Setting Up a New Computer - Complete Guide

Setting Up a New Computer: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide

You've just bought a new computer. The box sits in front of you. What now? How do you set it up properly? What settings should you change? How do you transfer your old files?

At SnapFixRepairs in Oldham, we set up new computers for customers regularly. Follow this guide for proper setup that maximizes performance and security.

Before You Begin

Gather What You Need:

  • New computer (obviously)
  • Monitor, keyboard, mouse (if not included)
  • Power cables
  • Internet connection (WiFi password or ethernet cable)
  • Old computer (if transferring data)
  • External drive or USB stick (for data transfer)
  • Windows product key (if not pre-activated)
  • Email address and password for Microsoft account

Choose Location:

Place computer where it will permanently live. Moving after setup is annoying.

Ensure:

  • Adequate desk space
  • Near power outlet
  • Good ventilation (not in enclosed cabinet)
  • Away from direct sunlight
  • Near router (if using ethernet) or good WiFi signal

Physical Setup

Step 1: Unbox Carefully

Remove all packaging materials. Check for:

  • Cables and accessories
  • Documentation
  • Warranty cards
  • Save warranty information

Step 2: Connect Monitor

Connect monitor to graphics card ports (on back of computer, lower section).

Common mistake: Plugging into motherboard video ports (higher up). These won't work if you have dedicated graphics card.

Tighten connection screws. Loose cables cause frustrating intermittent display issues.

Step 3: Connect Peripherals

Plug in:

  • Keyboard (usually USB)
  • Mouse (USB)
  • Speakers (audio out jack, usually green)
  • Ethernet cable (if using wired internet)
  • External drives (wait until after Windows setup)

Step 4: Connect Power

Connect power cable to computer and wall outlet.

For desktop computers, check power supply switch on back is ON position.

First Boot and Windows Setup

Step 1: Power On

Press power button. Computer should display manufacturer logo then Windows setup screen.

If nothing displays:

  • Check monitor is on and set to correct input
  • Verify video cable connected to GPU (not motherboard)
  • Check all power cables firmly connected

Step 2: Windows Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)

Modern computers run Windows setup wizard:

Region Selection: Choose United Kingdom

Keyboard Layout: Choose UK (or your preference)

Network Connection: Connect to WiFi (or it detects ethernet automatically)

Microsoft Account vs Local Account:

Windows pushes Microsoft account (email-based login).

Microsoft account advantages:

  • Syncs settings across devices
  • OneDrive integration
  • Microsoft Store access
  • Password reset easier

Local account advantages:

  • No Microsoft server connection
  • More privacy
  • No email requirement
  • Faster login

Our recommendation: Microsoft account for most users (convenience outweighs privacy concerns for average users).

To create local account instead:

  • Click "Offline account" or "Skip for now" when prompted
  • Follow local account creation

Privacy Settings:

Windows asks about telemetry and data collection.

Recommended choices:

  • Location: OFF (unless you need it)
  • Diagnostics: Required only (not Full)
  • Tailored experiences: OFF
  • Advertising ID: OFF
  • Find my device: ON (helps if computer stolen)

Cortana: Skip unless you specifically want voice assistant.

Step 3: Create Account

Choose username and strong password.

Password tips:

  • 12+ characters
  • Mix letters, numbers, symbols
  • Not easily guessable
  • Write it down somewhere safe (seriously)

Create password reset security questions and answers.

Essential Initial Setup

Step 1: Windows Updates

Immediately after setup:

Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates

Download and install all available updates (might take 30-60 minutes).

Restart when prompted.

Repeat checking for updates until no more are available.

This ensures security patches and latest drivers.

Step 2: Activate Windows

Most new computers come with Windows pre-activated.

Verify activation: Settings → Update & Security → Activation

Should show "Windows is activated"

If not, enter product key (usually on sticker or in documentation).

Step 3: Install Drivers

Windows Update installs basic drivers, but manufacturer-specific drivers perform better.

Visit manufacturer website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.):

  • Go to support section
  • Enter your computer model
  • Download latest drivers for:
    • Chipset
    • Graphics
    • Network (WiFi and ethernet)
    • Audio

Install each driver, restarting when prompted.

Graphics drivers especially important: Visit NVIDIA.com or AMD.com directly for absolute latest graphics drivers.

Step 4: Configure Windows Settings

Display Settings: Right-click desktop → Display settings

  • Scale: Adjust if text too small or large (100-125% typical)
  • Resolution: Set to native resolution (usually auto-detected)
  • Multiple displays: Configure if using multiple monitors

Power Settings: Settings → System → Power & sleep

  • Screen off: 10-15 minutes
  • Sleep: 30 minutes (or never for desktops)
  • Power mode: Balanced (or High Performance for gaming)

File Explorer Settings: Open File Explorer → View tab

  • Show file name extensions: CHECK THIS
  • Show hidden files: Useful but optional

Windows Defender: Windows Security → Virus & threat protection

Ensure real-time protection is ON

Run quick scan to verify working

Step 5: Remove Bloatware

New computers often include unwanted trial software.

Settings → Apps → Apps & features

Remove:

  • Trial antivirus (if you're using Windows Defender)
  • Manufacturer utilities you don't need
  • Games you don't play
  • Any software you don't recognize

Keep:

  • Windows built-in apps
  • Manufacturer driver utilities
  • Anything you actually want

Removing bloatware frees space and reduces startup clutter.

