What Steps Should I Follow After Installing Windows on a New PC?

A good starting point is making file extensions visible since Windows hides them by default. You might also want to install a different browser like Firefox or Chrome. An office suite (I like LibreOffice) can be super handy, and don't forget an email client unless webmail suffices. Adding Adobe Reader is also a nice touch!

Once Windows is set up, it typically installs basic drivers automatically, but it's best to double-check. Here are some steps:

1. Update the BIOS directly from the motherboard manufacturer's website.
2. Disable any auto-install options in the BIOS that might load manufacturer software since they can be buggy.
3. Install chipset and network drivers from the manufacturer's site.
4. For your GPU, make sure to get the latest drivers from Nvidia or AMD.

Also, it's smart to create a standard user account for daily use – this keeps your admin account secure for when you really need it.

If you're unsure about things, once Windows boots, you can leave it be! You might want to set the time in BIOS, but it's not essential since Windows can sync the time itself if you're online.

Just search online for your motherboard’s software to download it. For example, if it’s MSI, use MSI Center. Update your drivers via AMD Adrenaline for AMD or GeForce Experience for Nvidia. And watching a few YouTube videos on what to do post-build can be super helpful!

First, connect to WiFi and let Windows do its thing by installing drivers auto-magically. Check the device manager to make sure you've got everything covered. While Windows usually installs GPU drivers, I prefer fetching them directly from Nvidia to ensure I have the latest.

Check the Advanced Display Settings to make sure your monitor is set to the highest refresh rate it supports. I made the mistake of running my 144Hz monitor at 60Hz for way too long!

Don’t forget to install all necessary drivers and security software! In the BIOS, enabling XMP, setting boot order (ensuring your primary drive is first), and adjusting fan curves can also be beneficial.

Open Task Manager and look for the 'Startup' tab to disable unnecessary programs that start with Windows. This can help your PC boot faster!