10 Things to Do After Installing Windows 11

The most recent version of Microsoft’s operating system is Windows 11. Compared to previous versions, several modifications have been made in these areas: a new start menu, notification center, system tray, taskbar redesign with rounded corners, and various other features.

That means, once you’ve installed it, there’s a lot to learn and discover so that you can use your computer to its maximum potential.

That’s why we’ve decided to put together a list that shows ten things you need to do after installing Windows 11. The list will provide you with all the information you need to get the most out of your system, giving you a better experience while working and playing.

So, without further ado, let’s see what we need to do after installing Windows 11!

1. Update drivers

After installing any operating system, the first thing you should do is double-check that your computer’s hardware drivers are up to date. Since Windows 11 is a new upgrade, it’s conceivable that some of your device drivers won’t work with it.

For example, there’s a chance that your printer driver will not work with Windows 11. As a result, it’s a good idea to look for Windows 11-compatible drivers and install them if they’re available.

Using Windows Update, you may quickly install the necessary and accessible drivers.

Here is how to do it:

1. By pressing Windows + i, you can access Settings. In Settings, select “Windows Update” from the sidebar, then “Advanced Options.”
2. Navigate to “Optional Updates” under Advanced Options.
3. Expand the “Driver Updates” section header in Optional Updates. Then, scroll down the list and check the box next to any drivers you want to update. When finished, click “Download & Install.”

2. Uninstall unnecessary apps

According to sources, Microsoft made a number of agreements with third-party suppliers to have software stubs on the new, improved Windows 11 Start Menu. Icons for applications like Picsart Pro, WhatsApp Line, and Adobe Lightroom are included.

When you click one of these buttons, the program will be downloaded and installed.

You may decide to try one or more of these applications, but for the most part, these icons just add to the mess on your Start Menu. You can remove these items by right-clicking the icon and selecting Uninstall from the menu that appears.

3. Add (missing) useful apps

There might be some applications you wish to be there on the Start Menu, but they don’t appear by default.

If any of them are missing, now is the time to pin them. In Windows 11, you may pin apps to the Start menu in the same manner as in Windows 10. However, the Start menu now consists of simple icons with descriptions instead of live tiles.

However, Windows 11 users may still struggle to find a list of all apps in the new system, so our guide is here to assist.

1. Click the Start button, then locate the All apps button in the upper-right corner.
2. In Windows 11, locate the app you want to pin to the Start menu and right-click it.
3. Choose Pin to Begin.
4. From the Desktop, you can also pin apps and folders to the Start menu.
5. Select Pin to Start from the context menu when you right-click the app or folder you want to pin.

4. Clear Taskbar Menu clutter

You can get rid of unneeded applications and icons from the taskbar to make room for more essential ones. To do so, right-click on the empty space on the taskbar and then choose Taskbar settings from the menu that appears.

Now, turn off all the unnecessary taskbar features you don’t need.

This will clean up the taskbar menu clutter and make room for your most recently used application list. In addition, your system will be streamlined for a better user experience.

After you’ve installed Windows 11, you may find some additional applications listed in the taskbar. If you don’t want all the clutter, you can remove anything unnecessary, such as recommended software and app icons.

Go to “Settings > Personalization > Taskbar” to customize your taskbar.

5. Personalize Windows 11

The next step to make Windows 11 work better for you is to personalize it. Changing the desktop theme, adding a background image, or adjusting the transparency is a great way to define the look and feel of your laptop or computer.

To personalize it, right-click on the desktop and select Personalize from the menu that appears.

Now, you have several options to personalize your Windows 11 experience with themes, backgrounds, sounds, screensavers, mouse pointers, and more. To do so, you can click on any of the options under Personalization and change them as desired.

Just go to Settings > Personalization. From here, you can customize many features, including themes, background, lock screen, colors, fonts, and more.

6. Check Privacy Settings

You should make sure to check your privacy settings after the initial setup of Windows 11. In the Settings menu, click on Privacy. Here you can control the information stored by Windows 11 and other applications.

Since this information can provide a lot of benefits, you should take some time to review what’s being shared. You should turn off any settings that don’t apply or anything you don’t want to share.

7. Check Power Settings

Adjust your computer’s power settings and customize Windows 11 to optimize performance for your laptop or computer. These settings might include Battery Saver, Sleep Mode, and more.

The default power mode is set to Balanced. If you want to improve and get the best performance out of your PC, you should change your power mode by going to the Settings > System > Power & battery section. Make sure that your power mode is set to Best performance.

8. Back-up PC

The most important thing you can do after installing Windows 11 is to back up your personal files. If you don’t already have a system backup routine, now is the time to start one.

Backing up your PC before you make a mistake is critical. You may use Windows 11’s system restore function to go back in case of system failure. When the computer won’t start, create a system image for recovery instead.

9. Make sure Antivirus is activated and running

After installing Windows 11, you should immediately activate your antivirus software. Microsoft Security Essentials is included with Windows 10 for free, but some users prefer third-party software. This step is a critical one, as you want to make sure that your computer is protected from viruses and other security problems.

Most viruses are spread through email attachments or malicious websites. Using antivirus software for protection is another great way to keep those files away from your laptop or computer.

10. Check for updates

Microsoft is constantly updating its product, so it’s important to make sure that your Windows 11 is up-to-date. To do this, Navigate to “Settings > Windows Update.” Select “Check for updates.”

It is recommended that users should always update their operating system when new versions are available or when any security patches are offered. It is the best way to get the most out of Windows 11 and keep you protected from viruses and other security problems.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several things to do after installing Windows 11. These are just a few of the things users can do to get started. Some users may want to perform other actions after installing Windows 11, such as using Cortana or setting up a Microsoft account. It all depends on your personal preferences and what you plan to use Windows 11 for.

These tips should help you get started with Windows 11. By following these steps, you can optimize your PC and get it working the way you want it to. Some of these tasks can make a big difference in how Windows 11 works for you and what you do with it.