Getting Started Right: A Modern Guide to Setting Up Your New PC
When you unbox a new PC, the excitement is real, but the path from power-on to productivity (or play) isn’t always obvious. Whether you’re an IT pro setting up a workstation or someone handing a freshly built rig to a family member, following a methodical setup process ensures stability, security, and performance from day one. Here’s a refined playbook inspired by PCMag’s guide to help your audience get up and running fast and avoid rookie mistakes. 1. Start with the Foundation: BIOS, Firmware, & Hardware Check Power it on and check BIOS/UEFI. The first boot should land you in firmware. Confirm that components (CPU, memory, storage) are all being detected properly. Update firmware and BIOS early. New motherboards often ship with out-of-date BIOS/firmware. Upgrading now can improve compatibility and stability. Enable XMP/EXPO or memory profiles. Don’t forget to enable memory profiles for RAM to run at rated speeds (if supported by your board). Verify drive health. Even new SSDs or H...