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Setting up a new laptop: how to install Windows 11 in a couple of minutes
If you've recently bought a new computer, our experts can help you set it up and transfer files from your old device
With over a decade of experience at Which?, Tom covers everything from tech advice to money-saving tips, and highlights the best deals during major sales events.
At Which? Tech Support, we often get asked for help with setting up new laptops and desktop PCs. There are plenty of choices to make during the process, and it isn't always obvious which settings you should pay attention to.
You might be experiencing Windows 11 for the first time after upgrading from Windows 10, or just want to make sure you get it right without any hassle. Either way, our experts can help.
Below, you'll find at-a-glance instructions on how to get started. Plus, we've rounded up some tips on jobs you should take care of after you’ve set up your new laptop – such as removing bloatware and picking out a capable antivirus.
Already a Tech Support member? For more help and 1-2-1 technical advice, including advice on malware and scams, go to our Tech Support online booking tool.
At a glance: Installing Windows 11
If you don't have time to read through our full setup guide, we've summarised the key steps below.
Otherwise, you can keep scrolling for detailed instructions, complete with screenshots.
- The basics – Power on your laptop for the first time and follow the prompts to select your region and keyboard layout, then connect to your wi-fi network. You may also be asked to name your device.
- Sign in and protect your PC – Sign in to your Microsoft account or create a new one, then follow the prompts to set up a Pin. If you've used Windows before, you may be offered the option to restore a backup or transfer information from another PC.
- Check your privacy settings – Review each option and decide which settings you want to enable. You can change these later through Windows Settings.
- Review optional extras – Windows may ask whether you want to personalise your experience, back up files using OneDrive or try Microsoft 365. Read each screen carefully and skip or decline any services you don't want to use.
Once you've completed the setup process, you'll be taken to the Windows desktop and can start using your new laptop.
Full Windows 11 setup guide
Note: If you want to see if an ageing PC is eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, use our free Windows 11 compatibility tool.
Step 1: Choose basic features
Turn on your new laptop and look for the prompt asking 'Is this the right country or region?'. Select the appropriate option and choose Yes.
Next, you'll be asked to confirm your keyboard layout, for example United Kingdom. Choose Yes. If you don't want to add a second keyboard layout, select Skip.
Step 2: Set up wi-fi
Select your wi-fi network. If your laptop is already connected to your network using an Ethernet cable, you may not see this screen.
When you spot the correct wi-fi network on-screen, select Connect and enter your wi-fi password. Choose Next and follow the on-screen instructions.
If your wi-fi signal is weak, consider investing in an extender to boost it – our guide to the best wi-fi extenders and wi-fi mesh systems can help.
Step 3: Name your laptop
The time has come to give your new laptop a name, for example, OfficePC or whatever takes your fancy. When that's sorted, click Next.
The name can't contain more than 15 characters. You can use letters, numbers and hyphens, but avoid other special characters.
You can skip this step. However, we recommend giving your laptop a name as it can make it easier to identify on your network and in the devices section of your Microsoft account.
Step 4: Sign in and review your settings
Sign in with your Microsoft account, or follow the on-screen instructions to create one. Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro for personal use require a Microsoft account during the standard initial setup process.
Next, choose Create Pin and enter a Pin you'll use to sign in to your laptop. Depending on your laptop, you may also be offered the option to set up facial ID or fingerprint recognition.
You may be offered the option to restore settings and files from a previous Windows PC. Follow the on-screen instructions if you want to do this, or choose the option to set up your laptop as a new device.
Next, review the privacy settings and decide which options you're comfortable enabling. When you're finished, select Accept. You can change these settings later by going to Settings > Privacy & security.
Windows may also ask whether you want personalised recommendations or advertising. Read through the options and choose the settings you prefer.
Step 5: Decide how to manage saved files
Windows may ask whether you want to back up files in your Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders using OneDrive. If you want to use OneDrive, follow the on-screen instructions. Otherwise, choose the option to save files to your PC only.
You can change your OneDrive backup settings later. Our guide to choosing the best cloud storage service can help you decide whether cloud storage is right for you.
You may also see an offer to try or subscribe to Microsoft 365. If you don't want it, choose No or the equivalent option. You can sign up later if you change your mind.
Need help plugging in your devices? See our straightforward guide to USB, HDMI and other computer ports.
Do this once you’ve set up your new laptop:
- Remove bloatware – Laptops often come preloaded with programs you might not need. Check what an unfamiliar app does before removing it, but if you're confident you don't need it, you can uninstall it by selecting Start > All apps, right-clicking the app and choosing Uninstall.
- Check your antivirus protection – Your new Windows PC comes with Microsoft Defender Antivirus built in. However, based on our tests we know that other antivirus packages, including free options, offer additional features or stronger protection. See the best antivirus software. If you really don't want to install antivirus software, make sure you check out which setting on your Windows computer can protect you from hackers.
- Transfer your files – If you still have access to your old laptop, don't forget to move important files to your new one. See our guide on how to move files to a new computer.
- Optimise power settings – Windows 11 lets you choose between Best power efficiency, Balanced and Best performance modes. To change the power mode, select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery and choose the option that best suits how you use your laptop.
- Register your laptop – Consider registering your laptop with the manufacturer, as this can make it easier to access warranty information and support if you have a problem.
- Back up your data – Regular backups can protect important files if your laptop is lost, damaged or develops a fault. See the best external hard drives.
- Sell or recycle your old laptop – If you haven't already traded in your old laptop, you could make some money by selling it. Before selling, recycling or donating it, make sure you've backed up anything you want to keep and wiped your personal data. Read more: how to recycle your old laptop.
Consider a second screen
Plugging a monitor into your laptop will give you more screen space to work with, so you can get more done.
Simply connect the second screen to your laptop's HDMI port (if it has one), or to a USB-C port that supports video using a compatible USB-C cable. Check the manufacturer's specs if you're unsure.
Best computer monitors – we've tested computer monitors from Apple, Lenovo, Samsung and more.
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