9 things you should do as soon as you get a new laptop

So you've got a new PC laptop—congrats! It's bright. It's shiny. It has power. And you're excited to use it—but you're not quite sure where to start or how to set it up. If only you had some sort of computer setup checklist.

That's where we come in. At Asurion, our experts help millions of people get the most out of their devices. Here are our tips for setting up your new PC laptop like a pro.

1. Back up your old laptop

If you haven't done so already, make sure to back up your old laptop so you can easily transfer your data onto your new one when you've got it set up. 

Need help? Check out our guide for how to transfer your data to your new Windows™ laptop.

2. Update your operating system

It's crucial to make sure you have the most up-to-date operating system on your new laptop. That way, you'll have the latest security patches and the programs and apps on your computer will work together seamlessly. Here's how to update your Windows™operating system:

On Windows 10

1. Click Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for Updates. If no updates are available, the menu will say “You're Up to Date.” If updates are available, Windows will automatically download and install the updates.

On Windows 11

1. Click Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for Updates. If no updates are available, the menu will say “You're Up to Date.” If updates are available, Windows will automatically download and install the updates.

3. Uninstall bloatware on your laptop

Bloatware is software you don't want or need that comes automatically installed on your Windows laptop. Why is it there? A company paid your computer manufacturer to include it. Bloatware is annoying, plus it wastes space on your laptop and unnecessarily taps your systems. Consider removing apps and programs you don't recognize or won't use, but make sure you don't remove something you need especially if it's critical to your laptop's function. If you're unsure about what to remove and what to keep, contact an expert for help.

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Here's how to see what apps are installed on your laptop and remove what you don't want:

On Windows 10

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Click the entry to show the Uninstall button, and click on it.

On Windows 11

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Click the three-dot button, and select Uninstall to remove.

4. Help your battery last longer

The battery on your new laptop will last about 500 charging cycles, which means your computer goes from 100% to 0%, then charges back to 100%. To help preserve your battery and to keep your laptop in top shape, there are a few simple things you can do, like lowering your screen's overall brightness and keeping your laptop cool.

Check out our guide for more tips on how to make your laptop battery last longer.

5. Set up cloud storage

One of the first things to do when you get a new laptop is to create a backup system for all your photos, documents, and other data. The safest way to do so is to store them in the cloud. Check out our guide for how to set up cloud storage on your computer.

6. Turn on antitheft tools on your laptop

You're probably not thinking about your new PC laptop getting lost or stolen—you just got it—but the time to protect it is when it's new.

Make sure to turn on Find My Device in case you ever need to use your Microsoft account to track down your laptop. Here's how:

On Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Find my device.

On Windows 11: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Find my device.

7. Start using a VPN

Worried about security on your new laptop? The good news is Windows 10 and 11 come with Windows Security, which includes tools designed to protect your PC from malware and other threats. To be safe online when you're working from home and need to access your business network, or when you're in a place like a coffee shop that doesn't require a Wi-Fi password, you may want to connect to a virtual private network (VPN).

Read our step-by-step guide to find out more about VPNs and how to set one up.

8. Set up custom laptop features

If you're still looking for things to do with your new laptop that'll make it uniquely yours, consider customizing your start menu or setting up a shortcut so your PC shuts down with one swipe.

For step-by-step instructions on personalizing your start-up and shutdown—and other cool ideas—check out our guide to five hidden laptop features you should be using right now.

9. Recycle your old laptop

Now that your new computer is good to go, it's time to either recycle your old laptop or put it to good use. Check out our guide on what to do with an old computer for some practical, earth-friendly, and creative tips.