Disclosure: ShopBuyZones is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission — at no extra cost to you. This guide has no product links. How we research.
Last updated: September 28, 2026
A new laptop is exciting, but the first hour matters. A few simple steps now make it faster, safer and less annoying for years, and they protect you if it’s ever lost or stolen. Here’s the order we’d do them in.
1. Check It Over Before You Get Attached
Look for scratches, dead pixels on the screen and sticky keys. Make sure the model, memory and storage match what you ordered (on Windows: Settings, System, About; on a Mac: Apple menu, About This Mac). If anything’s wrong, you’re still well inside the return window.
2. Connect to a Secure Wi-Fi Network
Set it up on your home network, not public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop. Not sure your home Wi-Fi is locked down? Our sister site Secure4Peace shows how in Securing Your Home Wi-Fi Network in 10 Minutes.
3. Install Every Update
New laptops often sit in warehouses for months. Run Windows Update (or Software Update on a Mac, or restart a Chromebook when prompted) until nothing is left. Updates fix security holes and bugs. Restart when asked, then check again.
4. Use a Strong Password or PIN, and Turn On Face or Fingerprint Sign-In
Pick a sign-in that’s hard to guess. If your laptop has a fingerprint reader or face sign-in, turn it on. It’s faster and more secure than a short password.
5. Turn On “Find My Device”
On Windows it’s called Find My Device; on a Mac it’s part of Find My. Both let you locate or lock a lost laptop. It takes one minute and you’ll be glad if you ever need it.
6. Make Sure the Drive Is Encrypted
Encryption scrambles your files if someone steals the laptop. Many Windows laptops use Device Encryption or BitLocker, and Macs use FileVault. Check that it’s on, and save the recovery key somewhere safe, such as your Microsoft or Apple account.
7. Remove the Junk (Bloatware)
Many Windows laptops come with trial software and games you didn’t ask for. Uninstall anything you don’t recognize or need in Settings, Apps. Be careful not to remove drivers or tools from the laptop’s maker that handle updates.
8. Set Up Backups on Day One
Turn on OneDrive, iCloud or Google Drive for your documents and photos, or use an external drive. A backup you set up today is the one that saves you later.
9. Get a Password Manager
A new laptop is the perfect time to stop reusing passwords. Secure4Peace explains how they work in Password Managers Explained: Do You Really Need One?
10. Move Your Old Files, Then Wipe the Old Laptop
Copy your files over, sign out of your accounts on the old machine, then do a full reset before you sell, donate or recycle it. Never pass on a laptop with your accounts still signed in.
Bonus: Make It Last
Keep it cool, keep it updated and don’t leave it at 100% charge on a charger for weeks. Our guide How to Make a Laptop Actually Last covers the rest.
Haven’t bought yet? Our Black Friday Laptop Deals 2026 watch list shows what a good price looks like for seven laptops.
Giving a Laptop as a Gift?
You can do steps 1 and 3 before wrapping it, which saves the recipient a long wait on the big day. See our guide How to Set Up Tech Gifts Before Giving Them. Still shopping? Start with How to Choose a Laptop and our Best Laptops Under $700 picks.
The Bottom Line
Inspect it, update it, lock it, back it up. Those four habits in the first hour protect your money, your files and your identity for the life of the laptop.