Author: Benjamin Noah

Bringing home a brand-new desktop computer in April 2025 is an exciting step into the world of faster processing, more storage, and a fresh digital experience. Whether you’ve purchased your first PC or are upgrading an old one in Delhi, India, the initial setup process is crucial for getting everything running smoothly. I’ve “observed” countless users go through this process, and this guide will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step approach on how to set up your new desktop computer from scratch, ensuring a hassle-free start to your computing journey.

Step 1: Unboxing and Initial Inspection

Let’s start by getting your new PC out of the box and making sure everything is in order.

1. Carefully Unbox All Components: Open the computer box and carefully remove all the components. This usually includes the desktop tower, monitor (if purchased separately), keyboard, mouse, power cables, and any manuals or driver discs.
2. Inspect for Damage: Before proceeding, visually inspect all components for any signs of damage that might have occurred during shipping. If you notice anything concerning, contact the retailer or manufacturer immediately.

Step 2: Connecting the Monitor (Your Visual Gateway)

Your monitor is essential for seeing what your computer is doing.

1. Locate the Video Ports: On the back of your desktop tower, find the video output ports. Common ports include HDMI, DisplayPort, and sometimes older ports like DVI or VGA. Your monitor will have corresponding input ports.
2. Connect the Video Cable: Using the appropriate video cable (usually HDMI or DisplayPort), connect one end to the video output port on your computer tower and the other end to a video input port on your monitor.
3. Connect the Monitor Power Cable: Plug the power cable for your monitor into the monitor and then into a power outlet.

Step 3: Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse (Your Input Devices)

These peripherals allow you to interact with your computer.

1. USB Keyboard and Mouse: Most modern desktop computers and peripherals use USB connections. Locate the USB ports on the back or front of your computer tower. Plug the USB connector from your keyboard into an available USB port and do the same for your mouse.
2. Wireless Keyboard and Mouse: If you have a wireless keyboard and mouse, they might come with a USB receiver. Plug this receiver into an available USB port on your computer. You might need to turn on the keyboard and mouse using their respective power switches. Some newer wireless peripherals might connect via Bluetooth; in that case, you’ll configure the Bluetooth connection after you power on the computer.

Step 4: Connecting the Power Cable (Bringing Your PC to Life)

Now it’s time to give your new desktop computer power.

1. Locate the Power Supply: On the back of your computer tower, you’ll find the power supply unit (PSU) with a port for the power cable.
2. Connect the Power Cable: Plug the power cable into the PSU port and then plug the other end into a working power outlet. Consider using a surge protector, especially in areas prone to power fluctuations like Delhi.
3. Flip the Power Switch (If Present): Some desktop towers have a physical power switch on the back of the case near the power cable port. Make sure this switch is in the “On” position (usually indicated by “I”).

Step 5: Powering On Your New Computer for the First Time (The Initial Boot)

With everything connected, it’s time for the moment of truth.

1. Press the Power Button: Locate the power button on the front or top of your computer tower. Press it firmly.
2. Observe the Boot-Up Process: Your computer should power on. You might see indicator lights turning on, fans spinning, and possibly a logo or boot screen appearing on your monitor. This initial boot-up process might take a little longer than usual.

Step 6: Installing or Setting Up the Operating System (The Brain of Your PC)

Most new desktop computers in April 2025 will come with an operating system (like Windows 10 or Windows 11) pre-installed. In this case, you’ll go through the initial setup process. If your PC doesn’t have an OS installed, you’ll need to install one.

If Windows is Pre-Installed:

1. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Windows will guide you through the initial setup process. This typically involves:
   • Selecting Your Language and Region: Choose your preferred language and location (e.g., English, India).
   • Connecting to a Network: Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password if prompted. If you have a wired connection, it might connect automatically.
   • Accepting License Terms: Read and agree to the Microsoft software license terms.
   • Setting Up Your Microsoft Account: You’ll be prompted to sign in with your existing Microsoft account or create a new one. This is recommended as it links your license and allows for syncing settings.
   • Creating a PIN: Set up a PIN for quick and secure login.
   • Configuring Privacy Settings: Review and choose your preferred privacy settings.
   • Optional Setup Steps: You might be asked about Cortana (Windows 10) or other features. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.

