A step-by-step guide to setting up your new PC

Congratulations on getting a new PC! We know you’re excited and want to unbox it and set it up right away, but there’s a lot more involved than simply plugging it in and turning the power on. Taking the time to set up your new PC correctly can make a huge difference in how the computer performs, how secure it is, and how long it lasts. Whether you’re setting up a powerful desktop for gaming or a laptop for everyday tasks, following these steps will help you get the most out of your new PC. 

This step-by-step guide walks you through each step of setting up your new PC to ensure it will run as smoothly as possible. From the initial setup and essential updates to security measures and personalization tips, we’ve covered each step so you can enjoy a fast, secure and efficient PC from day one. 

Before you set up your new computer, there are a few things to do to protect your computer, increase its longevity and ensure it reaches its maximum performance.  

First, it’s important to register your new PC and any additional software or hardware with the manufacturer. PCs and laptops typically come with a one to three-year warranty, depending on the manufacturer, which usually covers manufacturer defects and technical support. Gaming computers often come with a longer warranty period of up to 3 years, and most warranties can be extended or upgraded to provide additional coverage outside of the basic package. Be sure to read through the warranty so you understand exactly what is and isn’t covered and consider the purpose of your device to decide if any additional coverage is necessary for your peace of mind. Most manufacturers will allow you to register your device online by entering the serial number, which can be found on a label on the device or in the system settings. 

Most computer software, including professional and paid applications, must be registered or activated to unlock all of its features, including access to technical support, bug fixes and updates. This will improve the software's functionality and provide you with a smoother and more reliable experience.  

Getting a new computer or laptop is exciting, but if you’re replacing an old computer, it's important for sustainability and data security that it’s disposed of correctly. Before parting with your old computer, be sure to back up any important data and securely wipe the hard drive to protect your personal information. 

Once your computer has been wiped and reset to the original factory settings, consider what condition it’s in to determine how you can safely dispose of your old PC. If the device is in good condition but no longer needed, consider donating it to a charity, school or community center. For computers that are outdated or too damaged to donate, they will need to be safely recycled. Many manufacturers and retailers offer a recycling program or the option to trade in your old PC when you buy a new one. Alternatively, find your local recycling center or city dump which should have an electronic recycling bin for you to dispose of your computer safely and responsibly. 

It’s now time to get started with the actual set up of your new PC. Follow these easy steps for a smooth computer set up which will ensure your computer lasts longer and performs better throughout its lifetime. 

The first step, before you even turn on your new PC, is to take a few minutes to organize your workspace. Make sure it’s clean and dust-free, and that there is plenty of space for your computer.

Carefully unbox your PC and make sure you have all the necessary components including the power cables, adapters and accessories. Place the PC on your workspace and arrange your cables behind the computer to reduce clutter and maintain easy access in case you want to move things later.

If you want to upgrade any of the components, now would be a good time to do so to maximize your PC's performance from the start.  

You may want to increase the memory or storage capacity of your PC if you’re planning to run large applications or store lots of data and files. Ensuring your storage and memory are optimized from the start will also help your computer run faster and more efficiently. 

Upgrading to a larger SSD capacity will provide you with more space for large files and applications to help your PC run more smoothly. We have lots of information on ​​how to find the right SSD and ​​how to install a solid state drive  to increase your computer's storage.

Similar to storage, increasing the RAM in your computer will help speed up performance when running multiple programs and provide faster response times. Follow our easy steps on ​​how to upgrade your RAM. Make sure the upgraded ​​RAM you choose is compatible with your motherboard to avoid damaging your computer hardware or wasting your money. 

If you are planning to add more ​​memory or ​​storage, Crucial offers a variety of RAM and SSD options. Check to see which upgrades are compatible with your PC with our ​​compatibility checker. 

It’s now time to physically set up your new computer. To begin, familiarize yourself with the different ports on a computer to see where they are located, as not all PCs have the same ports. The main ports you need to set up your PC are the power connector and monitor display, which are usually an HDMI or DisplayPort cable, although some devices may still offer DVI or VGA ports. If your computer does not have Wi-Fi capabilities, you’ll also need an Ethernet cable to provide internet access. Be sure your desk or workspace has enough outlets and the correct ports to accommodate your PC and any connected devices.

You will also need to connect the accessories including a keyboard, mouse, speakers and printer. These usually require either a USB or Bluetooth connection; it’s best to refer to the manual guides before connecting. 

If you are setting up a laptop, you can skip this step, unless you are connecting external accessories which can be connected through USB ports or wirelessly via Bluetooth. You’ll probably need to plug the laptop into an outlet and leave it to charge, as it often comes with very little battery. 

Once everything is plugged in, you’re ready to power on the computer. You will first see a welcome screen. This takes you through the initial setup process which involves setting your preferred language, time zone and clock. If you are using Microsoft Windows, you’ll be asked to sign up or log into your Microsoft Account which will allow you to sync your PC to other Microsoft devices you may have. Once you have completed the initial setup, the desktop screen should appear.

