New 'puter - what to do AFTER OOBE?

This is a bit thinking things through by bouncing thoughts off the collective.

So ... unboxed, gone through the OOBE, got up and running - what next for the set up process? I felt last year I had this off pat after several set ups, but a year down the road I can't remember anything! Wondering what people do to set up their machines, and I'm not really finding a lot of posts on the matter.

First step for me is probably just play with it as it is for a week or so without doing too much except for MS updates; I'm in the UK and online purchases get a 14 day no-quibble return for any reason whatsoever, and I'm thinking I don't want to mess with it too much or put too much time into it until I'm sure as it probably should be close to factory if I return it.

Second step I guess is probably get rid of unwanted programs and bloat, get settings and UI the way I want them, run updates again, clean up and take a disk image so I have a clean, original bare bones back up.

Third step is probably load personal programs (for me, that's MS Office, Canon camera utilities, VLC, Firefox, password manager, maybe a couple of others) and key files, updates again, then clean up, run disk maintenance etc. and take another disk image.

Fourth step start using it properly ...

It feels to me I did more than this though, unless I'm just remembering the nitty-gritty of each step. Any thoughts?

In my view, I believe there is no need to change, remove, or optimize anything on a brand-new device. New hardware can run Windows services and a variety of other apps simultaneously without any problems. The default settings are sufficient for normal usage. Furthermore, removing default store apps and system components won’t free up much space. It’s better to leave them alone to avoid potential update failures. You mentioned some apps that I think are unnecessary. I’ve tried using the default Windows apps like Photos, Music, Edge, and so on, and now I believe they are better than installing a bunch of third-party apps. In contrast, I do install Notepad++, Revo Uninstaller, and a few other apps that I consider essential for my usage.

Simply copy your personal files onto the device and enjoy playing games, browsing websites, or even developing a new script for yourself!

I understand how tempting it is to modify Windows, but believe me, Windows 11 is not very stable and cannot tolerate too many modifications. I’ve had many bad experiences trying to tweak it. Unlike Windows 7, it tends to run into unknown problems after registry changes during subsequent updates.

So much of this is up to your preferences.

For me, I always install all necessary drivers for the system, then I make sure that the main Windows is updated as well as Microsoft store apps.

Then I install all the programs that I will use every day. After that I take my time and install more minor apps as I need them.

From day 1 I start doing backups.

hsehestedt said:

install all necessary drivers

Click to expand...

Why does a user have to install drivers on a fresh device? They are usually pre-installed by the manufacturer. Installing drivers manually may cause problems if the user downloads the wrong file. Many modern drivers include utilities to keep them up to date, and Windows Update also performs this function.

In this guide, i will show you a list of things you should do after installing Windows 11.

Addlepate said:

I'm not really finding a lot of posts on the matter.

Click to expand...

That's because folks do so much,, there too much to write about it. I suggest you use the extensive forum tutorial section. It is searchable. On the right hand side of this page there's a long list of categories or you can use the tutorial index that is alphabetized. Tutorials
I also strongly suggest you image your system before you do any tweaking and other images as you go along. Iimages can save your bacon.. If you do not use imaging software, Hasleo Backup Suite is free to use. Be sure to create a Hasleo recovery usb flash drive so you can restore an image if need be..

Hi @Addlepate,

I love tweaking Windows. Here is what I do after backing up the factory image:

Download ISO
Mount ISO/.wim
Customize .wim
delete UWPs
Dismount ISO
Prepare unattended answer files
Prep target HDD/SDD via diskpart
Install new image
Audit mode
Windows tweaks: Registry and Group Policies
Additional Customization
Install: updates, apps and drivers
Sysprep
Capture "golden" image
Deploy/Apply image

The above is just an outline, of course, but there is something really important to consider when customizing a Windows install... Are you using Windows Home, Pro, or another version?

Kind regards,

tecknot

tecknot said:

Sysprep

Click to expand...

