

To make the most of your Windows 11 system, install software that matches your needs for work, entertainment, and creativity.

• Productivity: Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or alternatives like LibreOffice.
• Browsing: Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
• Communication: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype.
• Creativity: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or Canva.
• Entertainment: VLC Media Player, Spotify, or Netflix.

Having the right tools at your fingertips ensures you can start working or enjoying your system immediately.

Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar

Windows 11 introduces a centered Start Menu and streamlined Taskbar. Personalizing these elements can improve productivity and make your system feel more familiar.

• Right-click on the Taskbar and select Taskbar settings to add or remove icons like Search, Task View, or Widgets.
• Rearrange or unpin apps from the Start Menu to prioritize the tools and software you use most.
• Pin essential apps to the Taskbar for quick access by dragging them from the Start Menu.

In addition, Go to Settings > Personalization. From here, you can customize many features, including themes, background, lock screen, colours, fonts, and more.

These customizations make navigation easier and help streamline your workflow.

Backup Your System

Backing up your data ensures that you’re protected against unexpected hardware failures or data loss.

• Use File History to back up important folders regularly.
• Create a system image using the built-in backup tools or third-party software like Macrium Reflect.
• Store backups on an external drive or cloud service for added security.

A robust backup plan ensures peace of mind and quick recovery in case of emergencies.