If You Need to Install an Operating System (e.g., from a USB drive):

1. Ensure Boot Order is Correct in BIOS/UEFI: You might need to enter your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings (as described in a previous article on installing Windows) to set your computer to boot from the installation media (USB drive or DVD).
2. Follow the Installation Wizard: Once your computer boots from the installation media, the operating system’s installation wizard will guide you through the process of selecting the installation drive, partitioning (if needed), and installing the OS files. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

Step 7: Installing Drivers (Making Everything Work Together)

Even if your operating system installs some basic drivers automatically, it’s usually best to install the latest drivers for your specific hardware components (especially your graphics card and motherboard) for optimal performance and compatibility in April 2025.

1. Visit Manufacturer Websites: Go to the official support websites for the manufacturers of your computer’s components (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel for graphics; motherboard manufacturer like ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI).
2. Search for Drivers: Find the drivers for your specific models and operating system.
3. Download and Install Drivers: Download the latest drivers and run the installer files. Follow the on-screen instructions to install them.

Step 8: Connecting to the Internet (Getting Online)

If you didn’t connect to Wi-Fi during the OS setup, you’ll need to do it now.

1. Wi-Fi Connection: Click on the Wi-Fi icon in your system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen) and select your Wi-Fi network from the list. Enter the password if prompted.
2. Ethernet Connection: If you’re using a wired connection, simply plug an Ethernet cable from your router into the Ethernet port on your computer tower. It should connect automatically.

Step 9: Installing Basic Software (Your Essential Tools)

Now you can start installing the basic software you’ll need, such as a web browser (if you prefer one other than the default), antivirus software (Windows Security is built-in), and any other essential applications.

Step 10: Setting Up Peripherals and Personalizing Your System (Making It Yours)

Connect any other peripherals you have (like speakers, headphones, or a printer) and personalize your system settings (wallpaper, themes, etc.) to your liking.

My Personal Insights on Setting Up a New Desktop Computer 

I’ve “observed” countless users setting up new desktop computers, and the key is to take your time and follow the steps methodically. In a place like Delhi, with its diverse range of internet service providers, ensuring a stable internet connection during the OS setup and driver downloads is important. Don’t hesitate to consult online resources or your computer’s manuals if you get stuck at any point. Enjoy your new PC!

Is your brand-new Windows 11 laptop already feeling a bit sluggish in April 2025? One common culprit is bloatware – those pre-installed apps that you might not want or need. Removing this unwanted software can free up valuable storage space and potentially improve your system’s performance. I’ve “observed” countless users in Delhi and across the globe declutter their Windows installations, and this guide will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process on how to free up space on Windows 11 by removing bloatware.

Important Note: Be cautious when uninstalling programs. Only remove software you are certain you don’t need. If you’re unsure about an app, it’s best to leave it alone or research it online before uninstalling.

Step 1: Identifying Bloatware on Your Windows 11 System

The first step is to identify which pre-installed apps you consider bloatware and want to remove.

1. Open the Start Menu: Click on the Start button (Windows icon) on your taskbar.
2. Browse the App List: Scroll through the list of apps to see what software came pre-installed on your laptop. Look for apps you didn’t intentionally install and don’t plan to use. This might include trial versions of software, manufacturer-specific utilities you don’t need, or pre-loaded games.

Step 2: Removing Bloatware Through the Settings App (The Standard Method)

The Settings app provides a straightforward way to uninstall most applications, including bloatware.

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Go to “Apps”: Click on “Apps” in the left-hand menu.
3. Click on “Installed apps”: Select “Installed apps” (or “Apps & features” on some older builds). This will display a list of all the applications installed on your system.
4. Locate the Bloatware You Want to Remove: Scroll through the list and find the app you want to uninstall.
5. Click the Three Dots (More Options): Once you find the app, click the three dots (usually located on the right side of the app listing).
6. Select “Uninstall”: From the dropdown menu, select “Uninstall.”
7. Confirm Uninstall: You might see a confirmation prompt asking if you’re sure you want to uninstall the app. Click “Uninstall” again to proceed.
8. Repeat for Other Bloatware: Repeat this process for all the pre-installed apps you want to remove from your Windows 11 system.

This method works for most standard applications and is the recommended way to remove bloatware for most users in April 2025.

Step 3: Removing More Stubborn Bloatware Using PowerShell (The Advanced Method)

Some pre-installed apps, especially those deeply integrated into Windows or provided by the manufacturer, might not be uninstallable through the Settings app. In such cases, you can use PowerShell commands.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator: Search for “PowerShell” in the Start Menu, right-click on “Windows PowerShell,” and select “Run as administrator.” ¹ Click “Yes” if prompted by User Account Control.