Aw I hate this... I love DISM commands to create images with my own modifications, but it's too hard.

1. You need to do comprehensive functional hardware checks.
a) Note all hardware, that includes firmware like BIOS/UEFI.
b) Bits falling off.
c) Display Panel checks things like dead pixels.
d) Function of vital things like Wireless card, network card, keyboard, lid hinge, lid camera, touchpad, charger.

These are some reasons why have had to return faulty Laptops in the past:
Bits of trim falling off, poor lid design.
Touchpad driver using large % of CPU, one I had was 20% and increasing with time even with updated drivers.
Poor quality display panel, at the time the infamous "orangegate" panels where the Red subpixel was Orange.
Un-usable Wireless Card which disconnected several times a day and often went to very low speed, not fixed by driver updates, it emerged a generic problem with that series of Laptops.

2. Know where the Recovery Media is, it will either be in a partition on the SSD or you download it from the manufacturer.
You will need that to return the laptop to an as bought condition, or you know how to remove personal information. I am in UK and that is what I did before returning along with technical report of why they were returned.

Addlepate said:

Second step I guess is probably get rid of unwanted programs and bloat, get settings and UI the way I want them, run updates again, clean up and take a disk image so I have a clean, original bare bones back up.

Click to expand...

There is not much bloat on new Laptops these days. The main ones are probably Trial versions of MS Office and an AV. I just configured and used them for the trial period for education, and at end of trial period uninstalling.
The rest will be small apps and not significant, see what they are about and uninstall if not required, after 3 years on my newish Laptop some still remain.

Imaging, yes you will need a 3rd party App, the Windows options mainly don't work properly even MS says this.

Specifically avoid the "Windows Back Up" with the green cloud and up arrow. It is not backup at all but a syncing tool involving OneDrive in a very confusing, farcical and complicated manner, a MS speciality.

I hope you unticked virtually all the boxes during OOBE or you will have a lot of work doing Windows and Browser settings.

The first thing I do with any new machine is erase the system drive, which for this machine, amounted to getting rid of 64GB of bloat, spyware and trialware for applications I have no intention of ever using. For me, the goal is a computer that only does what I want it to, when I want it to, which gets more difficult with every new version of Windows. I don't want some AI second guessing everything I do, changing settings, censoring what I see, telling me what apps I can use, and reporting everything back to whoever developed the software. The legality of any end user license agreement stops where traditional privacy and ownership rights begin.

Make a backup image using macrium reflect or whatever so you can always go back to square one.

Morning all,

Thanks for your advice, and apologies for the delay replying; I didn't mean to be a hit and run poster, things have just been made busy the last week or so and I've had little time to get on with this. Trying to get things finished now.

For the record, I've taken a system image (Windows) and disk image (Macrium) and done the Windows updates, but that's about it so far apart from browsing / playing and finding the programs I normally install.

I thought about benchmarking or stress testing to try to identify any iffy components, but wimped out as I wasn't sure it was a good idea or that I know what I'm doing!

Sheikh said:

In my view, I believe there is no need to change, remove, or optimize anything on a brand-new device. New hardware can run Windows services and a variety of other apps simultaneously without any problems. The default settings are sufficient for normal usage. Furthermore, removing default store apps and system components won’t free up much space. It’s better to leave them alone to avoid potential update failures. You mentioned some apps that I think are unnecessary. I’ve tried using the default Windows apps like Photos, Music, Edge, and so on, and now I believe they are better than installing a bunch of third-party apps. In contrast, I do install Notepad++, Revo Uninstaller, and a few other apps that I consider essential for my usage.

Simply copy your personal files onto the device and enjoy playing games, browsing websites, or even developing a new script for yourself!

I understand how tempting it is to modify Windows, but believe me, Windows 11 is not very stable and cannot tolerate too many modifications. I’ve had many bad experiences trying to tweak it. Unlike Windows 7, it tends to run into unknown problems after registry changes during subsequent updates.

