It doesn’t get as much media attention as it once did, but the PC is still a great device. Designed with both productivity and fun in mind, it’s the world’s way of doing business. Millions of people buy a new computer every year before college starts. When a business wants to enable its employees to imagine new ideas and manage daily tasks, it buys them a computer.
To let Microsoft say, every activity you can do on a PC was developed by the Windows 10 operating system. Whether or not this is true probably depends on what you’re using your device for. What is not up for debate is the size of the Windows ecosystem. People can talk or read on their Android phones or iPhones, but they still buy Windows 10 computers in bulk.
Because of the added features, Microsoft has put some effort into making it easy to set up computers running the operating system. Connecting to a network is easy, thanks to support for routers with WPS technology. With a Microsoft Account, the password on your PC can be the same password you use on the web. Programs aren’t any easier to collect and install, but the Windows Store makes it easy to access new or updated modern apps.
You just bought a new Windows 10 PC and you’re ready to go. Connect it to a power outlet and let’s perform the Windows 10 Installation process together.
Windows 10 Installation Guide: Add and Use a Microsoft Account
When you first start your Windows 10 PC, you will be asked a series of questions. It is best to start thinking about the answers to these questions right away. First, Microsoft will ask you to accept the Terms of Service, which is really not something you can get over. Then the system will ask you to connect to a wireless or wired network.
Then it will ask you for your Microsoft Account. Specifically, it will want to know if you already have one or if you want to create one. You can skip the Microsoft Account altogether if you don’t really plan on using Microsoft’s services, but I really recommend it for most people. Not only does it provide a password throughout your Microsoft experience, it also unlocks some of the operating system’s built-in apps and services. You cannot use the Xbox app unless you provide a Microsoft Account. Without one, you won’t be able to sync with OneDrive or shop in the Windows Store. Cortana, the personal assistant built into Windows 10 and available on iPhone and Android, requires a Microsoft Account.
If you already have a Microsoft Account, make sure to provide it now. If you decide not to add one, that’s okay too. You can do this later.
Windows 10 Installation Guide: Add Something to Your Getting Started Experience
Once you complete the prompts, the system will take some time to check Microsoft servers for important updates and get your computer ready. This may take a long time. It would probably be better if you find other tasks to do in the meantime.
Once you’ve done all that, you’re thrown into what should have been a familiar experience: the Desktop. When you tap or click the Windows button on your taskbar, the new Start experience will appear.
Whether this entire experience is full screen or only takes up a portion of your screen depends on what type of device you have. Tablet Mode makes the entire Startup experience full screen and makes every app full screen. This will only open if your device doesn’t have a keyboard or mouse attached. and you can decide what kind of Launch experience from the app below.
Windows 10 Installation Guide: Install Your Programs
Depending on where you purchased your Windows 10 PC, your Windows PC may have some programs installed that you don’t want. Norton and McAfee installations will bother you right after you log in. If you want to keep them around, do it. You don’t have to though, Windows 10 includes its own virus scanning technology. It’s called Windows Defender.
It’s time to start installing your essential programs like Microsoft Office 2016, Chrome, and iTunes. Be sure to set your favorite programs as the default programs to open in each of their categories. You can do this and from the app below.
If you have discs for any basic program, start installing them now. Otherwise, open Microsoft’s Edge web browser and start downloading what you need. You’ll want to set up and configure all your core items now because you’ll want to create a ready-to-use system image with them later. Make sure you download these programs from trusted genres like the makers themselves. Do not download them from a third-party website.
Don’t forget to search for some of your favorite classic Windows programs in the startup experience. Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer shortcuts are in the Windows Accessories folder. Microsoft changed both. Windows Media Center has been discontinued.
Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer with the Microsoft Edge web browser in Windows 10.
Open the Store app to access Microsoft’s stable modern Windows apps, games and more. All content purchased from Microsoft in your Microsoft Account must be available in the store. For example, videos purchased on Xbox are available in the Windows Store and the Movies & TV app already installed on your machine.
Windows 10 Installation Guide: Creating a Restore Media and Setting Up Backups
The last thing you want to do is create what is called a System Image of your Windows 10 PC.
A System Image is a snapshot of what was on your computer at the time it was created. We’re talking about every file, every program, and every application. System Images are great for getting your PC back up and running in case something happens and you need to delete everything on it. Windows 10 includes options for restoring your computer, but these options either mean losing everything installed or having to keep your files and download all your programs beforehand.
Good luck with your Windows 10 installation.