Set up a laptop with preinstalled Windows 10 and check activation

If a laptop already has Windows 10 installed, its first-start screens let you choose language, keyboard, network, account and privacy settings. This is initial setup, not laptop disassembly and usually not a fresh Windows installation.

The screenshots below show an early Windows 10 setup on an ASUS laptop. Other manufacturers and later Windows releases use different screens. Windows 10's ordinary support ended in October 2025; check the device's current support and update arrangement rather than treating this older setup as a recommendation to install Windows 10 today.

Before you start

• Connect the laptop to reliable power and leave it connected during setup.
• Have your preferred account details and a trusted network available.
• Check which Windows edition the seller supplied. A license for Home does not automatically activate Pro.
• If the laptop is used, confirm ownership and back up any files you need before resetting or reinstalling it.

For general preparation, see setting up a new computer.

1. Choose language, region and keyboard

Select the language and region you want to use. An edition's language restrictions can affect later changes, so do not select English solely because an old tutorial recommends it.

Choose the keyboard layout matching the keys and typing method you use. US is appropriate for a US layout, but it is not mandatory for every laptop.

2. Review the license and network screens

Read the displayed license terms and continue only if you agree. Keep purchase and license records provided with the computer.

Connect to a trusted network when the setup workflow requires it or when you want online setup and activation. Some older Windows 10 screens offer a skip option; that does not mean avoiding Wi-Fi is generally safer or required.

3. Choose privacy settings deliberately

Review location, diagnostics and other offered settings. Older releases provide Express settings or Customize settings; later releases show individual choices. Choose based on the displayed explanation rather than accepting defaults simply to save clicks.

4. Create or sign into your account

Follow the account options offered for your Windows version and device. A Microsoft account can connect Microsoft services; an available local account keeps the Windows sign-in separate from that account. Neither option makes leaving the device unprotected a good idea.

Use a strong sign-in method and configure a PIN or Windows Hello where supported. Do not follow the original advice to omit a password.

5. Verify activation after reaching the desktop

Connect to the internet, then open Settings → Update & Security → Activation in Windows 10. Read the status and confirm the edition. An eligible preinstalled license or digital license can activate the matching edition; a different edition or hardware history may need troubleshooting.

Use Microsoft's activation guidance if a problem appears. Avoid entering random keys or buying a second license before checking the supplied entitlement. See checking activation and license status for what the messages mean.

Complete the practical checks

Check the manufacturer's driver and firmware guidance, install updates available under the device's support arrangement, and verify Wi-Fi, sound, camera and keyboard operation. Review encryption recovery-key storage and set up a separate backup before adding important files.

A later reset or reinstall is a separate task that can remove apps and files. Record the installed edition and activation state before starting one.