8 Settings You Should Change Immediately When Buying a New Windows PC

When you get a new Windows computer, adjust these settings to get a smooth experience and protect your data right from the start. It only takes 15 minutes. Find out now.

1. Turn off applications that start with the system

Applications that run automatically at startup often slow down your computer and consume RAM. You should turn them off, and here's how to fix it:

Press Win + i → Apps → Startup
Turn off the switches next to unnecessary apps

2. Customize Taskbar & Start menu

Customizing the Taskbar and Start menu will help you manage your PC more efficiently and scientifically.

First, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Then, you can make the following customizations to the Taskbar:

Expand the "Taskbar Behaviors" section → adjust options such as Taskbar Alignment, Automatically Hide the Taskbar, or Show Badges

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At Personalization > Start Menu , you make the following customizations:

Turn off "Show Recommendation for Tips, Shortcuts, New Apps, and More" to avoid ads
Turn on "Show Recently Used Apps" to quickly access frequently used apps

3 Enable automatic cleaning (Storage Sense)

Free up memory automatically by:

Go to Settings > System > Storage
Enable Storage Sense option → Tap "Configure Storage Sense"
Customize download file deletion schedule, trash (default: 30 days)

4 Link Microsoft account

Don't miss out on the benefits of syncing by linking your Microsoft account with these simple steps:

Go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info
Select "Sign in with Microsoft account" → follow the instructions

If you don't have an account, you can create one during this process.

5 Turn on automatic backup via OneDrive

Requirements: Signed in to a Microsoft account

Open File Explorer (Win + E) → select OneDrive
Select OneDrive > Settings > Sync and Backup → Manage Backup
Turn on the activation switch for the folders that need to be backed up (Documents, Images.) → Save changes

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Note: Only back up the specified folder. To back up the entire system, use the "System Image Backup" feature.

6 Battery Optimization (For Laptops Only)

Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery:
1. Screen off after: 5 minutes
2. Sleep mode after: 10 minutes
3. Hibernate after: 30 minutes
1. Power Mode → Select "Best Performance" on Battery

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7 Enable Windows Security

If you have a fresh Windows installation, Microsoft Defender will be enabled by default with real-time protection enabled. But if your computer has a trial version of antivirus software, it is likely disabled. If you do not intend to pay for it after it expires and it is your personal computer, you should uninstall this third-party antivirus software and use Windows Security instead. It is built-in and 100% free.

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security → Open Windows Security
Select "Virus & Threat Protection" → "Manage Settings"
MAKE SURE the "Real-Time Protection" switch is ON
Check also: Firewall, App & Browser Control, Device Security.

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⚠️ Note: Remove any trial antivirus software immediately if you have it! Windows Security is 100% free and powerful enough to protect your PC.

8. Check for Windows updates

Make sure your system is running on the latest version by:

Go to Settings > Windows Update → click "Check for Update"
Install the latest update to fix security flaws

Don't be afraid to experiment with other options! It's your computer – make it yours. Remember to check back for Windows Update every month to keep your system safe and secure.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 12 July 2025

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