10 Things to Do After Installing Windows 11

Hey there! So you just installed the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system, Windows 11. Let me tell you, it’s packed with some cool new features like a fresh start menu, notification center, system tray, and a redesigned taskbar with rounded corners. It’s definitely something to be excited about!

Now that Windows 11 is up and running on your computer, it’s time to dive in and discover all the great things it can do. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! I’ve put together a handy list of ten things that you should do to make the most out of your new system. Trust me, these tips will help you have an amazing experience while you work and play on your computer.

Without any more delay, let’s jump right into the exciting things you need to do after installing Windows 11!

30 Essential Apps for Windows 11

Windows 11 is an incredible operating system from Microsoft. It’s one of the best they’ve ever created!

1. Keep your drivers updated

When you install a new operating system like Windows 11, it’s important to make sure that all your hardware drivers are up to date. Sometimes, certain drivers might not work with the new upgrade, so it’s always a good idea to check.

For instance, your printer driver might not be compatible with Windows 11. In that case, you’ll need to find and install a driver that works with this new operating system.

You can do this easily by using Windows Update to find and install any available drivers.

Here’s how you do it:

1. To access Settings, simply press Windows + i. From there, go to “Windows Update” in the sidebar and select “Advanced Options.”
2. Under Advanced Options, you’ll find “Optional Updates.” Click on it.
3. In the Optional Updates section, expand the “Driver Updates” header. Scroll through the list and select the drivers you want to update. Once you’ve made your selections, click on “Download & Install.”

2. Get rid of unnecessary apps

I’ve heard that Microsoft partnered with some third-party suppliers for the new and improved Windows 11 Start Menu. This means you might see icons for software like Picsart Pro, WhatsApp Line, and Adobe Lightroom.

If you click on any of these icons, the corresponding program will be downloaded and installed on your device.

You might want to give one or more of these apps a shot, but to be honest, they just make a bigger mess of your Start Menu. If you’re tired of seeing them, you can get rid of these icons by right-clicking on them and choosing Uninstall from the menu that shows up.

3. Get the apps you want

If you’re missing some apps from your Start Menu, don’t worry! You can easily add them yourself.

Just follow these simple steps:

1. Click on the Start button to open the Start Menu.
2. Scroll through the list of apps until you find the one you want to pin.
3. Right-click on the app and select “Pin to Start”.

Now, the app will appear in your Start Menu for easy access.

Keep in mind that in Windows 11, the Start menu looks a bit different than in previous versions. Instead of live tiles, you’ll see simple icons with descriptions. But don’t worry, it’s still easy to add and organize your apps.

And don’t forget, if you’re having trouble finding all your apps in the new system, our guide is here to help. Just follow the steps above, and you’ll have all your favorite apps right at your fingertips.

1. First, click on the Start button. Then, look for the All apps button in the upper-right corner.
2. If you’re using Windows 11, find the app you want to add to the Start menu and right-click on it.
3. Select Pin to Start.
4. You can also pin apps and folders to the Start menu from the Desktop.
5. To do that, right-click on the app or folder you want to pin and choose Pin to Start from the menu.

4. Simplify your Taskbar Menu

You can remove unnecessary applications and icons from your taskbar to make more space for the important ones. Here’s how:

Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar, and then select Taskbar settings from the menu that appears.

Next, turn off any taskbar features that you don’t need.

When you install Windows 11, you may notice that there are extra applications listed in your taskbar. This can make your taskbar feel crowded and overwhelming. Fortunately, there is a way to tidy up your taskbar and make it more organized.

To start, you can remove any unnecessary app icons or recommended software. This will help clear up space and make your taskbar look cleaner and more streamlined. Just go to “Settings”, then select “Personalization”, and finally choose “Taskbar”. From there, you can customize your taskbar to your liking.

By taking these steps, you’ll be able to declutter your taskbar and make room for the applications that you use most frequently. This will not only improve the visual appearance of your taskbar but also enhance your overall user experience by creating a more organized and efficient workspace.

5. Make Windows 11 Your Own

Now it’s time to personalize Windows 11 and make it truly yours. By changing the desktop theme, adding a background image, or adjusting transparency, you can give your laptop or computer a unique look and feel.

To personalize Windows 11, simply right-click on the desktop and choose the “Personalize” option from the menu.

Once you’re in the Personalize section, you’ll find a wide range of options to customize your experience. From themes and backgrounds to sounds, screensavers, and mouse pointers, you can tweak and refine every aspect of your Windows 11 interface.

Just head over to Settings > Personalization, and you’ll have access to a multitude of features to make Windows 11 reflect your style. Whether it’s choosing a new theme, selecting a different background, or adjusting lock screen settings, you have the power to transform your Windows 11 experience into something that’s uniquely yours.

Step 6: Keep Your Information Private

After setting up Windows 11, it’s important to take a moment to check and adjust your privacy settings. To do this, simply navigate to the Settings menu and click on “Privacy.” Here, you have the ability to control what information Windows 11 and other applications collect and store.

While this information can offer various benefits, it’s essential to review and customize your settings to ensure that you only share what you’re comfortable with. Take the time to turn off any settings that aren’t relevant to you or that you’d rather not share.

Step 7: Optimize Power for Your Device

Make the most of your computer’s performance by customizing its power settings in Windows 11. This includes features like Battery Saver and Sleep Mode, among others. Adjusting these settings will help you optimize power usage for your laptop or computer.

By default, your computer is set to a power mode called Balanced. However, if you want to optimize your PC’s performance and get the most out of it, you should consider changing your power mode. It’s easy to do! Just follow these steps:

1. First, open the Settings on your computer.
2. Next, navigate to the System section.
3. Within the System section, find and select the Power & battery option.
4. Here, you will see different power modes available. Make sure to choose the option labeled Best performance.

That’s it! By changing your power mode to Best performance, you’ll be able to maximize your PC’s capabilities and potentially improve its overall speed and responsiveness. Give it a try and see if you notice a difference!

8. Safeguard your PC

Once you’ve installed Windows 11, it’s crucial to protect your personal files by creating backups. If you haven’t established a system backup routine, now is the perfect time to start.

Backing up your PC before any mishaps occur is vital. In the event of a system failure, you can rely on Windows 11’s system restore function to revert to a previous state. And if your computer refuses to start, you can use a system image for recovery instead.

Top 10 Free Tools for PC Backups

Imagine spending hours on an important project, only to lose it all. With the right backup tools, you can avoid such a devastating scenario. Learn more about the top 10 free backup tools for your PC.

9. Activate and Run your Antivirus Software

Once you’ve successfully installed Windows 11, it’s crucial to activate your antivirus software right away. While Windows 10 includes Microsoft Security Essentials for free, some people prefer using third-party software. This step is essential to ensure that your computer is safeguarded against viruses and other security threats.

Viruses are often spread through email attachments or malicious websites. By using antivirus software, you can effectively protect your laptop or computer by preventing these harmful files from infecting your system.

10. Stay Updated

It’s vital to regularly check for updates on your Windows 11 operating system. Microsoft frequently releases updates to improve its products and address security concerns. To check for updates, simply navigate to “Settings > Windows Update” and select “Check for updates.”

I recommend that you always update your operating system whenever new versions become available or when security patches are offered. Updating your operating system is the best way to get the most out of Windows 11 and keep yourself protected from viruses and other security issues.

Wrapping up

As you can see, there are several things you can do after installing Windows 11. These are just a few suggestions to help you get started. You may also want to explore other features like Cortana or set up a Microsoft account, depending on your personal preferences and how you plan to use Windows 11.