Installing Essential Software

Web Browser

Windows includes Edge (quite good now), but many prefer:

  • Chrome (google.com/chrome)
  • Firefox (mozilla.org/firefox)

Download and install preferred browser.

Office Software

Microsoft Office: Purchase and download from microsoft.com/office

Or subscribe to Microsoft 365 (£6/month)

Free alternative: LibreOffice (libreoffice.org) - excellent free Office replacement

PDF Reader:

Windows 11 handles PDFs in Edge browser adequately.

Or download Adobe Acrobat Reader (adobe.com)

Media Players:

Windows Media Player works for most users.

VLC Media Player (videolan.org) plays everything, highly recommended.

Compression Software:

Windows handles ZIP files natively.

For RAR and other formats: 7-Zip (7-zip.org) - free and excellent

Cloud Storage (Optional):

  • OneDrive (built into Windows)
  • Google Drive (google.com/drive)
  • Dropbox (dropbox.com)

Choose one for automatic file backup and sync.

Security Software:

Windows Defender is adequate for most users (built-in, free).

Third-party options if preferred:

  • Bitdefender
  • ESET
  • Kaspersky

Don't install multiple antivirus programs (causes conflicts).

Transferring Data from Old Computer

Method 1: External Drive (Easiest)

  1. Connect external drive to old computer
  2. Copy important folders:
    • Documents
    • Pictures
    • Videos
    • Desktop
    • Downloads (anything important)
  3. Safely eject drive
  4. Connect to new computer
  5. Copy folders to new computer

Method 2: Network Transfer

Both computers on same network:

  1. Old computer: Share folders you want to transfer
  2. New computer: Access shared folders via network
  3. Copy files over network

Faster than external drive for large transfers if you have good network.

Method 3: Cloud Sync

If you use cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox):

  1. Old computer: Ensure files synced to cloud
  2. New computer: Install cloud software
  3. Sign in and files download automatically

Slowest method but convenient if already using cloud storage.

Method 4: Windows Easy Transfer Tool

Windows 10 removed this feature, but third-party alternatives exist:

  • EaseUS Todo PCTrans
  • Laplink PCmover

These transfer programs, settings, and files automatically.

Cost money but save time for large migrations.

What to Transfer:

Essential:

  • Documents
  • Photos and videos
  • Work files
  • Important downloads

Don't transfer:

  • Programs (reinstall fresh on new computer)
  • System files
  • Temporary files

Reinstall programs fresh rather than copying. Ensures clean installations optimized for new computer.

Browser Bookmarks:

Chrome: Syncs automatically if signed into Google account

Firefox: Syncs with Firefox account

Edge: Syncs with Microsoft account

Or manually export bookmarks from old browser, import to new browser.

Ergonomics and Physical Setup

Monitor Height:

Top of screen at or slightly below eye level.

Looking slightly down is optimal. Prevents neck strain.

Monitor Distance:

Arm's length away (60-70cm typically).

Chair Height:

Feet flat on floor, thighs parallel to ground.

Arms at 90-degree angle when typing.

Keyboard and Mouse:

Directly in front of you. Not angled to side (causes repetitive strain).

Backup Setup (Do This Immediately!)

Don't wait to set up backups.

External Drive Backup:

Settings → Update & Security → Backup

Add external drive, enable File History.

Cloud Backup:

Sign up for cloud backup service:

  • Backblaze: £6/month unlimited
  • Carbonite: £6/month unlimited

Install software, configure automatic backup.

See our complete backup guide (Post #16) for detailed instructions.

Ongoing Maintenance

Weekly:

Check for Windows updates

Monthly:

Update software (browsers, programs) Run antivirus scan Check disk space

Every 6 months:

Clean dust from computer Check backups are working

Common Setup Problems

Windows Slow Despite New Computer:

Usually too many startup programs or bloatware.

Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Startup tab → Disable unnecessary programs

WiFi Not Connecting:

Ensure WiFi turned on (hardware switch or function key) Forget network and reconnect Update network drivers

Monitor Wrong Resolution:

Update graphics drivers Manually set native resolution in Display Settings

Programs Won't Install:

Run as administrator (right-click installer → Run as administrator) Temporarily disable antivirus during installation

SnapFixRepairs Setup Service

Don't want to do this yourself?

Complete New Computer Setup: £80-£120

We'll:

  • Unbox and physically connect everything
  • Complete Windows setup
  • Install all updates and drivers
  • Remove bloatware
  • Install essential software (you specify what)
  • Transfer data from old computer
  • Configure backups
  • Optimize settings for performance
  • Ergonomic positioning advice

Drop off both computers (or we collect old one from home). Usually complete within 24 hours.

Data Transfer Only: £40-£80

Just need files moved from old to new computer? We handle the transfer.

Call SnapFixRepairs or fill out our online form to schedule new computer setup.

We'll handle everything so you just enjoy your new computer without setup hassle.

Quick Setup Checklist

✓ Unbox and connect all cables ✓ Complete Windows setup ✓ Install all Windows updates ✓ Download and install manufacturer drivers ✓ Remove bloatware ✓ Install essential software ✓ Transfer data from old computer ✓ Set up backups ✓ Optimize settings ✓ Enjoy new computer!

Need help? Call SnapFixRepairs or fill out our online form.

We offer setup services from basic assistance to complete white-glove setup.

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