What do you first do when you open a new laptop besides checking its specifications

Discussion
21

Zen said:
@Cedar
Thanks for the detailed list! I have questions about the OEM apps: which ones do you keep and why backup the wallpapers?

For example, my Aorus laptop requires the Aorus app for performance settings. I’d remove it if there were a built-in alternative. I keep apps that control hardware features. As for the wallpapers, they’re often not available online after a clean install.

22

The first thing I do is remove all the stickers.

23

Tanner said:
The first thing I do is remove all the stickers.

I do the same and sometimes replace them with higher-spec stickers to feel like I’ve upgraded.

24

My recent purchases have been for housing spare hardware like RAM or SSDs. My current setup started as a temporary fix but ended up becoming my main workstation after I lost my apartment last year. It’s now due for an upgrade.

25

First, I disable fast startup in the control panel and adjust the screen/sleep settings to never turn off. I remove all pre-installed junk, like McAfee, personalize my background and lock screen with my photos, set up the biometric scanners, tweak various settings, and install all the necessary apps.

26

I usually wipe the original OS and install macOS instead.

27

It’s crucial to watch setup videos if you’re not familiar with them, like the New Laptop Setup series on YouTube. They can be really helpful.

28

Enjoying that new laptop smell is a must. Also, I perform a benchmark test on the CPU and run a memory test to ensure everything is working properly before I start setting it up.

29

My first steps are to reinstall Windows, install necessary drivers, remove unnecessary apps and features, disable telemetry and other unnecessary processes, and optimize various settings.

30

Honestly, I just browse a lot of entertainment content.

31

I run stress tests to monitor CPU and GPU temperatures, ensuring the laptop performs well under load.

32

I create a backup of the installation media, wipe the original OS, and install Linux. If everything works well, I even wipe out the backup media.

33

I prefer to wipe the drive and do a fresh Windows install to remove all the pre-installed software and trials, which I find saves time in the long run.

34

Lex said:
I prefer to wipe the drive and do a fresh Windows install to remove all the pre-installed software and trials, which I find saves time in the long run.

I totally agree, especially about removing the unnecessary antivirus programs.