Click to expand...

I think we're of similar minds. To be clear, when I'm talking about unwanted apps, I'm not talking about Windows components; I'm more thinking of trials (antivirus, 365 etc.) I don't want, and the sort of 'centres' the manufacturer installs that duplicate Windows functions. Even that would depend on usefulness; for example I found the Asus one valuable on a previous laptop, while I've found Lenovo Vantage to hog resource for no effect whatever.

Similarly when I'm talking about settings, UI etc. I mean taskbar and UI on / off and allow / disallow settings accessible through right click menus or the settings app, as I don't like or use many of the bells, whistles and widgets of the standard installation. As with you, there are apps I consider essential or useful, so for example I prefer Firefox to Edge but both have their place, so I tend to run both; I have specific apps for imaging; I like Notepad++ as well.

hsehestedt said:

So much of this is up to your preferences ...

Then I install all the programs that I will use every day. After that I take my time and install more minor apps as I need them.

From day 1 I start doing backups.

Click to expand...

Agreed. Really trying to think about a general plan. 100% on the backups and everyday app installation.

hsehestedt said:

For me, I always install all necessary drivers for the system ...

Click to expand...

Sheikh said:

Why does a user have to install drivers on a fresh device? They are usually pre-installed by the manufacturer. Installing drivers manually may cause problems if the user downloads the wrong file. Many modern drivers include utilities to keep them up to date, and Windows Update also performs this function.

Click to expand...

Does this depend on where the user is, i.e. manufacturer installation vs. clean installation and drivers for specialist hardware vs. standard drivers?

tecknot said:

I love tweaking Windows. Here is what I do after backing up the factory image ...

Are you using Windows Home, Pro, or another version?

Click to expand...

Thanks. I've done that sort of thing in the past and there's a discussion there, but I'm going from the factory installation in this instance; new laptop, no time. avoiding complications etc. Win 11 Home 24H2.

Sheikh said:

Aw I hate this... I love DISM commands to create images with my own modifications, but it's too hard.

Click to expand...

Helmut said:

1. You need to do comprehensive functional hardware checks.
a) Note all hardware, that includes firmware like BIOS/UEFI.
b) Bits falling off.
c) Display Panel checks things like dead pixels.
d) Function of vital things like Wireless card, network card, keyboard, lid hinge, lid camera, touchpad, charger.

...

2. Know where the Recovery Media is, it will either be in a partition on the SSD or you download it from the manufacturer.

...

There is not much bloat on new Laptops these days. The main ones are probably Trial versions of MS Office and an AV.

I hope you unticked virtually all the boxes during OOBE or you will have a lot of work doing Windows and Browser settings.

Click to expand...

Thanks, some good stuff here particularly on checking condition. It's that sort of trial bloat I'm thinking of. Yes, all appropriate boxes unticked, still lots of settings work though!

@FreeBooter @glasskuter @DJNelson @bfunke thanks, and thanks again to everyone, lots of good stuff. I'll try to make notes on what I'm doing and put a list up here.

Addlepate said:

antivirus, 365 etc

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Aw you mean this kind of bloatware... Yea they are safe to remove.

Morning all,

To follow up (and as a discussion point, future reminder for me, and maybe a help to others) this is what I did, end to end.

The context is UK buyer, so no quibble returns in 14 days, and I'd just had a bad experience with another laptop that this one replaced so was cautious about build quality and specs.

1. Check packaging; damage, is it the right item, etc.

2. Open, check item is correct, check for physical defects, paint / finishes, damage etc., hinge, case, stiffness / robustness etc.