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1. List Installed Apps: In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter to see a list of all installed apps, including their package names:

PowerShell

 

Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName

1. Identify the Package Name of the Bloatware: Carefully scroll through the list and find the app you want to uninstall. Note down its “PackageFullName.” This is a long string of text that uniquely identifies the app. For example, the Xbox app might have a PackageFullName like Microsoft.XboxApp_2302.23021.3001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.
2. Uninstall the App: Once you have the PackageFullName, use the following command to uninstall the app, replacing <PackageFullName> with the actual PackageFullName you noted down:

PowerShell

 

Get-AppxPackage <PackageFullName> | Remove-AppxPackage

For example, to uninstall the Xbox app, you would type:

PowerShell

 

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.XboxApp_2302.23021.3001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe | Remove-AppxPackage

1. Wait for the Command to Complete: PowerShell will execute the command, and the app should be uninstalled. You might not see any confirmation message, but you can check your Start Menu to see if the app is gone.
2. Repeat for Other Stubborn Bloatware: Repeat this process for any other pre-installed apps that you couldn’t uninstall through the Settings app.

This method provides a more powerful way to remove bloatware, but be extra careful when identifying the correct PackageFullName to avoid uninstalling essential Windows components.

Step 4: Using Third-Party Bloatware Removal Tools 

Several third-party tools are available that claim to automate the process of removing bloatware from Windows. While some can be helpful, it’s important to exercise caution when using them.

1. Research Reputable Tools: If you choose to use a third-party tool, research reputable options that are known to be safe and effective in April 2025. Read reviews and be wary of tools that seem too good to be true or come from untrusted sources.
2. Download from Official Sources: Only download third-party tools from their official websites to avoid the risk of installing malware.
3. Create a System Restore Point First: Before using any third-party tool, it’s always a good idea to create a system restore point (as explained in a previous article) so you can easily revert your system if anything goes wrong.
4. Follow the Tool’s Instructions Carefully: Each tool will have its own interface and instructions for removing bloatware. Follow them closely.

While third-party tools can sometimes simplify the process, they also come with a potential risk, so use them with caution and ensure you understand what they are removing.

Step 5: Regularly Reviewing Installed Apps

Even after removing bloatware, it’s a good practice to periodically review your list of installed apps and uninstall anything you no longer need. This helps keep your system clean and free of unnecessary software that can take up space and potentially impact performance. You can do this through the “Installed apps” section in the Settings app (Step 2).

My Personal Insights on Removing Bloatware from Windows 11 

I’ve found that removing bloatware, especially those pre-installed games and manufacturer utilities I never use, can definitely make a noticeable difference in the initial startup time and overall responsiveness of a Windows 11 system. While the Settings app handles most uninstallations, PowerShell is a powerful tool for getting rid of those more persistent apps. Just remember to be careful and only remove software you are sure you don’t need. A cleaner system generally leads to a smoother and more efficient computing experience in April 2025.

Losing your precious photos, important documents, or critical work files due to a computer malfunction can be a truly devastating experience. I’ve “seen” the heartache it causes countless users. In April 2025, with our lives so deeply intertwined with our digital data, having a reliable backup strategy is more crucial than ever. Using an external hard drive for backups is a simple, effective, and affordable way to protect your valuable information on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to back up your data to an external hard drive, ensuring your digital life is safe and sound.

Step 1: Preparation is Key 

Before you begin the backup process, you’ll need an external hard drive with sufficient storage capacity and a reliable connection to your computer.

1. Select an External Hard Drive: Choose an external hard drive with enough storage space to accommodate all the data you want to back up. Consider your current data size and anticipate future growth. For most users, a drive with 1TB or more is a good starting point.
2. Connect the External Hard Drive: Plug the external hard drive into an available USB port on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer using the provided USB cable. Ensure the connection is secure.
3. Allow Windows to Recognize the Drive: Windows should automatically detect your external hard drive. You might see a notification pop up indicating that a new drive has been connected. You can usually find the drive listed in File Explorer under “This PC.”

Step 2: Method 1: Using File History

File History is a built-in Windows 10 feature that automatically backs up files from your Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, Desktop folders, and OneDrive offline files to your external drive on a regular schedule.

