After ensuring that the system’s specifications align with your order and examining it for any delivery-induced damages, what other initial steps do you take with your new laptop?
I always take photos to capture the unboxing memories
I set the battery charge limit to 80%. After that, I just enjoy the new machine. Windows handles the rest.
Adi said:
I set the battery charge limit to 80%. After that, I just enjoy the new machine. Windows handles the rest.
How do you set the charge limit on laptops that don’t offer this feature?
@Tristan
I’ve always used Asus laptops. They have a software called myAsus that allows you to manage this setting.
I usually export drivers for future reinstalls.
Haven said:
I usually export drivers for future reinstalls.
No need, you can always download the latest ones from the manufacturer’s website when you need to reinstall.
Haven said:
I usually export drivers for future reinstalls.
No need, you can always download the latest ones from the manufacturer’s website when you need to reinstall.
It’s faster to export them. Plus, if your wifi drivers are missing, you’ll need the drivers to download anything else.
@Haven
It’s still better to download the most recent versions than use outdated ones that came with the laptop.
Lex said:
@Haven
It’s still better to download the most recent versions than use outdated ones that came with the laptop.
We can agree to disagree. Having functional drivers can always be updated later. No drivers means no updates if you can’t get online.
Haven said:
I usually export drivers for future reinstalls.
That practice was more relevant back in the Windows 7 days. With modern systems, just let Windows Update handle it, unless you’re in a very remote location.
@Piper
It’s still a good idea, especially since Windows 11 often misses wifi drivers. Without wifi, you can’t download other necessary drivers.
Haven said:
@Piper
It’s still a good idea, especially since Windows 11 often misses wifi drivers. Without wifi, you can’t download other necessary drivers.
Have you considered using a LAN cable?
@Tatum
Most laptops don’t come with ethernet ports. I have 10 laptops, and 7 of them lack ethernet ports.
Haven said:
@Tatum
Most laptops don’t come with ethernet ports. I have 10 laptops, and 7 of them lack ethernet ports.
You could use a USB-C or USB-A to LAN adapter. Those ports are for more than just charging!
@Tatum
Or I could export my drivers beforehand, so I have all necessary drivers on a USB drive right after installation, which simplifies everything.
I run several tests and checks: benchmark tests for the CPU and GPU, memory tests, check the Nvme’s smart status, note down useful versus non-useful OEM apps, check the OEM website for driver and app availability, backup OEM wallpapers, update drivers using PowerShell, update the BIOS, reinstall a clean Windows image, and install essential OEM apps. After these steps, I start using my laptop.
@Cedar
I do similar checks and sometimes wonder how quirky these routines might seem to someone who just starts using their new laptop straight away.
Jonah said:
@Cedar
I do similar checks and sometimes wonder how quirky these routines might seem to someone who just starts using their new laptop straight away.
Right? Some might just open a video on YouTube and that’s it.
@Cedar
Thanks for the detailed list! I have questions about the OEM apps: which ones do you keep and why backup the wallpapers?