3. Start up, go through OOBE (or clean install if that's what you prefer)

4. Check hardware and OS functionality and correct operation

5. Check for and understand factory recovery partition and method

6. Create disk / system image using your preferred imaging option


7. Create system restore point

8. Create recovery media (if there isn't a factory recovery option)

9. Check any specific concerns with device and operation, basic use for a few days to check you're happy

10. Windows Update


11. Remove unwanted apps and bloat


12. Download (or load from backup) and install personal / core apps, activate if needed, check app functionality


13. Windows and apps updates (Office particularly)

14. Create system restore point

15. Create standard user accounts as needed


16. Set personal settings for each user


17. Restore user app profiles and settings as needed for each user


18. Disk cleanup and optimise

19. Create disk / system image

20. Create system restore point

21. Load user files and folders from backup as needed

22. Set up user logins, site preferences etc.

23. Set up backup scheme / schedule

24. Use and enjoy!

I'd be interested to know what others think, things you do differently, ...

First off, what you do is your own personal preference. There are a lot of good and not so good suggestions here (as far as I'm concerned) so take everything with a large grain of salt and err on the side of caution -- if things are working great, don't tweak.

With that said, on my system and for my own personal use, there are a number of steps that I take just after OOBE.

First off, I get Windows completely up to date -- run WU a number of times to ensure that all updates are installed. Then, I run a batch file (Tuneup_plus) that I found here on ElevenForum that runs a number of system checks using DISM to make sure all the base system files are installed correctly and without errors. I'm not sure if the writer has an updated version, but I'll attach the version I have below.

After that, I get all the system drivers installed -- Chipset, Video, Soundcard, etc.

Once those are done, I'll do a full system backup to make sure that I have a clean copy just in case the fecal matter hits the air mobility device....

Next, I'll restore the Documents folder and other files that I have on my daily backup (OBS settings, RTSS profiles, etc.)

Then, it's uninstalling unwanted Windows apps, install needed apps (Steam [run installer since it's installed on my Games drive], OBS and nVidia Broadcast for my streaming, etc.), and tweaking the system to my personal liking. For that, I actually have a list that I work down that not only has a list of apps (and if those apps are in a mass installer like PatchMyPC or Ninite) but tweaks as well. It's not too long a list, but these are tweaks that I've done multiple times on my personal system that work for me.

After that, I make sure that my daily backup of Documents and data files is working -- that's my real backup because it's all the stuff that I really don't want to lose. The way I see it, Windows and apps can and will need to be reinstalled, but trying to recreate all the data I've worked on would be a horrendous task that I don't want to have to do again.

Depending how must junk windows has installed and you are prepare to put up with you could run O&O Shutup to rmeove a lot of that.
You can also try the Chris Titus windows tweaker (google it, also has youtube on it) which will kill all the telemetry microsoft is getting from you.

I never install anything to the system drive after windows is set up. Keeping all my games and applications on a separate drive makes the OS disposable, as long as the registry, the User folder and the hidden ProgramData folder are backed up. Literally takes me 20 minutes to reset a machine set up this way and get everything working again when I do something dumb in the pursuit of taking ownership of my hardware back from MS, Google, Intel, Dell and all of the other software developers who think they have some kind of right to know what I do with my own machine.

Sheikh said:

I understand how tempting it is to modify Windows, but believe me, Windows 11 is not very stable and cannot tolerate too many modifications.

Click to expand...

Don't listen to this silly exaggeration!

The base installation of Windows 11 is very stable more so than W7 to early versions of W10.

However, starting out doing stuff like debloating by various methods etc LEADS to instability.

Debloating adds minimal benefits but can add significant issues

Always remember the old adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

In the end, take baby steps and learning how to make image backups is always a good plan.

