# What to Do After Installing Windows 11: Complete Setup Checklist

Canonical: https://snipgeek.com/blog/to-do-after-install-windows11
Locale: en
Description: A complete post-install checklist for Windows 11, covering essential updates, must-have apps, and practical system optimization.
Date: 2026-03-16
Updated: 2026-03-15
Category: Windows
Tags: windows, windows-11, tutorial, setup, optimization
JSON: https://snipgeek.com/api/posts/to-do-after-install-windows11?locale=en

---


Congratulations, your clean install of Windows 11 is done. You now have a fast, fresh, and bloatware-free system.

But before using it for work, gaming, or content creation, there are several important setup steps you should complete first. These steps make the difference between a stable long-term system and a setup that slowly gets messy after a few weeks.

This guide covers the exact optimization flow and initial app recommendations we suggest right after a Windows 11 installation.

<Callout variant="warning" title="Prerequisite">
This guide assumes your Windows 11 installation is already completed. If not, follow this guide first: [Windows 11 Installation Guide: From Start to Finish](/blog/clean-install-windows-11-step-by-step-guide).
</Callout>

## Part 1: Crucial First Steps

These are the first three steps you should never skip if you want your system to stay secure, stable, and properly configured.

### #1 Check Windows and Microsoft Store Updates

This is the most vital step because it pulls the latest security patches, bug fixes, and critical drivers.

1. Open **Settings > Windows Update** (or press <kbd>Win</kbd> + <kbd>I</kbd>).
2. Click **Check for updates** and install all available updates.
3. Open **Microsoft Store**, go to **Library**, then click **Get updates** to update built-in apps.

![Windows Update page checking for available system and security updates.](/images/_posts/windows11/to-do-after-install-windows11/1-windows-update.webp "Windows Update in Windows 11.")

### #2 Adjust Display Resolution and Scaling

After a fresh install, Windows may not always apply the most comfortable display profile for your monitor.

1. Right-click Desktop > **Display settings**.
2. Set **Display resolution** to the highest recommended value.
3. Check **Scale**. If 150% feels too large, try **125%** or **100%**.

![Windows 11 display settings highlighting display resolution and scale options.](/images/_posts/windows11/to-do-after-install-windows11/2-display-optimasi.webp "Display optimization settings in Windows 11.")

### #3 Set Up Automatic Dark Mode

Windows 11 still does not provide a complete built-in schedule for automatic dark mode. For eye comfort, especially at night, use a trusted third-party app.

- **Application:** Auto Dark Mode
- **Description:** Automatically switches between light and dark themes based on sunrise and sunset.
- **Read more & Download:** [Guide to Setting Up Automatic Dark Mode in Windows 11](/blog/auto-dark-mode-windows-11)

## Part 2: Recommended Essential Applications

These free and paid apps help turn a clean Windows installation into a productive daily setup.

### #4 Office Suite

Choosing the right office suite is a key productivity decision. Here are the three options we recommend.

<div className="not-prose my-6 grid grid-cols-1 gap-6 md:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-3">
  <div className="rounded-lg border bg-card text-card-foreground shadow-sm p-4 flex flex-col h-full text-center">
    <div className="mb-4">
      <h3 className="font-heading text-lg font-bold leading-tight">Microsoft 365</h3>
      <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-1">Paid (Subscription)</p>
    </div>
    <div className="flex justify-center items-center mb-4">
      <img src="/images/_posts/windows11/to-do-after-install-windows11/3-office-365.webp" alt="Microsoft 365 logo and office suite branding" className="h-24 w-24 object-contain rounded-md" />
    </div>
    <div className="flex-grow">
      <p className="text-sm">The industry standard for productivity. Full suite with strong OneDrive integration and excellent collaboration support.</p>
    </div>
    <div className="mt-4">
      <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" className="inline-flex items-center justify-center whitespace-nowrap rounded-md text-sm font-medium bg-primary text-primary-foreground hover:bg-primary/90 h-9 px-3 w-full">
        Visit Official Site
      </a>
      <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-2 text-center">Starts from around $7/month</p>
    </div>
  </div>

  <div className="rounded-lg border bg-card text-card-foreground shadow-sm p-4 flex flex-col h-full text-center">
    <div className="mb-4">
      <h3 className="font-heading text-lg font-bold leading-tight">WPS Office</h3>
      <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-1">Free and Paid</p>
    </div>
    <div className="flex justify-center items-center mb-4">
      <img src="/images/_posts/windows11/to-do-after-install-windows11/7-wps-office.webp" alt="WPS Office logo" className="h-24 w-24 object-contain rounded-md" />
    </div>
    <div className="flex-grow">
      <p className="text-sm">A modern alternative with a familiar interface and strong compatibility with Microsoft Office formats.</p>
    </div>
    <div className="mt-4">
      <a href="/download/wps-office-installer" className="inline-flex items-center justify-center whitespace-nowrap rounded-md text-sm font-medium bg-primary text-primary-foreground hover:bg-primary/90 h-9 px-3 w-full">
        Download Free Version
      </a>
      <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-2 text-center">Pro version available without ads</p>
    </div>
  </div>

