Nine essential tasks to run after setting up a Windows 11 PC

ZDNET's Kyle Kucharski provides a nine‑point checklist of actions to take after setting up a new or reset Windows 11 PC to secure, update and tidy the system. He recommends signing in with a Microsoft account rather than a local account for security benefits: you can enable two‑factor authentication and Windows Hello, turn on strong drive encryption (including on Windows 11 Home via Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption), and use Microsoft's account recovery tools.

He also notes that OneDrive Backup can move Desktop, Documents and Pictures into the cloud, which you may want to review or disable. Before making customizations, Kucharski advises confirming the correct Windows edition and activation (System > Activation), checking Device Manager for driver errors, running Windows Update and installing any manufacturer drivers or BIOS/chipset updates from the PC maker's support site.

To remove bloat and personalize the interface, uninstall unwanted apps from Start or Settings > Apps, and adjust Start via Settings > Personalization > Start (change the Pinned vs Recommended layout and add Folders). Streamline the taskbar in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar by disabling Search, Task View and Widgets and by unpinning defaults you don't want; he also suggests switching to dark mode under Settings > Personalization > Colors if preferred.

For reinstalling apps, check the Microsoft Store or use the Winget repository (or the UniGetUI wrapper).

Key Topics

Tech, Microsoft Account, Onedrive, Windows Sandbox, Bitlocker, Winget