After installing Windows 10, you should first update Windows and install drivers via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then address missing hardware drivers through Device Manager, driver tools, or manufacturer websites. Next, set up a non-admin user account, adjust personalization and privacy settings, and enable backups. Then install essential software like a browser, antivirus, office suite, compression tool, media player, and password manager while disabling unnecessary startup programs. Finally, tweak system settings by enabling Storage Sense, adjusting power plans, increasing virtual memory if needed, enabling God Mode for advanced access, and customizing file explorer behavior such as showing file extensions for better usability.
After installing Windows 10, there are several key steps you should take to get your system running smoothly and securely. It’s not just about getting it working — it's about setting it up the right way.

Update Windows and Install Drivers
Right after installation, one of the first things you’ll want to do is check for updates. Even if you used a recent ISO file, there might be newer patches available.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click “Check for updates.” Let it download and install everything.

At the same time, make sure all your hardware works properly. You might notice issues like no sound, Wi-Fi not working, or low screen resolution — these usually point to missing drivers.
You can either:
- Use Device Manager to manually update drivers
- Run a driver updater tool (like Driver Booster, though be cautious with free versions)
- Visit your PC/laptop manufacturer’s website and download the correct drivers
If you’re on a desktop, especially a custom build, you’ll likely need to grab chipset, audio, and GPU drivers separately.

Set Up Your User Environment
Once the system is updated, it’s time to personalize and prepare your environment.
Start by creating a user account that isn’t an admin — use it for daily tasks to reduce risk from malware or accidental changes. Keep one admin account for installing software and making system-level changes.
Then adjust basic settings:
- Change the desktop background and theme colors
- Enable dark mode under Settings > Personalization
- Adjust privacy settings — especially location, camera, and microphone access
- Set up OneDrive or another cloud sync service if needed
Also, don’t forget to enable File History or set up a backup plan early — many people skip this until it’s too late.
Install Essential Software and Security Tools
A fresh Windows install means starting over with apps. Here’s what most users will want to install:
- A modern browser like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
- Antivirus — even though Windows Defender is built-in, some prefer third-party options
- Office suite — Microsoft Office or free alternatives like LibreOffice
- Compression tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR
- Media players (VLC is a solid choice)
- Password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass
Also, consider disabling unnecessary startup programs to improve boot speed. Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager, then go to the Startup tab and disable what you don’t need at launch.
And while you're at it, check which apps are using the most resources in Task Manager’s Processes tab — sometimes preinstalled bloatware sneaks in.
Tweak System Settings for Performance and Usability
Windows 10 gives you a lot of control over how your system behaves. Some tweaks worth doing:
- In Settings > System > Storage, turn on Storage Sense to automatically delete temporary files
- Under System > Power, switch to High Performance mode or tweak existing plans
- Go to System > About > Advanced system settings and increase virtual memory if you have less than 16GB RAM
- Enable God Mode for easy access to advanced settings (create a folder named
GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
on the desktop)
Also, customize context menus and file explorer behavior — for example, always show file extensions (View > Options > Change folder and search options) so you can spot hidden file types more easily.
That’s basically it. Not complicated, but skipping any of these steps could lead to performance issues, security gaps, or wasted time down the road.
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