  <div className="rounded-lg border bg-card text-card-foreground shadow-sm p-4 flex flex-col h-full text-center">
    <div className="mb-4">
      <h3 className="font-heading text-lg font-bold leading-tight">LibreOffice</h3>
      <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-1">Free (Open Source)</p>
    </div>
    <div className="flex justify-center items-center mb-4">
      <img src="/images/_posts/windows11/to-do-after-install-windows11/4-libreoffice.webp" alt="LibreOffice logo" className="h-24 w-24 object-contain rounded-md" />
    </div>
    <div className="flex-grow">
      <p className="text-sm">A powerful open-source suite that is fully free, stable, and trusted by users who want a non-commercial alternative.</p>
    </div>
    <div className="mt-4">
      <a href="https://www.libreoffice.org/download/download-libreoffice/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" className="inline-flex items-center justify-center whitespace-nowrap rounded-md text-sm font-medium bg-primary text-primary-foreground hover:bg-primary/90 h-9 px-3 w-full">
        Visit Official Site
      </a>
      <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-2 text-center">Completely free</p>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

### #5 Utility and Productivity Apps

- **Cloudflare WARP:** Improves privacy and can improve route stability with 1.1.1.1 DNS. [Download on Official Site](https://one.one.one.one/)
- **ShareX:** Advanced screenshot and capture tool, far beyond the default Snipping Tool. [Download on Official Site](https://getsharex.com/)
- **PowerToys:** A must-have Microsoft utility pack with features like FancyZones and Color Picker. [Download on Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9MZ1SNK3002L)

![PowerToys dashboard in Windows 11 showing modules such as Always on Top and Color Picker.](/images/_posts/windows11/to-do-after-install-windows11/9-PowerToys.webp "PowerToys modules in Windows 11.")

- **Notepad++:** Lightweight but extremely capable text editor for coders and writers. [Download on Official Site](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/)
- **Microsoft PC Manager:** Official Microsoft cleaning and optimization tool. [Download on Official Site](https://pcmanager.microsoft.com/)

![Microsoft PC Manager dashboard with PC Boost and Health Check features.](/images/_posts/windows11/to-do-after-install-windows11/8-pc-manager.webp "Microsoft PC Manager dashboard.")

### #6 Multimedia and Communication Apps

- **GIMP (Free):** Powerful open-source alternative to Photoshop. [Download on Official Site](https://www.gimp.org/downloads/)
- **WhatsApp Desktop:** Use WhatsApp directly on your PC. [Download on Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9NKSQGP7F2NH)
- **Telegram Desktop:** Fast and lightweight official Telegram client. [Download on Official Site](https://desktop.telegram.org/)
- **VLC Media Player:** Plays almost every video format. [Download via SnipGeek](/download/vlc-installer)
- **WinRAR:** Still useful for advanced archive workflows and RAR support. Also read: [How to split large files into multiple parts](/blog/how-to-split-rar-files-into-multiple-parts)

### #7 AI and Specialty Apps

- **ChatGPT Desktop App:** Official app with a focused desktop experience. [Download on Official Site](https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt-desktop-app)
- **MSI Center (for MSI users):** Essential for tuning performance modes and vendor-specific controls. [Download on Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9N4P7GH4XV7Z)

## Part 3: Optimize Built-in Windows Features

Activate these built-in Windows features to improve daily usability.

- **Phone Link:** Connect Android or iPhone to view notifications and reply to messages from your PC.
- **Activate Quick End Task:** Right-click taskbar > **Taskbar settings** > enable **End task**.

![Windows 11 taskbar settings with End task option enabled.](/images/_posts/windows11/to-do-after-install-windows11/end_task.webp "Enable End task in Windows 11 taskbar settings.")

- **Manage Startup Apps:** Open **Task Manager** (<kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>Esc</kbd>), go to **Startup apps**, and disable unnecessary startup programs.
- **Activate OneDrive:** Sign in to OneDrive so important files are backed up automatically.
- **Use Sticky Notes:** Quick and practical for desktop notes.

By completing these steps, your Windows 11 PC is not just fresh, but properly optimized for security, productivity, and comfort.