Always Do THIS with a New Laptop

So you got a new laptop or gaming laptop and need to set it up. But what next? Let's talk about some of the best setup tips that I always use when I get a new Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptop while others will help get better laptop performance and battery life from day one.

0:00 - This is a BEGINNER'S Guide!
0:36 - Updates....DUH!
1:53 - Understanding Bloatware
3:15 - Get the MOST from the Display!
4:56 - The MUX Question
6:39 - Bye Bye Lock Screen!
7:35 - File Extensions are IMPORTANT (For Me)
8:05 - Some Final Touches
8:30 - Desktop Icons!

This video is sponsored by NZXT. As per Hardware Canucks guidelines, no review direction was received from manufacturer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Gear list (Available on Amazon):
----------------------------------------­--------------------

Follow us for more updates!
----------------------------------------­---------------

#laptopsetup #gaminglaptop #hardwarecanucks

[DesuVR]

What I like to do is in Windows Explorer, open the options menu, then where it says "Open File Explorer to:" I change it to "This PC". I use multiple drives so this allows me to accurately know where I'm storing my files. It still shows the quick access locations; Documents, Music, etc. so you're not giving up anything by doing this.

[yavuzs]

excellent tutorial, I just got a laptop and your video was a great help, especially because I used all my life a Mac.

[Piketom]

When I purchase a new windows laptop, one of the first things I do is pull the windows license that came on the device. Then I go to the support page for the computer and download a fresh copy of the important drivers to a USB stick. Having done that, I completely erase the SSD and do a clean install of windows. A clean windows install netted my last XPS 15 an extra 4 hours of battery life.

[vkohli]

Another thing I love doing and can't live without is disable web search results in the start menu (registry editor). Makes the start menu search much faster, and more useful.

[FondyCrew]

I always do my first boot without connecting to a network. That way I remove all the unnecessary programs before they try and update themselves. Gets you enjoying your new hardware that much faster. I do the same for am Android phone as well.

[baltmatrix]

OEM updates in Windows Updates is a GOD SEND! Most of these updater programs are so badly coded that they cause more issues than they fix. And as someone that manages a fleet of laptops, it's going to make my job so much easier.

[samiam]

I like to enable copy and paste history by pressing [Window + V] and then enabling the copy history.
Then anything you [Ctr + C] goes in to the history and you can [Window + V] to pick and paste.
Saves tons of time when copying multiple things.

[TheMstwntdLMSV]

I LOVE how driver and firmware updates are finally getting integrated into Windows Update. I have never had a manufacturer's utility software work correctly. They're always horribly buggy and outdated. Also, most consumer don't know to check for those updates separately so having it all in one place makes sure that more devices get upated.

[DogsAreGods]

One thing that I would reccommend right of the bat, is going to task manager and making sure that your RAM is running at the rated speed that the manufacturer/retailer is selling you for. If not, you will have to enter the BIOS and see if there is an option to turn on XMP/DOCP/OC ram. Then set to the right speed (XMP and DOCP should auto-detect).

[OfficialLemnisc]

Control shift esc is a shortcut to immediately access task manager bypassing need to ctrl alt delete and choose. Cheers :)

[yuhapeter]

1. New updates check
2. Get rid of bloatware apps
3.Optimize display settings
4. How to use a Mux switch (if equipped)
5.Disable Windows Lock Screen
6. Enable file extensions
7. Install commonly used apps
8. Customize (Wallpapers, light/dark mode, etc.)

[JohnDoe_]

I would recommend to disable the display energy saving mode in the intel graphics menu. Had 2 Laptops with this "feature" where the screen would look washed out like crazy under some circumstances and that was the reason for the problem.

[esparda]

For those who don't know, the Lock Screen is actually a security feature to prevent some form of remote network hacking.

[paulmendes]

The mux switch, resolution scaling and file extension tips are actually helpful.

[dexterman]

You should also enable "run new explorer windows in separate process". This prevents copy/move explorer windows from crashing when some other explorer window crashes

[bloocheez]

Dude! Getting rid of the lock screen was something I never realized I wanted until you mentioned it. I did that the second you showed it.

[Abdullah-vptl]

You can also use virtual desktops using the keyboard:
'CTRL + WIN + D' for new desktop
'CTRL + WIN + left or right arrow key' to navigate between your desktops
'WIN + TAB' to show all of you desktops and move taps between them

[marksadler]

Something I always try to do is after cleaning up the bloatware and updating the machine and making the adjustments you suggest I make a full install backup of the boot/OS drive and put it in a safe place - that has saved me countless headaches. :)

[vinny]

The first thing I do on a new laptop (especially Dell’s) is to reinstall the os from a usb. I hate all the bloats manufactures put on their devices. Dell specifically, would also pre-partition you drives and hide+lock you out of some of the partitions.

[BaghaShams]

You can actually go directly into task manager with control shift escape, no need to control alt delete first