In this series, we shall recommend 5 things to do after installing Windows 10. However, I don’t exclude other Windows versions. These steps are important for almost all Windows versions.
I recommend following all the steps for the best experience and to avoid regrets for either a Windows upgrade or a fresh Windows installation.
Contents
Change Desktop Resolution
After installing Windows 10, it has a default screen resolution by default. The screen resolution appearance depends on the computer screen. Fortunately, it may look normal on some screens. But unfortunately, it may look weird on other screens.
So if you’re not comfortable with those large icons and weird text font on the default screen resolution, this is a step for you. Follow the steps at Change your desktop resolution to get you done.
Display quick-start desktop icons
By default, after a Windows installation, the desktop displays no icons or maybe one(the recycle bin). This can make your work a heck in looking for programs and files. For this, you should display the desktop icons.
To add desktop icons, follow the following steps depending on the installed version of Windows;
After installing Windows 7 and 8;
Go to your desktop and right-click> Personalization >Desktop icons. Mark the desktop icons you would prefer to be displayed on the desktop and apply the changes.
READ ALSO: Display desktop icons after installing Windows 10
Install Essential software
Softwares are the programs that will help you perform specific tasks, an example can be a media player.
After installing Windows, by default, it has pre-installed programs however not all tasks are catered for by the pre-installed programs.
Some pre-installed may seem frustrating at times to some people, for instance when the Windows media player fails to open some media file formats.
The list below shows the essential programs you need. Recommended websites for download are; ninite and Softonic.
Antivirus software
Most of the common reasons for failures or problems in computers is a lack of antivirus software thus it shouldn’t be overlooked.
After installing Windows, the computer is very vulnerable to attacks for example viruses, and Trojans from a million sources, especially from the internet. Windows Defender requires additional antivirus software for best results.
These attacks may lead to the loss of important information, loss of data integrity, and at times loss of money.
I recommend that you download at least two antivirus software. Downloads can be made from ninite and softonic. I have personally used 360 security, Kaspersky, and Avast, and I have found no issues.
Driver software
This is one of the most important things to do after installing Windows 10.
A device driver is software that interfaces with and controls how a particular device works when attached to a system.
In other words, drivers allow the Windows Operating System to communicate with hardware without knowing how the hardware works.
Additionally, Drivers enhance computer capabilities in various ways like improving computer graphics (This is essential for gamers and graphics designers), improving sound input and output, improving network capabilities, and many others. This makes drivers so essential in a system.
Before installing drivers, I recommend you first create a system restore point. This helps in restoring the computer to an earlier state in case something goes wrong. Follow the steps on How to use system restore on Windows.
Download the required drivers from DPS. Make sure you have a stable internet connection before starting the installation. Finally, reboot the computer after installing the drivers.
Productivity Software
Productivity software is used in the production and modification of information like documents. In other words, creating documents and editing documents. The most popular productivity software is the Microsoft Office Suite.
For school and business, don’t debate on this one, you obviously need it for your day-to-day operations
For home users, you might be wondering why you need the productivity software. My advice to you is to just get it. You will obviously need at some point in time, trust me.
Web browser software
Windows comes with a pre-installed web browser called Internet Explorer(or Microsoft Edge) however it might not meet your qualities. That’s why I recommend the installation of some additional browsers. I’ve tried using Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Opera Mini and that combination works well for me.
Media Player software
Finally, with the software, you will have to download an extra media player for example VLC. This will be most important when you need to open file formats that are not supported by the Windows media player.
Disable unnecessary startup items
This is another important thing to do after installing Windows 10.
Most of the time the Window Operating System boots with some unnecessary programs that tend to utilize resources that should be preserved for preferred or more important programs. The more startup programs, the longer it takes for the booting process.
How to disable startup items in Windows 7;
Click on the start button; search for “msconfig” and open the program.
You should be warned that msconfig can make a lot of changes to your system apart from changing startup settings, Therefore don’t tamper with settings you have no knowledge about otherwise you will make changes that will affect the functioning of your computer.
After opening the program, navigate to the startup tab and deselect the programs that are unnecessary for you on startup. However, programs like the antivirus are essential on startup, therefore, don’t deselect such programs but rather select them if they’re not selected.
How to disable startup programs in Windows 8 and 10.
Optimize appearance
Finally, you have to make the appearance of your computer cool. This will include downloading some nice themes. You can try out themes from the Microsoft store.
After getting yourself a cool theme, click on the start button and search for “adjust the appearance and performance of Windows”, under the visual effects tab check “Let Windows choose what’s best for my computer“.
Additionally, you can change the size of the taskbar icons. To do this go to your taskbar and right-click> properties, under the taskbar tab select use small icons and apply the changes.
