The Right Order Matters

Setting up a new computer is more than just plugging it in and logging in. The first hour with a new machine determines how well it's configured for the years ahead. Doing things out of order — like installing all your software before updating the OS — can create problems that are annoying to fix later.

Step 1 — Update First, Install Second

Before installing any software, run all operating system updates. New computers ship with OS builds that may be months out of date:

Windows

Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Install all available updates and restart. Repeat until no updates are pending. This typically takes 2–3 rounds for a new Windows machine. Also check Windows Update for driver updates — these often install critical GPU, Wi-Fi, and audio drivers.

Mac

System Settings → General → Software Update. Install all updates. This can take a while for a new Mac — Apple Silicon updates are usually smaller and faster than Intel Mac updates.

Remove bloatware before it runs. New Windows PCs from major brands (HP, Dell, Lenovo) come with trial software, antivirus trials, and promotional apps pre-installed. Remove these via Settings → Apps before they expire or auto-launch at startup. Keeping expired antivirus trials can block legitimate security software later.

Step 2 — Security Setup

Configure security settings before the machine touches sensitive data:

  1. Create a strong login password. If you set up the machine with a weak or no password, change it now. On Windows: Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options. On Mac: System Settings → Login Password.
  2. Enable disk encryption. Windows Pro: search "BitLocker" → turn on BitLocker. Windows Home: search "Device Encryption" in Settings. Mac: System Settings → Privacy & Security → FileVault → turn on. Store the recovery key somewhere safe (print it or save to your Microsoft/Apple account).
  3. Verify antivirus is active. Windows Defender (built into Windows 10/11) is sufficient for most home users — no additional antivirus is needed. Mac has built-in XProtect. Just don't disable either.
  4. Set up a PIN or biometric login. Faster than typing a password every time. Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Windows Hello PIN or fingerprint.

Step 3 — Transfer Your Files

Windows to Windows

The most reliable transfer method is an external drive: on the old machine, copy your Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos folders to an external drive. On the new machine, copy them back. Then separately export browser bookmarks and passwords before transferring.

Windows Easy Transfer (Windows 7/8) was discontinued. Microsoft offers the PC Migration Assistant for Windows 10/11 via the Settings → Accounts → Windows Backup (restores apps and settings from Microsoft account).

Mac to Mac

Migration Assistant (Applications → Utilities → Migration Assistant) is the cleanest option. It transfers your user account, apps, settings, and all files directly over Wi-Fi or Thunderbolt cable. Start it on the old Mac and the new Mac simultaneously and follow the prompts. A full migration typically takes 1–4 hours depending on data size.

Step 4 — Install Essential Software

Install software deliberately — not everything at once. Prioritize by category:

  • Browser: Download your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave) from the official site
  • Office suite: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or LibreOffice depending on your needs
  • Password manager: Now is the best time to set up Bitwarden, 1Password, or similar — establish the habit on the new machine from day one
  • Cloud backup: Set up Backblaze, OneDrive, or Google Drive before you accumulate new files on the machine
  • Required work apps: VPN client, communication tools, project-specific software

New Computer Setup Checklist

Before You Consider It Done

  • All Windows/macOS updates installed
  • Bloatware removed (Windows only)
  • Strong login password set
  • Disk encryption enabled (BitLocker / FileVault)
  • Files transferred from old machine
  • Browser bookmarks and passwords imported
  • Essential software installed
  • Cloud backup configured and running
  • Printer set up (if applicable)
  • Old machine backed up before wiping

We set up new computers. Bring in your new machine and old one together — we transfer all files and settings, install essential software, configure security, and set up backup. You leave with everything working and nothing missing. Same-day service.