These are the following things, compiled as a checklist, to perform after a fresh install of Windows10.
DISCLAIMER: None of the apps or sites suggested below have paid me for promotion. They are merely my suggestions and most of them are open-source applications.
Getting Started:
- Update Windows and then all of your drivers using Snappy.
Download the Snappy Driver Installer Origin from the above link.
Tip : When updating drivers using Snappy , ignore updates for the realtek audio driver as it may cause some issues. Update Realtek manually using their site.
2. Download and Update Graphic Drivers :
AMD :
Nvidia :
3. Update DirectX and all C++ directories using the following links.
4. Visit Ninite website and check the necessary softwares and download the package and install it.
Using Ninite:
STEP 1 : Visit this website :
STEP 2 : Scroll down and you will see softwares arranged in accordance to their use. Check the softwares needed.
Suggested Softwares to get from Ninite:
- Firefox
- Foxit PDF Reader
- 7Zip
- Discord
- qBittorrent
- Steam
- VLC
- Revo Uninstaller
STEP 3 : Then click “ Get your Ninite ‘’ and a package will be downloaded. Just run it and it will install all the selected applications automatically.
5. To clean up junk files in Windows 10 , download and install bleachbit. Run Bleachbit at least thrice a week to clear unnecessary cache and junk files in your PC.
6. Check for unnecessary windows apps and remove them using BulkCrap Uninstaller or Revo Uninstaller that we installed using Ninite.
7. As for anti-virus, Windows Defender works great but if you want to another antivirus, Kaspersky Free Antivirus is a good option.
Additional Softwares:
- Install a password manager like Bitwarden and install andOTP for 2-Factor Authentication.
2. If you are not satisfied with VLC player , Light Alloy is another good open source alternative.
3. If you want to try out a new browser , checkout Brave. It is based on chromium and is open-source.
4. Install WinCDEmu to manage ISO files.
5. If you don’t prefer the default windows notepad app , good open source alternatives are ATOM or Notepad++ .
6. If you don’t prefer the default Windows Photos app for viewing images , you can re-enable the old windows photo viewer or download an alternative like IrfanView or FastTone Image Viewer (included in Ninite).
For Gamers:
Download MSI Afterburner , Fraps , CPU-Z and your prefered video game distribution service like Steam, Epic, Uplay or GOG Galaxy.
Softwares:
Games Distribution Servies:
Finishing Up:
- Tweak Windows 10 settings App. [ Separate Guide Coming soon ]
- Create My Pc and Control panel shortcuts using settings app if necessary.
3. Configure Firefox or Chrome [Separate Guide Coming Soon]. ( sign in , sync , customize , change settings for privacy and security of the browser)
4. Visit the recommended wallpapers sites and change the desktop wallpaper if you prefer.
Other Recommended Softwares for Power Users:
Hope you found this checklist/guide useful. Bookmark this page so that you could make use of it whenever you re-install or reset Windows and share it with a friend if you liked it. I am planning to write separate guides on how to maintain and customize your Windows PC in the upcoming days. If you have any suggestions and opinions on this article and any ideas for future ones, feel free to comment down below.
Have a good one.
