What to do after installing Windows 11: updates and essential programs in one command
Windows 11 is installed and activated. Here is what comes next to get the computer ready for everyday use:
1. Updates
On Settings > Windows Update, select Check for updates. Several rounds of updates may arrive at first start; repeat until it says you are up to date. Most drivers also come from here; download any missing ones from the computer manufacturer's support page.
2. Check activation
On Settings > System > Activation, check that Windows is activated and that the license is linked to your Microsoft account. Details: activating Windows.
3. Essential programs
A new computer usually gets the same programs: a browser, an archive tool, a video player, office and PDF software, a password manager. Instead of downloading them one by one from their websites:
- Essential programs for Windows — a list grouped by need, with one command that installs them all.
- Bulk install tool — tick the programs you want and the command is built for you.
- Kits by profession — student, office worker, developer, designer...
The commands use Microsoft's package manager winget; on Windows 11 it comes with the App Installer component and programs are downloaded from the publishers' official sources. Paste the command into the window you open by typing Terminal in the Start menu. According to Microsoft, winget becomes available shortly after you first sign in to Windows; if you get a "not recognized" error, wait a little and try again.
4. Are the files you installed genuine?
If you downloaded a program from a website by hand, you can check that the file is identical to the one the publisher released with our file verification tool. The file never leaves your computer; only its fingerprint (SHA256) is compared.
