After installing Windows, check activation, updates, drivers and security before setting up your everyday apps. This checklist gives the Windows 11 menu paths, with the Windows 10 activation path for reference.
Essential Steps After Installing Windows
1. Check Windows activation
In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Activation. In Windows 10, use Settings > Update & Security > Activation. A digital license may reactivate the same Windows edition on the same device when it connects to the internet. If activation fails, follow the message on that page or Microsoft‘s activation instructions.
2. Install Windows updates
In Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install available updates, restart when prompted and check again if more updates remain.
Standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. If you still use it, review Microsoft’s supported upgrade and Extended Security Updates options rather than assuming a fresh installation restores standard support.
3. Check drivers and peripherals
Windows Update installs recommended drivers. If a device is not working correctly, check Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates for suitable driver updates, or use the computer or peripheral manufacturer’s official support site. Install extra device software when you need its features.
4. Install the apps you use
Install your browser, office tools, creative software or games from their official sources. Add the applications you need first and check that existing documents open correctly. If you use scripts, our PowerShell 7 installation and update guide explains the supported package choices and how to check which shell is running.
5. Review startup apps
Open Settings > Apps > Startup, or the Startup apps section of Task Manager. Turn off automatic startup for optional apps you do not need immediately when you sign in.
6. Choose default apps
Open Settings > Apps > Default apps. Choose the applications you want to handle web links, email and file types, then test a few common files.
7. Check Windows Security
Open Windows Security and review Virus & threat protection. Confirm that protection and security intelligence are up to date, and run a quick scan. If you use a compatible third-party antivirus, check its status instead; Microsoft Defender Antivirus normally turns itself off when that product is active.
8. Plan backup and recovery
Back up important files to a separate location and test that you can read them. If you enable drive encryption, save recovery information somewhere accessible outside the PC. Our BitLocker command guide explains the OS-drive and data-drive choices and the status checks.
For a PC that runs unattended, review automatic startup after a power outage. Firmware power-on, Windows sign-in and application recovery are separate steps.
Test the setup before everyday use
Check Wi-Fi, sound, printing and any peripherals you rely on. Keep backups of important files and confirm that your usual apps work before treating the installation as complete. For a headset with a silent earcup, follow our Windows headphone troubleshooting guide. If Defender flags a file, our quarantine or remove guide explains the available actions.