How to Set Up a New Windows 11 Computer

The best time to set up a new Windows 11 computer properly is on day one. This guide walks through the setup screens and privacy choices, Windows Update, removing bloatware, Microsoft Defender (Windows Security), backup and moving your files, plus how businesses should have I.T. enroll new PCs. Shown on Windows 11 version 25H2.

Before you start

Your Wi-Fi password — Windows 11 needs internet to finish setup
Your Microsoft account — Email and password, or create one during setup
Your old computer nearby — For your files, bookmarks and sign-ins
An hour or two — Updates on a new PC take a while

The setup screens: the basics

Region & keyboard — Confirm your country and keyboard layout
Connect to Wi-Fi — Setup needs an internet connection to finish
Sign in & create a PIN — Your Microsoft account, plus a PIN for quick, secure sign-in
Skip the extras for now — Trials, subscriptions and phone offers can wait

How to set up a new Windows 11 computer: step by step

Setup

✓Choose your privacy settings

Read each option on the privacy screen. Turn off anything you don’t want, for example Tailored experiences and Advertising ID.

WHAT TO DOClick Accept. You can change these any time in Settings → Privacy & security.

Set up a new Windows 11 computer: Choose your privacy settings

1Step 1: Run Windows Update until you’re up to date

Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Windows downloads and installs the latest fixes.

WHAT TO DORestart when asked, then check again. Repeat until it says “You’re up to date”.

Step 1: Run Windows Update until you're up to date

2Step 2: Remove the bloatware you don’t need

Settings → Apps → Installed apps. Look for trial software, games and offers you’ll never use.

WHAT TO DOClick ⋯ next to the app, choose Uninstall, and confirm. Not sure what something is? Leave it, or ask us.

Step 2: Remove the bloatware you don't need

3Step 3: Check Windows Security (Microsoft Defender)

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender antivirus for free. Start → type Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.

WHAT TO DOLook for green check marks and “No current threats”. Don’t run two antivirus programs at once.

Step 3: Check Windows Security (Microsoft Defender)

Naples Computers

★Rather have us do it?

Buy your new computer from Naples Computers and setup plus file transfer are included.

WHAT TO DOBought it somewhere else? Bring it in, and we’ll set it up and move your files for you as a paid service.

Rather have us do it?

Step 4: turn on backup

OneDrive: Windows backup — Settings → Accounts → Windows backup: Desktop, Documents, Pictures
An external drive — A second copy you can hold in your hand
Or an online backup service — Such as Carbonite: automatic and off-site

Step 5: move your files & sign-ins

Documents, Pictures & Desktop — Copy them with OneDrive or an external drive
Sign in to your browser — Chrome or Edge brings back bookmarks and saved passwords
Apps, email & printer — Reinstall what you use, then set up email and your printer
Keep the old PC a few weeks — Don’t wipe it until you’re sure nothing was left behind

Business computer? Let I.T. set it up

Not a personal account — Business PCs should use your company’s work accounts
Enrolled in management — For example Microsoft Intune: policies, encryption, updates
Business apps & backup, ready — Shared drives, line-of-business apps, backup agent
Tracked in your inventory — Serial number, warranty, and who has it

Recap: set up a new Windows 11 computer

Setup: Wi-Fi, account, PIN, privacy
Windows Update until up to date
Remove the bloatware
Check Windows Security
Turn on backup
Move files, browser & apps

Printable quick guide

Set Up a New Windows PC the Right Way (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to set up a new Windows 11 computer?

Plan on an hour or two. Most of that time is Windows Update, which may need several rounds of checking and restarting before it says you’re up to date.

Do I need to buy antivirus for a new Windows 11 PC?

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus for free. Check Windows Security for green check marks and “No current threats”, and don’t run two antivirus programs at once. If you remove a third-party antivirus trial, Defender turns itself back on.

Do I need internet and a Microsoft account to set up Windows 11?

For personal setup on Windows 11 Home and Pro, yes: setup needs an internet connection and a Microsoft account to finish. Have your Wi-Fi password and your account email and password ready, or create an account during setup.

How do I move my files from my old computer?

Copy your Documents, Pictures and Desktop with OneDrive or an external drive, then sign in to your browser to bring back bookmarks and saved passwords. Reinstall your apps, set up email and your printer, and keep the old PC a few weeks before you wipe it.

Buying a new computer? Computers we build or sell include setup and file transfer. Bringing your own? We’ll set it up and move your files as a paid service. For businesses, we enroll new PCs in management with your security policies and backups.

How to Set Up a New Windows 11 Computer the Right Way