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Kit ยท Windows

What should I install on a new Windows PC?

On a new Windows PC, install Firefox with uBlock Origin, Bitwarden for passwords, VLC for video, 7-Zip for archives, SumatraPDF for PDFs and Everything for file search. Then remove the trial antivirus and games the maker preloaded, and let Windows Update finish. Windows Security already protects you, so you do not need to buy antivirus.

Install it all at once

Easiest on Windows: one Ninite installer for the whole set. It says no to bundled junk for you.

Get the Ninite installer

Windows, paste into Terminal:

winget install -e --id Mozilla.Firefox; winget install -e --id Bitwarden.Bitwarden; winget install -e --id VideoLAN.VLC; winget install -e --id 7zip.7zip; winget install -e --id SumatraPDF.SumatraPDF; winget install -e --id voidtools.Everything; winget install -e --id Microsoft.PowerToys

Step by step

  1. Run Windows Update first

    Settings, Windows Update, Check for updates. Restart and repeat until nothing is left.

  2. Remove what came preinstalled

    Settings, Apps, Installed apps. Uninstall trial antivirus (Norton, McAfee), games and anything you do not recognize from the PC maker.

  3. Install a better browser and an ad blocker

    Firefox, then add uBlock Origin from Firefox's add-on store.

    Firefox report card

  4. Install a password manager

    Bitwarden. Make one strong master password you will remember.

    Bitwarden report card

  5. Everyday free apps

    VLC plays any video. 7-Zip opens any archive. SumatraPDF opens PDFs instantly. Everything finds any file.

    7-Zip report card

  6. Turn on backup

    Plug in an external drive and turn on Windows Backup or File History.

    Windows Backup and File History report card