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So, You’ve Built Your PC... Now What? (A Setup Guide for Windows)

A Report by CYS Global Remit Network Admin Support Team


Continuing from our previous tech tips on 7 Tips to Watch For Before Building a PC


Congratulations! The screwdriver is back in the drawer, the cables are managed (hopefully), and when you pressed the power button, it actually turned on. That's the hard part done. But staring at a fresh desktop wallpaper is only the beginning.


Before you start downloading games or getting to work, there are a few critical steps to ensure your new machine runs smoothly. Sorry, Mac users—this one is for the Windows crowd!


Here is your essential checklist for setting up a fresh Windows PC.


1. Update Windows (Yes, immediately) 

We know, we know. "Windows Updates" are usually the punchline to a joke about being interrupted in the middle of a presentation. However, on a brand-new PC, this is the most critical first step.


Why is this important?

The version of Windows installed on your PC might be several months old. In that time, Microsoft has released patches to fix security holes, improve performance, and ensure compatibility with new hardware. Updating now saves you from crashes and security risks later.


How to do it:


  1. Click the Start button and type "Check for updates"

  2. Open the setting and click the big Check for updates button

  3. Let it download and install everything. You will likely need to restart your PC


Pro Tip: Repeat this process until it says "You're up to date." Sometimes updates come in waves!


2. Install Your Drivers

Think of "Drivers" as the translator between your software (Windows) and your hardware—your graphics card, sound chip, Wi-Fi, etc. Without them, your expensive parts might run like generic, cheap alternatives.


Why is this important?

Windows is smart, but it often installs "generic" drivers just to get the screen to turn on. For the best performance, especially for gaming or heavy workloads, you need the specific software designed by the manufacturer.


How to do it (Branded vs Custom):


  • If you bought a Branded PC (Dell, HP, Lenovo): These usually come with a pre-installed "Command Centre" or "Support Assistant" app. Open that up and look for an "Update" section. It will automatically find the right drivers for your specific model.

  • If you built a Custom PC: You need to do this manually, but only for the big stuff: 

  • GPU (Graphics Card): Go to the NVIDIA or AMD website and download their latest driver suite (GeForce Experience or Adrenalin)

  • Motherboard: If your Wi-Fi or Sound isn't working right, Google your motherboard model (e.g., "MSI B550 Tomahawk Drivers") and download them from the manufacturer's official support page


3. The Secret Weapon: Ninite

The most tedious part of a new PC is going to website after website to download Chrome, then Discord, then Steam, then Zoom... clicking "Next, Next, Finish" twenty times. 

Stop. There's a better way.


Meet Ninite.



is a free, safe website that lets you select all the popular free programmes you want and bundles them into a single installer.


How to use it:


  1. Go to Ninite.com.

  2. Check the boxes for the apps you use (e.g., Chrome, Discord, WinRAR, Zoom, VLC, Steam).

  3. Click Get Your Ninite.

  4. Run the installer it downloads.


That's it. Ninite will automatically download the correct version (64-bit), say "No" to any junk toolbar offers, and install everything in the background whilst you go grab a coffee. It turns a one-hour chore into a five-minute breeze.


Final Thoughts

Setting up a new PC doesn't have to be a headache. By taking these thirty minutes upfront to update Windows, secure your drivers, and bulk-install your apps, you're saving yourself hours of troubleshooting down the road.


Now that the housekeeping is out of the way, your PC is stable, secure, and ready for whatever you throw at it. Enjoy your new machine!

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