{"slug":"to-do-after-install-windows11","locale":"en","isFallback":false,"translationAvailable":["en","id"],"translationUrls":{"en":"/api/posts/to-do-after-install-windows11?locale=en","id":"/api/posts/to-do-after-install-windows11?locale=id"},"title":"What to Do After Installing Windows 11: Complete Setup Checklist","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","tags":["windows","windows-11","tutorial","setup","optimization"],"category":"Windows","content":"\nCongratulations, your clean install of Windows 11 is done. You now have a fast, fresh, and bloatware-free system.\n\nBut 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.\n\nThis guide covers the exact optimization flow and initial app recommendations we suggest right after a Windows 11 installation.\n\n<Callout variant=\"warning\" title=\"Prerequisite\">\nThis 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).\n</Callout>\n\n## Part 1: Crucial First Steps\n\nThese are the first three steps you should never skip if you want your system to stay secure, stable, and properly configured.\n\n### #1 Check Windows and Microsoft Store Updates\n\nThis is the most vital step because it pulls the latest security patches, bug fixes, and critical drivers.\n\n1. Open **Settings > Windows Update** (or press <kbd>Win</kbd> + <kbd>I</kbd>).\n2. Click **Check for updates** and install all available updates.\n3. Open **Microsoft Store**, go to **Library**, then click **Get updates** to update built-in apps.\n\n![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.\")\n\n### #2 Adjust Display Resolution and Scaling\n\nAfter a fresh install, Windows may not always apply the most comfortable display profile for your monitor.\n\n1. Right-click Desktop > **Display settings**.\n2. Set **Display resolution** to the highest recommended value.\n3. Check **Scale**. If 150% feels too large, try **125%** or **100%**.\n\n![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.\")\n\n### #3 Set Up Automatic Dark Mode\n\nWindows 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.\n\n- **Application:** Auto Dark Mode\n- **Description:** Automatically switches between light and dark themes based on sunrise and sunset.\n- **Read more & Download:** [Guide to Setting Up Automatic Dark Mode in Windows 11](/blog/auto-dark-mode-windows-11)\n\n## Part 2: Recommended Essential Applications\n\nThese free and paid apps help turn a clean Windows installation into a productive daily setup.\n\n### #4 Office Suite\n\nChoosing the right office suite is a key productivity decision. Here are the three options we recommend.\n\n<div className=\"not-prose my-6 grid grid-cols-1 gap-6 md:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-3\">\n  <div className=\"rounded-lg border bg-card text-card-foreground shadow-sm p-4 flex flex-col h-full text-center\">\n    <div className=\"mb-4\">\n      <h3 className=\"font-heading text-lg font-bold leading-tight\">Microsoft 365</h3>\n      <p className=\"text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-1\">Paid (Subscription)</p>\n    </div>\n    <div className=\"flex justify-center items-center mb-4\">\n      <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\" />\n    </div>\n    <div className=\"flex-grow\">\n      <p className=\"text-sm\">The industry standard for productivity. Full suite with strong OneDrive integration and excellent collaboration support.</p>\n    </div>\n    <div className=\"mt-4\">\n      <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\">\n        Visit Official Site\n      </a>\n      <p className=\"text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-2 text-center\">Starts from around $7/month</p>\n    </div>\n  </div>\n\n  <div className=\"rounded-lg border bg-card text-card-foreground shadow-sm p-4 flex flex-col h-full text-center\">\n    <div className=\"mb-4\">\n      <h3 className=\"font-heading text-lg font-bold leading-tight\">WPS Office</h3>\n      <p className=\"text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-1\">Free and Paid</p>\n    </div>\n    <div className=\"flex justify-center items-center mb-4\">\n      <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\" />\n    </div>\n    <div className=\"flex-grow\">\n      <p className=\"text-sm\">A modern alternative with a familiar interface and strong compatibility with Microsoft Office formats.</p>\n    </div>\n    <div className=\"mt-4\">\n      <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\">\n        Download Free Version\n      </a>\n      <p className=\"text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-2 text-center\">Pro version available without ads</p>\n    </div>\n  </div>\n\n  <div className=\"rounded-lg border bg-card text-card-foreground shadow-sm p-4 flex flex-col h-full text-center\">\n    <div className=\"mb-4\">\n      <h3 className=\"font-heading text-lg font-bold leading-tight\">LibreOffice</h3>\n      <p className=\"text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-1\">Free (Open Source)</p>\n    </div>\n    <div className=\"flex justify-center items-center mb-4\">\n      <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\" />\n    </div>\n    <div className=\"flex-grow\">\n      <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>\n    </div>\n    <div className=\"mt-4\">\n      <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\">\n        Visit Official Site\n      </a>\n      <p className=\"text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-2 text-center\">Completely free</p>\n    </div>\n  </div>\n</div>\n\n### #5 Utility and Productivity Apps\n\n- **Cloudflare WARP:** Improves privacy and can improve route stability with 1.1.1.1 DNS. [Download on Official Site](https://one.one.one.one/)\n- **ShareX:** Advanced screenshot and capture tool, far beyond the default Snipping Tool. [Download on Official Site](https://getsharex.com/)\n- **PowerToys:** A must-have Microsoft utility pack with features like FancyZones and Color Picker. [Download on Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9MZ1SNK3002L)\n\n![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.\")\n\n- **Notepad++:** Lightweight but extremely capable text editor for coders and writers. [Download on Official Site](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/)\n- **Microsoft PC Manager:** Official Microsoft cleaning and optimization tool. [Download on Official Site](https://pcmanager.microsoft.com/)\n\n![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.\")\n\n### #6 Multimedia and Communication Apps\n\n- **GIMP (Free):** Powerful open-source alternative to Photoshop. [Download on Official Site](https://www.gimp.org/downloads/)\n- **WhatsApp Desktop:** Use WhatsApp directly on your PC. [Download on Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9NKSQGP7F2NH)\n- **Telegram Desktop:** Fast and lightweight official Telegram client. [Download on Official Site](https://desktop.telegram.org/)\n- **VLC Media Player:** Plays almost every video format. [Download via SnipGeek](/download/vlc-installer)\n- **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)\n\n### #7 AI and Specialty Apps\n\n- **ChatGPT Desktop App:** Official app with a focused desktop experience. [Download on Official Site](https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt-desktop-app)\n- **MSI Center (for MSI users):** Essential for tuning performance modes and vendor-specific controls. [Download on Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9N4P7GH4XV7Z)\n\n## Part 3: Optimize Built-in Windows Features\n\nActivate these built-in Windows features to improve daily usability.\n\n- **Phone Link:** Connect Android or iPhone to view notifications and reply to messages from your PC.\n- **Activate Quick End Task:** Right-click taskbar > **Taskbar settings** > enable **End task**.\n\n![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.\")\n\n- **Manage Startup Apps:** Open **Task Manager** (<kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>Esc</kbd>), go to **Startup apps**, and disable unnecessary startup programs.\n- **Activate OneDrive:** Sign in to OneDrive so important files are backed up automatically.\n- **Use Sticky Notes:** Quick and practical for desktop notes.\n\nBy completing these steps, your Windows 11 PC is not just fresh, but properly optimized for security, productivity, and comfort.\n"}