If you’re using a refurbished PC, you may not have to go through these steps and will instead be taken straight to the desktop screen. 

To update the software on your PC and ensure you are using the latest version, first, connect your computer to the internet, either through an Ethernet cable or wirelessly, and then check for any system updates. You will need to update the operating system to the latest version to ensure the computer is operating at maximum performance and security. 

For Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and install any available updates. Mac users can go to System Preferences > Software Update. Expect to have a few updates, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to an hour to install. 

Once the updates are complete, run the Windows Update again to ensure it is completely up to date. You may have to do this up to three times, but you can schedule these overnight if you prefer. 

Here is where you can start to personalize your computer by installing your favorite browser and apps. Your operating system comes with a default web browser; however, this may not be your favorite, and you can choose a different one to install on your PC if preferred. There are many web browsers to choose from. The most popular ones include Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge. They all operate very similarly, with the main difference being the design and layout, as well as the tech company they are associated with.  

After you’ve chosen a web browser, it’s time to install your favorite productivity tools including Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, media apps such as Zoom or Teams, and media players like VLC. This would also be a good time to download an ​​antivirus software. Windows computers and laptops have Windows Defender built in, but you may want to consider installing a third-party antivirus program for further protection. 

Now is a good time to set up a backup to ensure you don’t lose any of your data if a hardware failure occurs. We recommend keeping your data secure with the ​​3-2-1 backup rule, which gives you peace of mind that all your files are backed up in the event of primary data loss. Since there are so many backup options to choose from, we've compiled a list of ​​the top backup tips to help you avoid losing your files and documents. 

Windows has several built-in backup options if you go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup. Here you can set up a backup plan and create a full system backup. Within Windows, you can also search and select Create a restore point. Here you can set up a restore option that will revert to any previous settings if any issues arise. 

Consider using a cloud service such as Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive as a place to store files. In the event of a hardware failure, these documents can be accessed from any device by simply logging into your account. Using a cloud service also helps with storage, as files stored here won’t take up any computer storage space. 

Another option is to use an external storage device. This could be an ​​external hard drive, ​​external SSD, USB, CD or floppy disk. These offer larger storage capacities without interfering with the motherboard's maximum storage capacity. They are also portable, so you can store them in an offsite location or take them with you, further ensuring that your data won’t be lost if anything happens to your computer. 

It’s important that your PC has the correct security to protect your data and keep the system malware-free.  

Set a strong password for your computer using a combination of letters, numbers and symbols to keep your system protected. You can also ​​password-protect individual folders for a further layer of protection on specific files and documents. 

Turn on built-in security features. Windows has Windows Defender Firewall which protects your PC from malicious software and unauthorized network access. Apple also has a built-in antivirus called XProtect which runs in the background of Apple products and monitors the device for new malware infections. 

Also, consider enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) which is an additional layer of security that requires users to provide more than one form of authentication, usually in the form of receiving an email or text message code. You can also add additional security to your SSD to encrypt files to protect against data breaches and to protect your device in the event it’s lost or stolen. There are several different options for encrypting your SSD. Consider them all before deciding which is best for you. 

Your new PC is almost set up! All that's left to do, is to configure the computer to your preferences, starting with personalizing the settings. This includes adjusting the screen resolution and brightness to your preferred settings. Having a higher resolution means sharper images and clearer text, which is important for precision tasks including designing, video editing or gaming. It can also provide an enhanced and immersive experience when watching movies, games or looking at photos. 

Configure the power settings and choose how long your screen stays on when inactive and when the computer should go to sleep. For example, you can set the screen to turn off after 5 minutes of inactivity and then go to sleep after 15 minutes. These settings will help to extend battery life and reduce energy consumption.  

If you are using a laptop, Windows computers offer a battery-saver mode that can automatically activate when your battery drops below the specified level, usually 20%. This option will dim the screen and limit background activity to help extend the battery life if you are unable to plug the laptop in. 

The final step is to organize and arrange your Start Menu and Desktop. On a Windows PC, you can adjust the taskbar’s position, size and color, add widgets, and pin your frequently used applications for quick access. On a Mac, you can personalize the Dock’s position and size in System Preferences > Dock & Menu Bar. Here you can customize the apps that appear in the Dock, control how the icons behave, and adjust the animation effects. 

Choose a fun background image to personalize your desktop and keep you motivated. This can be a solid color, your favorite photo or a dynamic image. On Windows, this can be changed by going to Settings > Personalization > Background and on MacOS System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver. Many systems will also allow you to customize the lock screen. On Windows, this can be done by going to Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen. 

Your PC is now ready for you to enjoy!

Take your time at each step of the process including optimizing your PC’s storage, memory and security settings, for a long-lasting and efficient computer. These steps will have your PC running at its best, with optimal performance, speed and protection against hardware damages that could cause you to lose your files and applications. Also, remember if you ever need to improve the speed or performance of your computer, you can upgrade it at any point with RAM and SSD options from Crucial.