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PC Setup Checklist

Step-by-step guide for a fresh Windows PC setup. Check tasks as you go!

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1. System Foundation
Core Windows setup
0/4

Install Windows 10 / 11

Win 11 for modern hardware (TPM 2.0). Win 10 for older PCs.

Required

Activate Windows

Activate via Microsoft account or product key.

Required

Check for Windows Updates

Settings → Windows Update → Check for Updates.

Required

Configure Power Settings

Set to Balanced or High Performance.

Recommended
🖥️
2. Driver Installation
Hardware drivers
0/5

Install Chipset Drivers

Download from Intel/AMD. Essential for system stability.

Required

Install GPU Drivers

NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software.

Required

Install Realtek Audio Drivers

From your motherboard manufacturer site.

Required

Install Network / LAN Drivers

Required for internet on fresh installs.

Required

Install All Remaining Drivers

Use DriverPack Solution or Snappy Driver Installer.

Recommended
📦
3. Essential Runtimes
Required for most software
0/4

Install Visual C++ Redistributable (All Versions)

Get All-in-One pack from KaranPC. Fixes most DLL errors.

Required

Install .NET Framework

Install .NET 3.5, 4.8, and latest .NET 8 runtime.

Required

Install DirectX Runtime

Run DirectX Web Setup for game compatibility.

Required

Install Java Runtime Environment

For Java apps and Minecraft.

Recommended
🛡️
4. Security Setup
Protect your PC
0/4

Enable Windows Defender / Antivirus

Enable Real-time protection in Windows Security.

Required

Enable Windows Firewall

Keep Firewall ON. Allow only trusted apps.

Required

Create System Restore Point

System Properties → System Protection → Create.

Required

Set Up Windows Backup

Backup to external drive or cloud.

Recommended
🌐
5. Essential Software
Must-have apps
0/6

Install Web Browser (Chrome/Firefox)

Better than Microsoft Edge for most users.

Required

Install WinRAR or 7-Zip

For ZIP, RAR, 7Z archives.

Required

Install VLC Media Player

Plays all video formats without extra codecs.

Required

Install Microsoft Office / WPS Office

WPS Office is free alternative.

Recommended

Install PDF Reader (Foxit/Adobe)

For viewing PDF files.

Recommended

Install IDM (Internet Download Manager)

Accelerates downloads up to 5x.

Optional
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6. Performance Tuning
Optimize Windows
0/4

Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Task Manager → Startup → Disable unused.

Recommended

Configure Virtual Memory

Set page file to 1.5x RAM or System Managed.

Recommended

Install CCleaner or Wise Care 365

For regular maintenance.

Optional

Enable Storage Sense

Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense.

Optional

Why Follow a PC Setup Checklist?

A structured approach ensures no critical drivers, runtimes, or security steps are missed on a fresh Windows installation.

💡

Pro Tip: Always install chipset and GPU drivers BEFORE any software to avoid conflicts.

Correct Installation Order

  • 1. Install Windows → activate
  • 2. Install chipset + GPU drivers
  • 3. Run Windows Update
  • 4. Install Visual C++ + .NET runtimes
  • 5. Install remaining drivers
  • 6. Setup security → create restore point
  • 7. Install essential software