With a new computer, first thing I do before I even enter OOBE:

1. Make a full disk image backup

With a new computer, first things I do after OOBE is:

1. Check that all hardware is working properly and that Windows is activated and the license is tied to my MS account.
2. Do full system benchmark, RAM, GPU, CPU, BT, LAN, WiFi and HDD. Check temperatures and frequencies for every component.
3. I remove every app and tool I know I will definitely not need (any trialware etc...)
4. I make a full backup of all drivers
5. Make a list of all OEM apps, services and tools I might wanna keep. (depending on device, this list can be quite long)
6. I go and grab all the latest drivers, BIOS, and apps/tools from the OEM site that I might need.
7. I install everything I just grabbed and test everything again mentioned in step 2.
8. I boot into BIOS and ensure all settings are exactly as I want them to be.
9. I boot into latest setup disk of Windows and reinstall Windows, wiping EVERYTHING, including any recovery partitions which are just a waste of space (especially OEM ones, because they are out of date on arrival and include all that unwanted bloat I just removed in previous steps)
10. Once OOBE is completed I repeat steps 7. and 2. (in this order)
11. Update all Store Apps, and do full Windows Update.
12. Tweak Windows settings to my liking. (usually this has automatically already happened, because most configurations are grabbed from my MS account automatically, unless I specifically choose to setup the computer as a completely separate entity with different settings)
13. Start installing any apps I need, one by one, testing each one before I move to the next one.
14. Once all apps are installed I make a new image backup. And update it every time there is a major update, keeping 2-4 different copies
15. I use my computer until it dies or I decide to buy a new one.

Thanks all again. All useful commentary.

@Taliseian @SlicEnDicE Your processes don't sound too different from the way I'm doing things; maybe a bit more in depth in places, maybe not quite the same order, and I don't tend to use tuneup apps etc.' except that it sounds as though @SlicEnDicE is going round things twice, once to test, once for a clean install of vanilla Windows?

Taliseian said:

First off, what you do is your own personal preference. There are a lot of good and not so good suggestions here (as far as I'm concerned) so take everything with a large grain of salt and err on the side of caution -- if things are working great, don't tweak.

Click to expand...

Indeed, though I think there are some things it makes sense to do (immediate update, system restore, early clean system backup etc.) and some it makes sense to do in a rough order. I don't tend to tweak these days beyond what's availble through settings, browser settings et.c as I think that does it for me.

I normally rely on Windows drivers except where there's good reason not to, for example where the MS / Windows driver is non-existent or only gives basic functionality, e.g. for imaging devices.

Taliseian said:

After that, I make sure that my daily backup of Documents and data files is working -- that's my real backup because it's all the stuff that I really don't want to lose. The way I see it, Windows and apps can and will need to be reinstalled, but trying to recreate all the data I've worked on would be a horrendous task that I don't want to have to do again.

Click to expand...

Yes, very much so; I tend to keep copies of e.g. program files, but I'm not really bothered about things I can get easily again; it's the personal stuff I can't recreate that's critical.

cereberus said:

However, starting out doing stuff like debloating by various methods etc LEADS to instability.

Debloating adds minimal benefits but can add significant issues

Click to expand...

Yes, so to stress again, when I'm talking about debloating I'm talking about the stuff the manufacturer adds; 'system centres' that duplicate Windows functions, free trials of this, that and the other (McAfee and Norton, I'm looking at you) and so on. Even then I'll keep, say, a system centre that adds useful. functionality or makes it much easier to access than Windows does. I don't get into removing bits of OS or deep tinkering as some do.

SlicEnDicE said:

With a new computer, first thing I do before I even enter OOBE: Make a full disk image backup

Click to expand...

I'm not sure I understand how you're doing this before OOBE? Downloading / obtaining the latest Windows ISO / set up disk?

SlicEnDicE said:

Do full system benchmark, RAM, GPU, CPU, BT, LAN, WiFi and HDD. Check temperatures and frequencies for every component.

Click to expand...

I've never done this, but I did this time after my bad experience with the previous machine, and after reading various commentaries on system temperatures for comparable machines to the one I bought. I alos checked some points I wasn't able to establish by reading the specs before buying.

Several mentions of DISM here, and I must admit I'm not familiar with it, have never knowingly used it and perhaps ought to understand it, not necessarily for routing use but maybe more for resolving problems.

Thanks again everyone, interesting discussion.