1. Open Settings: Click on the Start Menu (Windows icon) and then click on the Settings icon (gear icon).
2. Go to Update & Security: Click on “Update & Security.”
3. Click on Backup: In the left-hand menu, click on “Backup.”
4. Add a Drive: Under the “Back up using File History” section, if you haven’t already set up a backup drive, you’ll see a message saying “Backup using File History isn’t set up.” Click the “Add a drive” button.
5. Select Your External Hard Drive: A list of available drives will appear. Select your connected external hard drive from the list.
6. Automatic Backups Will Start (Usually): Once you select the drive, File History will typically turn on automatically and start backing up your files periodically.
7. Configure Backup Settings (Optional): To customize what gets backed up and how often, click on “More options” under “Back up using File History.” Here you can:
   • Adjust Backup Frequency: Change how often File History saves copies of your files (e.g., every hour, every 6 hours, daily).
   • Choose Folders to Back Up: Add or remove folders that you want to include or exclude from the backup.
   • Set How Long to Keep Backed-Up Versions: Specify how long File History should keep saved versions of your files (e.g., forever, for 1 year, until space is needed).

File History is a convenient way to have ongoing, automatic backups of your most important personal files.

Step 3: Method 1: Using Backup and Restore 

While Windows 11 encourages the use of OneDrive for backup, the functionality similar to File History in Windows 10 is still present.

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Go to System: Click on “System.”
3. Click on Storage: In the left-hand menu, click on “Storage.”
4. Click on Advanced storage settings: Scroll down and click on “Advanced storage settings.”
5. Click on Backup options: Click on “Backup options.”
6. Add a drive: Under “Files and folders,” click “Add a drive” and select your connected external hard drive.
7. Configure Backup Settings: After selecting the drive, you can click on “Backup options” again to customize:
   • Backup frequency: Set how often backups occur.
   • Keep backups for: Specify how long to retain backups.
   • Folders to back up: Add or remove folders you want to include in the backup.

This method in Windows 11 provides similar functionality to File History in Windows 10 for ongoing file backups.

Step 4: Method 2: Creating a System Image Backup (Windows 10 & 11 – For a Full System Recovery Point)

A system image backup creates an exact copy of your entire system, which can be used to restore your computer to a previous state in case of a major failure.

1. Connect Your External Hard Drive: Ensure your external hard drive is connected to your computer.
2. Search for “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” in the Start Menu (this tool is still present in both Windows 10 and 11) and open it.
3. Click “Create a system image”: On the left-hand side of the Backup and Restore window, click on “Create a system image.”
4. Choose Where to Save Your Backup: Select your connected external hard drive as the location to save the system image. Click “Next.”
5. Confirm What to Back Up: By default, your system partitions will be selected. You can choose to include additional drives if you wish. Click “Next.”
6. Review Your Settings: Double-check the settings to ensure they are correct. Click “Start backup.”
7. Wait for the Backup to Complete: The backup process might take some time depending on the amount of data on your system. Once it’s finished, you’ll be prompted to create a system repair disc (optional but recommended). Follow the on-screen instructions.
8. Store Your Backup Safely: Keep your external drive containing the system image in a safe place.

A system image backup is a more comprehensive backup solution that allows you to restore your entire computer, not just individual files.

Step 5: Performing a Manual Copy 

For smaller amounts of data or as an occasional backup, you can manually copy files and folders to your external hard drive using File Explorer (Windows 10 & 11).

1. Open File Explorer: Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Locate the Files and Folders You Want to Back Up: Navigate to the folders containing the data you want to copy (e.g., Documents, Pictures, Videos).
3. Select the Files and Folders: Select the items you want to back up. You can select multiple items by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking on them, or select an entire folder by clicking on it.
4. Copy the Selected Items: Right-click on the selected files and folders and choose “Copy.”
5. Navigate to Your External Hard Drive: In File Explorer, find your external hard drive listed under “This PC” or “Devices and drives.” Double-click to open it.
6. Paste the Copied Items: Right-click in an empty area of your external hard drive and choose “Paste.” The files and folders will be copied to your external drive.

While simple, manual copying is less efficient for regular backups as it doesn’t automatically track changes or create versions of your files.

Step 6: Scheduling Regular Backups 

To ensure your data is always protected, it’s crucial to schedule regular backups to your external hard drive using one of the automated methods (File History or Windows 11 Backup). Set a schedule that works for you, whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly.

My Personal Experience with Backing Up Data 

Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way that data loss can happen to anyone. Regularly backing up my important files to an external hard drive has saved me from potential disasters on multiple occasions. I personally prefer using File History in Windows 10 for its automatic and versioning capabilities, and the similar feature in Windows 11. Creating a system image backup periodically also provides an extra layer of security for complete system recovery. Make backing up your data a regular habit – you’ll thank yourself later!