Just Bought a New Laptop?
20 Things You Should Do Immediately (Windows vs Linux Compared)
Buying a new laptop feels like a fresh notebook — smooth, fast, full of promise. But before you install random apps, connect every account you own, or start flexing on WhatsApp, there are a few smart things you should do first.
This guide walks you through 20 essential steps for Windows and Linux users, explained in plain language, with comparisons where it matters.
1. Check for Physical Issues
Windows & Linux: Same
Before software excitement:
-
Inspect the screen for dead pixels
-
Test the keyboard, trackpad, speakers, webcam
-
Plug in USB ports and HDMI
If something’s wrong, return it immediately. Don’t “manage it.”
2. Charge the Battery Fully Once
Windows & Linux: Same
Do one full charge to 100% before heavy use.
It helps calibrate the battery sensor.
No myths. No magic. Just good practice.
3. Create or Secure Your User Account
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Use a Microsoft account (optional) | Create a local user |
| Set a strong password or PIN | Set a strong password |
| Enable fingerprint if available | Enable fingerprint if supported |
Linux advantage: No forced online account
Windows advantage: Easier sync across devices
4. Run System Updates Immediately
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Windows Update (can take long) | Package Manager updates |
| Firmware updates included | Kernel & driver updates |
Do this before installing apps.
Yes, even if it takes an hour.
5. Remove Bloatware
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Usually comes with junk apps | Usually clean |
| Uninstall games, trials, ads | Rarely needed |
This is where many people first fall in love with Linux.
6. Install a Browser You Trust
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Chrome, Firefox, Brave | Firefox, Chrome, Brave |
| Edge is default | Firefox is default |
Install at least one backup browser.
Browsers break. Trust me.
7. Set Up Antivirus & Security
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Windows Defender is enough | Antivirus optional |
| Enable Firewall | Enable Firewall |
Linux isn’t immune — just less targeted.
Windows must be protected.
8. Configure Power & Battery Settings
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Power modes | TLP / Power Profiles |
| Background apps drain battery | Manual tuning |
Laptops die faster from bad power settings than bad batteries.
9. Install Essential Apps
For both systems:
-
Office (LibreOffice / Microsoft Office)
-
PDF reader
-
Media player (VLC)
-
Screenshot tool
-
Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive)
Linux users usually install from a software store.
Windows users download installers.
10. Enable System Backups
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| File History | Timeshift |
| OneDrive backup | rsync / cloud |
If your laptop dies today, can you recover tomorrow?
If the answer is “no,” you’re gambling.
11. Check Drivers & Hardware Support
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Drivers auto-install | Most auto-detect |
| GPU drivers manual sometimes | NVIDIA needs extra steps |
Test:
-
Wi-Fi
-
Bluetooth
-
Camera
-
Brightness keys
12. Adjust Privacy Settings
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Disable telemetry | Minimal tracking |
| Turn off ads & suggestions | Rarely needed |
Windows phones home.
Linux mostly minds its business.
13. Set Up Disk Encryption
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| BitLocker (Pro versions) | LUKS |
| Easy toggle | Often enabled at install |
If your laptop is stolen, encryption is your last line of defense.
14. Learn Basic Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows & Linux: Similar
-
Copy / Paste
-
Screenshot
-
App switching
-
Lock screen
Speed comes from shortcuts, not faster CPUs.
15. Configure Updates Behavior
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Forced restarts | User-controlled |
| Updates can interrupt | Updates wait |
Linux respects your timing.
Windows respects Microsoft’s schedule.
16. Set Up Printing & Scanning
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Vendor drivers | CUPS |
| Usually easier | Can be tricky |
Test this early if you need printers.
Pain discovered late is worse.
17. Customize the Desktop
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Limited customization | Extreme customization |
| Stable look | Choose your vibe |
Your laptop should feel like yours, not a demo unit.
18. Create a Recovery Option
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| Recovery drive | Live USB |
| Reset without data loss | Repair or reinstall |
Future-you will thank present-you.
19. Learn One Terminal Command (Yes, Even Windows)
| Windows | Linux |
|---|---|
| PowerShell | Bash |
| Optional | Essential |
You don’t need to be a hacker — just not helpless.
20. Decide What This Laptop Is For
Ask yourself:
-
Work or play?
-
Programming or browsing?
-
Stability or experimentation?
Windows: Best for general users, gaming, office work
Linux: Best for developers, privacy lovers, control freaks (said lovingly)
Final Verdict
Windows is like a furnished apartment
You move in and tolerate the landlord.
Linux is like owning the house
You decide everything — but you fix things too.
Neither is “better.”
The best laptop setup is the one you actually understand.