Did you got a new PC or just updated to windows 10? then, here are few things you might want to consider doing before the long run.
01) Backup
Before installing any software or update, you should back up your computer. Now you might be wondering why I should back up even before starting to work. Imagine you encounter a severe error after an update, which leads to crash, freeze your OS. our next step is going to be installing os updates and drivers. So this will make sure that if there’s any serious issue occurred, we always have a rollback option.
Note: Use the backup to a different drive option in more options to make sure it’s accessible even at an OS failure.
go to start menu > search for backup settings
* Turn on System Restore along this.
Control Panel > Recovery > Configure System Restore
02) Install drivers
Nowadays, most of the drivers almost like every motherboard supported by windows out of the box. But still, its recommended to install the drivers from the manufacturer. Sometimes the windows updates will ruin your entire system. Also, if you got a PC with a dedicated GPU card, you must install drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
03) Stop Automatic Drivers Update
Like I’ve mentioned before, windows can push drivers update, which is not fully compatible, which leads to failing the functioning of some components.
So its better to stop updating drivers automatically with windows update and do it on your own manually. You can also use a third-party app. so let’s disable automatic
Windows Pro Edition
- Search for gpedit ( Local Group Policy Editor )
- Follow the path : computer configuration > administrative templates > windows components > windows update > find ” Do not include drivers with windows update ” > enable
Windows Home Edition
Missing or couldn’t find gpedit in windows 10? Its the friendly UI fro
so for home edition users you have to use the regedit which is a bit harder than the gpedit.
firt of all keep a backup of your registry by going to regedit > file > export (for backup)
Note: Now, many websites out there that provide a version of gpedit.msc to download but I strongly suggest not to do that since it may result in breaking some functions in windows. Even though it works, it would go against windows policy. Instead, try for a third party solution like PolicyPlus.
https://github.com/Fleex255/PolicyPlus
Navigate to
Now from regedit navigate to :
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdate
Note: you may need to create the WindowsUpdate key
right-click windows Key/Folder > new > key > rename to WindowsUpdate *
*Uppercase’s must be there.
On the Right side of the menu create a new DWORD file.
Right click on empty area in right side of the menu > New > DWORD (32-bit value)
Rename to ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate
set valuedata : 1
04) Remove Garbage Apps
By default, Windows comes with some apps Installed that we will never use. Go to Apps & Features in settings and remove all the unnecessary apps.
05) Turn Off Privacy Options
Search for privacy settings or in settings, navigate to privacy options, and turn off all the possibilities.
06) Enable Clipboard History
This option is similar to ctrl + v but with history options.
settings > system > clipboard > clipboard history turn on
or simply press windows key + v and press turn on. You can access this menu via the same key combo.
07) Set WiFi to metered connection
Well, this is something you’ve to keep doing when you connect to a new wifi connection. If you have a considerably fair amount of bandwidth, just ignore this. What this does is, it will stop the windows updates unless its a major one.
08) Use Desktop Icons
I’ve seen that so many people don’t know to use this option or keep shortcuts on the desktop. The alternative will do the trick, but you’ll lose some direct access options, especially in This PC icon.
right-click Desktop > personalize > themes > desktop icon settings > select the icons you need to be displayed on the desktop.
09) Reduce Animations
If you have a mid ranged/ Low end PC consider doing this step.
win + x > system > system > advanced system settings > performance > settings
or
Right click on this pc and properties > system > advanced system settings > performance > settings
10) Task Manager always on top
Well, this comes in handy when you have an application frozen in full screen. Many times what happens is your app gets to freeze, and you press ctrl+shift+esc to access task manager. It pops up and disappears. By enabling this option, it will make sure to stay on top of all apps.
11) Disable unnecessary startup apps
When you install new software, most likely, it’s like to startup at booting, which makes the computer slow to boot up. So its always better to disable the unnecessary apps to reduce boot up time. Press ctrl+Shift+esc and navigate to the startup tab.
12) Power Performance Plan
By default, Windows uses a balanced power plan. If you own a Desktop computer, consider using a high-performance power plan. If you own a laptop, you can switch to power plans easily via the battery icon in the taskbar. In case if you don’t see a slider to change power plans right-click on the battery icon and to power options.
In desktop PC Control Panel > Power Options
