Use this checklist as a guide when setting up a new Windows 11 PC (or after a reset). Following these steps will help you get your computer protected, organized, and ready to use.
Step 1: Install Security & Protection
☑️ Install Avast Free Antivirus – Download Here → During setup, uncheck the box for the Avast browser (you don’t need it).
☑️ Install Microsoft PC Manager – Download Here → Helps keep your computer clean and running smoothly.
Step 2: Uninstall Unwanted Programs
☑️ Install Revo Uninstaller (Free Version) – Download Here → Use this to remove pre-installed apps and bloatware that came with your computer. Examples to Consider Removing:
Trial versions of antivirus software like McAfee or Norton
Games or apps you didn’t ask for
Any programs you don’t recognize or don’t plan to use
Step 3: Install a Web Browser (or Multiple)
☑️ Brave – Privacy-focused with ad blocking → Download Here
☑️ Mozilla Firefox – Open-source and secure → Download Here
☑️ Google Chrome – Fast and widely compatible → Download Here
Optional Browser Extensions:
☑️ Library Extension – Find free books → Install Here
☑️ Privacy Badger – Blocks online trackers → Install Here
☑️ uBlock Origin – Blocks ads and popups → Install Here
Step 4: Install Office & Productivity Software
☑️ LibreOffice (Free Office Suite) – Download Here → Use this for Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and more.
☑️ Sumatra PDF (Lightweight PDF Reader) – Download Here
☑️ Notepad++ (Advanced Text Editor) – Download Here
Step 5: Set Up Backups (Highly Recommended)
Cloud Backup (Automatic) ☑️ Carbonite – For automatic cloud backup → Learn More
Local Backup (Optional) ☑️ external hard drive– For backups → Such as flash drives etc..
Simple File Sync Options (Optional) ☑️ Google Drive / OneDrive / Dropbox – For easy cloud storage and file access.
Step 6: Install Media & Utility Tools
☑️ VLC Media Player (Play Videos/Music) – Download Here
☑️ 7-Zip (File Extraction) – Download Here
☑️ TreeSize Free (Check Disk Space Usage) – Download Here
☑️ Everything Search (Fast File Search) – Download Here
Step 7: Install Video Call Software (Optional but Useful)
☑️ Zoom (Video Meetings/Calls) – Download Here
Step 8: Personalize & Final Tweaks
☑️ Check Windows Updates: → Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates ☑️ Set Up Your Email (Optional) → Add your account in Outlook, Gmail, or another app ☑️ Customize Your Desktop → Wallpaper, Taskbar, and Theme settings as you like
Final Tip: Bookmark This Page
Consider bookmarking this page so you can reference it later or help friends/family with their setups.
Need help with any of these steps? Reach out to me at Technically Easier—I’m happy to walk you through it!
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