The first things to do with a new Windows 11 laptop are: run Windows Update until it says you are up to date, check that Windows Security is protecting you, remove trial software you do not want, turn on Windows Backup so your files are copied to OneDrive, and then install the handful of apps you actually use. Doing these five jobs in the first evening takes about an hour, most of it waiting, and saves hours of frustration later. Each step below uses the menu names from Microsoft’s own support pages.
A laptop unwrapped at Christmas has often spent months in a warehouse, so it will be behind on updates and full of manufacturer extras. Work through the list in order.
Step 0: Finish the Setup Screens Sensibly
When you first switch on, Windows walks you through language, keyboard, Wi-Fi and signing in. Two choices are worth thinking about:
- Sign in with a Microsoft account. Windows Backup, described below, only works with a personal Microsoft account. Microsoft notes that work or school accounts will not work for it.
- Restoring from an old PC. If your previous Windows computer was backed up with Windows Backup, Microsoft says that signing in with the same Microsoft account during setup lets Windows detect the backup and offer to restore it. If you have backed up more than one PC, choose More options to pick the right one.
Privacy questions about location, diagnostics and advertising appear too. Read each one; turning things off is fine and does not stop the laptop working.
Step 1: Run Windows Update (More Than Once)
Microsoft’s steps for Windows 11:
- Open Start, then Settings, then Windows Update.
- Select Check for Windows updates.
- If updates are available, select Download & install.
- Restart when asked.
Then go back and check again. A new laptop often needs two or three rounds before Windows Update reports nothing left to do. Plug the charger in, because updates can take a while and a laptop that runs flat mid-update causes problems.
Updates need free space. Microsoft states feature updates can need 6 GB to 11 GB or more, and quality updates 2 GB to 3 GB or more. A brand-new laptop will normally have plenty.
Why this matters so much is explained in our guide on why you should keep your software updated.
Step 2: Check Windows Security Is On
Windows 11 comes with built-in protection called Windows Security, which includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Open it by typing “Windows Security” into the Start menu.
Look at the Virus & threat protection section. Many laptops arrive with a trial of another antivirus product already installed. Microsoft explains that Defender Antivirus turns itself off automatically when another antivirus app is installed and switched on, and turns back on automatically if you uninstall the other one.
That gives you a simple decision:
- Keep the trial only if you intend to pay for it when it expires.
- Otherwise, uninstall it and let Defender take over. Microsoft also warns that running more than one antivirus app at once can make a computer slow or unstable, so do not keep two.
Whatever you choose, do not end up with nothing. Microsoft is clear that a device is vulnerable to malware if Defender is turned off and nothing else is protecting it.
Step 3: Remove Software You Do Not Want
Manufacturers add their own apps, games and trials. Some are useful, such as the maker’s support or update tool, so leave anything with the laptop brand’s name on it unless you are sure. For the rest, Microsoft gives two ways to uninstall:
From the Start menu
- Select Start and open the All apps list.
- Press and hold, or right-click, the app and choose Uninstall.
From Settings
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find the app, select the More (three dots) icon and choose Uninstall.
Microsoft notes that a few apps cannot be removed from Settings; those may still be removable through Control Panel. Removing clutter also helps the laptop start faster, which our guide on speeding up a slow computer startup covers in more depth.
Step 4: Turn On Windows Backup
This is the step people skip and later regret. Windows Backup copies your folders, and some settings, to OneDrive so you can get them back if the laptop is lost, stolen or broken.
- Open Start, type backup and select Windows Backup. (You can also find it in Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.)
- Expand Folders and switch on the ones you want backed up: Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music.
- Expand the other sections and switch on what you want saved, such as Installed apps, Accessibility and Accounts, Wi-Fi network and passwords.
- Select Back up.
A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage, according to Microsoft, and you can buy more. If you have years of photos, 5 GB will not hold them all, so consider either buying extra space or keeping a second copy on an external drive. Our guide on backing up your files so you never lose them compares the options.
Step 5: Install Only the Apps You Need
Start small. A browser you like, your email, and whatever you bought the laptop for. Download software from the Microsoft Store or the official website of the company that makes it, never from pop-up adverts or “download” buttons on unfamiliar sites.
Before installing extra tools, check what Windows already includes. For example, if you want to record your screen to show a relative how to do something, the snipping and recording features built into Windows may be enough; MuteCow compares built-in screen recorders with dedicated apps if you want to see the differences.
Step 6: Small Comfort Settings
- Notifications. If pop-ups drive you mad, open Settings, type “notifications” into the search box at the top, and turn off the apps you do not need to hear from.
- Text size. Open Settings and search for “text size” to find a slider that makes everything easier to read.
- A password manager. A new laptop is a natural point to stop reusing passwords.
What About the Old Computer?
Do not throw it away yet. First make sure everything you need has reached the new laptop, either through Windows Backup, OneDrive or an external drive. Only then wipe it properly before recycling, selling or passing it on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy antivirus for a new Windows 11 laptop?
Not necessarily. Windows 11 includes Windows Security with Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Microsoft says Defender switches off when another antivirus is active and back on when it is removed, so you are covered as long as one of them is running.
Why does Windows Update keep finding more updates?
Some updates can only install after others are already in place. On a new laptop it is normal to check, install, restart and repeat two or three times.
Is it safe to uninstall the apps that came with my laptop?
Trial software, games and offers are usually safe to remove. Be cautious with anything carrying the manufacturer’s name, which may handle drivers, updates or battery settings.
How much does Windows Backup cost?
The feature is free. It uses your OneDrive storage, and Microsoft says a free account includes 5 GB. More space is a paid add-on.
Can I move my files from my old Windows PC?
Yes. If the old PC used Windows Backup, sign in with the same Microsoft account while setting up the new laptop and Windows will offer to restore the backup.
Sources: Microsoft Support, Install Windows updates, Back up and restore with Windows Backup, Uninstall or remove apps and programs in Windows and Virus and threat protection in the Windows Security app.
Last updated: November 13, 2026