Oftentimes, we easily get scared when we have to deal with new software or a new app.
Windows 11 is a tad new on the market, and it does have some intimidating features. But don't be shaken by the setup process for Microsoft's latest OS — here's what you need to know.
Follow this simple step-by-step process and you won't get lost.
How To Set Up Windows 11 in Your New Computer
It might be a gift or you might purchase it yourself. But if you have a brand new Windows 11 computer, then you have to have to go through the setup process for Microsoft's latest operating system.
1.Choosing a Language
During the Windows 11 setup process, the very first screen you'll see will ask you to choose a language. In the follow-up questions, you be will prompted to select which region you're in and the keyboard layout you're using.
Afterward, an option to add a second keyboard layout will be made available to you. But unless you need to work in multiple languages on your PC, this isn't something that's often needed. This other keyboard layout can always be added later through Time & language and Language & region sections in Settings.
2. Going Online
If your computer isn't directly connected via Ethernet, you'll then be invited to connect to a wifi network. All of the wifi networks in range will be displayed, pick one and enter the password. Check the Connect automatically box so that Windows 11 won't prompt you again for the password.
Expect a bit of pause while your computer checks for updates. You'll then be asked to name your Windows 11 PC, this will be used to identify it on the local network. According to Gizmodo, if you've got multiple computers on the same network, giving them all recognizable names will help you work out which is which.
3. Signing In With a Microsoft Account
You'll need to sign in with your Microsoft account or create a new one once your Windows 11 computer is sure it's running all of the latest updates. A Microsoft account is now required for Windows 11.
Typically, you'll enter your password alongside your email address to authorize your Microsoft account and proceed with the installation. However, if you've decided to go passwordless with your Microsoft account then you'll need to confirm your login another way.
4. Setting Up Login Methods
Once done, you will then be prompted to set up your login methods. This will depend on the hardware you've got connected to your computer. For instance, if you've got a fingerprint sensor or a webcam that works with Windows Hello, then you'll be prompted to set them up.
Another option is creating a PIN to get into Windows 11 rather than a password. The PIN code is also used as a backup if biometric authentication isn't working for whatever reason.
If previously, you've set up or used a Windows 11 computer, you will be asked if you want to transfer applications and settings over from it. If you want a fresh start, click on the Set up as new device option.
5. Privacy and Permissions
The next step will include screens covering privacy and permissions. First up is "location," after that, it's the "Find my device" service. You'll be able to track your device's location if it gets lost if you let Microsoft know where it is.
Afterward, you have to choose your diagnostic data settings. You can choose required diagnostic data only, or you may add optional diagnostic data on top of it.
The next screen will enable you to decide whether or not Microsoft can collect and analyze your stylus and finger scribblings on any attached touchscreen. Then, you'll get to choose whether the tips and prompts that occasionally pop up in Windows 11 are tweaked to be more personal to you.
The advertising ID screen will let you choose whether or not apps can build up an advertising profile on you. To stop this from happening, choose No. Microsoft will then ask you to tell it what you're interested in, from Entertainment to Business to Family.
6. Syncing With OneDrive
Afterward, you can decide whether your files will be synced to and from OneDrive (via your Microsoft account) or kept locally. When OneDrive is turned on, other folders including Documents and the Desktop are synced between Windows 11 machines. To prevent this from happening, open Settings once you're in the operating system and choose Accounts, Windows backup, and Manage sync settings.
7. Last Updates
Windows 11 will check for updates one final time after a confirmation screen appears showing whether or not you're signed up to Microsoft 365. Then, the screen will go black, and a series of messages will show up on the screen while the operating system is initialized. Once completed, you're ready to use your newly set up computer.
Read Also: Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Could The New Update Make Your SSD Faster? Plus Differences to Expect
Things To Do With Your New Windows 11 Computer
You must keep your computer up-to-date particularly for security reasons, so keep on checking for updates. To get the latest updates for Windows, open the Settings app from the Start menu and go to the Windows Update page and click Check for updates.
You need to clean up your "Taskbar" and "Start menu." You may see a lot of icons pinned to your taskbar and Start menu. As some of them are useful, and some of them aren't, you may consider cleaning up and removing anything you don't need from your sight.
Windows PCs normally come with a whole lot of pre-installed software. Windows 11 itself includes a lot of apps. Go through your list of apps and see if you find them useful. Open the Start menu and click "All apps" to see everything that's installed on your PC
You may not always want apps to start with your PC even if you choose to keep them. Having apps run on startup can make your computer take longer to boot. To see the apps that are currently starting with your PC, right-click the Windows icon on the taskbar and choose "Task Manager." You can disable the apps that you don't need all the time so our PC starts a little faster.
You can customize the way Windows 11 looks. To change how your PC looks, open the "Settings" app and then choose the "Personalization" page. Here, you'll see all the options you can change into.
Related Article: Should You Switch to Windows 11? Pros and Cons of Windows OS Upgrade for Remote Workers
