After Installing Windows 10 Upgrade — What to do first

So, you upgraded a Windows 7 or Windows 8 PC to Windows 10 — for free. Cheers. What did you do next?

PC World suggests these explorations:

Here’s my checklist:

1. If you didn’t Customize your privacy settings (vs using Express setup) in the final setup stage of the upgrade, then consider revising those settings. What do you really want to share with Microsoft — Microsoft, Windows 10, and your personal data.

“Any information shared with Microsoft is at your discretion—we will not collect information without your permission,” says a Microsoft spokesman.

That’s good to hear, but many of Microsoft’s data collection systems are turned on by default. Opting out requires knowing where to look, and disabling some of the features in Windows 10.

What can you do about it? In addition to the above article, “Here are the privacy settings you should check in Windows 10.”

2. Check that your anti-virus app is still there and working okay.

3. Consider whether you really want Microsoft’s new Edge app to be your default web browser — rather than Chrome or Firefox, for example. If not, here’s how to change that.

4. Re-enable System Protection on your boot (C) drive so that Restore points will be created before Windows updates are installed.

5. If you intend to use Microsoft’s Edge browser, customize the settings — such as your home page and whether to show the home button and favorites bar.

6. If using WiFi, check that your local area network (LAN) still is designated as a Private network.

7. Review how to uninstall programs and apps in Windows 10.

8. Customize the Start menu — perhaps to make it more like Windows 7’s.

9. Uninstall MSN apps that are being discontinued in 2015 – MSN Food & Drink, Health & Fitness, Travel.

10. Perhaps you don’t want to use Cortana (maybe your PC lacks a microphone and the other aspects of Cortana aren’t compelling) or you don’t like Cortana or you’re concerned about privacy (sharing all that data with Microsoft); so, review how to disable Cortana.

1 comment

  1. Need help / support after upgrading to Windows 10? This CNET “How to get free help from Microsoft on Windows 10 and more” article is a good resource.

    Updated since the launch of Windows 10, the Microsoft Answer Desk page describes all of the support options available to you as a Microsoft customer. You can chat with someone online, pick up the phone and call or visit your local Microsoft store for help. Some of the support options will cost you money, but some are free, especially those concerning Windows 10.

Comments are closed.