

You have a new computer to setup. Follow the directions below to kick off a Windows 10 new computer setup. Using these set of instructions will limit the amount of unnecessary features or prevent some of the intrusiveness created by Microsoft. Please skip to the final link below if you are still using Windows 7. We have provided some additional resource links prior to the “initial boot” of your new computer setup. Scroll pass the additional links to get going on the very initial stages of your new computer setup.
Additional Resources or Skip to New Computer Setup below:
- New Windows 10 Users FAQ and Make it Look Pretty Project
- A guide to File Server Network Shares
- Windows 10 Upgrade and Joining the Domain
- AD and Azure Setup
- Displays Window Login Screen – How to…
- Join Windows 10 to Azure AD
- New Server Setup
- Windows Data Transfer Tutorial
- How to Install Windows from a USB stick
- Backup Image of Windows and Recovery Guide
- Backup and Wipe (needs some updating)
- I can’t connect to WiFi.. Ugh!!
- I need data off of the computer.
- New Printer Setup
- What Computer to Buy PassMark BenchMark
Initial Boot – New Computer Setup – Workgroup
Please click here for domain setup instructions.
Note: Domain setup are for individuals who have a server with Active Directory or are using Azure for AD services.
The setup constantly changes in Windows 10 but it is definitely getting easier. Cortana now guides you through the process …
1) Select your WiFi network to connect to the network if you do not have an ethernet cable plugged in. This message will not show if you already are connected to the network.
2) How would you like to setup?
- Choose personal if you are the only one using it or your business is in a “workgroup” environment.
- Choose “offline account” in the bottom left hand corner. Create the IT Administrator account. Add the other user accounts later.
- Select business if you have a “domain” environment or have a user account for Office 365 hosted Exchange and possibly Azure.
3) In the past, we advised not to “Sign in with Microsoft” if you are not a business but the features have evolved that you can track your computer’s location, utilize OneDrive for syncing data, and other basic features before upgrading your Mobile Device Management services. MDM is used for businesses but I digress.
Make sure the administrator of the computer logs in first!!
- Setup for personal use
- Personal Computers – Whoever purchased the computer is administrator.
- Setup for an organization
- Business Computers – We advise the IT administrator logs in first with the local administrator account for setting up basic administrator services, enabling IT to manage the computer going forward, and restricting access for everyone else.
***Ignore the illustration below…
- It’s not advisable for “personal users” to sign with your Hotmail account or Microsoft related account or create an account if you don’t have one.
- For Business, use your local administrator account for first time setup. Businesses can check out more details here…
Azure AD Resources:
- Understanding Microsoft 365 Modern IT Azure AD Suite of Services
- How to connect and login into Windows 10 using Azure AD services
- How to Create Users in Azure AD and Office 365
- How to setup and login to Windows 10 Azure AD or Workgroup or Tradition Domain AD – Identification Management
- Already know Azure AD operates and the services Microsoft offers under Microsoft 365?
Prompts may vary here….
4a) Select “No” for using Cortana. This service can be enabled later.
4b)”sign in with Microsoft instead” and select “no”
5) “who’s going to use this PC?” Type the first name of the user if it’s a workgroup environment. Most business environments are workgroup environment if they are under 15 users. Alternatively, type the IT admin account if there is a common user name your IT admin uses.
6) “Create a Super Memorable Password” and select “next” to move forward. I’m pretty sure you don’t do not need an illustration for this step.
7) Options may vary at the point:
a) Make Cortana your personal assistant (no)
b) Lenovo computer’ prompt with “protect your device”. I advice you select “skip” and maybe come back later. It’s not that important to the new computer setup.
8) Choose privacy settings for your device. (selected defaults are ok)
8) “your pc has an update waiting” Please select “not now” to get the show on the road and update windows later. There will be plenty of opportune moments later.
Support and Protection (this prompt may come up for Dell)
– Hit “next” to skip ahead
9) Log into user new admin user account
10) Utilize remote support options for some IT firm to assist you.
Remote Support Options
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- AnyDesk – Love it!
- Run an executable and share a code. EZ PZ.
- ShowMyPC work pretty well but sometimes it fails to work.
- Run ShowMyPC from downloads after you click the link. Then click showmypc green play button to generate a code for handing off to your IT support
- Join.me is your slower more reliable source for remote accessibility
- Click “start meeting” and send the code to your IT guy
- TeamViewer is your final option. You probably have serious remote issues if you are deferring to this final option or you just prefer to use TeamViewer
- AnyDesk – Love it!
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Windows Settings
Windows Search:
- “System Information” to view what BIOS version, etc
- “View Advance System Settings” for selecting “advance” tab and turn off “automatic restart”
- “Dell Update” for running driver updates
Windows 7 – New Computer Setup
Quick Link Resource:
More to come. Stay tuned….