Clipster

Guide

New Mac setup checklist: the first settings and apps to configure

Updated on

Short answer: update macOS, turn on FileVault and a backup, sign in to iCloud only for what you need, then spend ten minutes on productivity settings: trackpad and keyboard, Spotlight clipboard history (Command-Space, then Command-4), Text Replacements, Hot Corners and window tiling. Add apps only when you feel a need.

1. Before anything: update and secure

  • Update macOS: System Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Sign in with your Apple Account and choose what syncs in iCloud (Passwords, Notes, Photos, Drive). Off is fine for anything you don't need.
  • FileVault (disk encryption): System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault. Store the recovery key safely.
  • Backup: Time Machine to an external drive (System Settings > General > Time Machine) and/or a cloud backup.
  • Find My Mac: turn it on in your Apple Account / iCloud settings.
  • Passwords: use the Passwords app or your password manager, and turn on autofill.

2. Migrating from an old Mac or a PC

  • Migration Assistant (Applications > Utilities) can move files, apps and settings from another Mac, or from a Windows PC.
  • Coming from Windows? Ctrl becomes Command for most shortcuts (Command-C, Command-V), and there's no Windows + V. See the clipboard section below.

3. Trackpad, mouse and keyboard

  • Tap to click: System Settings > Trackpad.
  • Tracking speed a notch higher than default, if you find the pointer slow.
  • Key repeat faster and delay shorter: System Settings > Keyboard.
  • Keyboard shortcuts: System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts. Review the screenshot and Spotlight shortcuts.

4. Turn on clipboard history

macOS Tahoe 26 and later include a clipboard history in Spotlight (Apple Support):

  • Press Command-Space, then Command-4, and allow clipboard results.
  • In System Settings > Spotlight, choose how long to keep items: 30 minutes, 8 hours or 7 days.

From now on, you can find what you copied earlier instead of copying it again. Full guide: how to see clipboard history on Mac.

5. Text Replacements

  • System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements: add your email (@@), address, phone number and standard sign-off. They sync to your iPhone through iCloud.

6. Windows and desktop

  • Window tiling: drag a window to a screen edge, or use Window > Move & Resize to tile left/right (Apple Support). Free apps like Rectangle add keyboard shortcuts.
  • Hot Corners: System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Hot Corners (for example, bottom-right = Quick Note, top-right = Lock Screen).
  • Dock: remove apps you won't use. Consider auto-hide on small screens.
  • Stage Manager: try it in Control Center. Some love it, some don't.

7. Finder basics

  • Finder > Settings: show file name extensions, and set new windows to open in your main folder.
  • View > Show Path Bar and Show Status Bar.
  • Add your work folders to the sidebar.

8. Screenshots

  • Command-Shift-4: capture an area. Add Control to copy it to the clipboard instead of saving a file.
  • Command-Shift-5: all options, including screen recording and the save location. Many people set it to a "Screenshots" folder instead of the desktop.

9. Focus and notifications

  • System Settings > Notifications: turn off what you don't need.
  • Set up a Focus for work hours.

10. Optional apps to consider

Add these only when you feel the need:

  • Launcher: Spotlight is good. Raycast or Alfred add more.
  • Window management: Rectangle (free).
  • Screenshots: CleanShot X for annotations and scrolling captures.
  • Clipboard manager: if Spotlight's 7-day history isn't enough, or you want pinned snippets or the same history on Windows or iPhone. Options include Maccy (free), Paste, Raycast, and Clipster (history, search, Pins and previews on Mac, Windows and iPhone, with end-to-end encrypted sync). See Spotlight clipboard vs a clipboard manager.
  • Text expander: espanso (free) or TextExpander, if Text Replacements feel limited.
  • Notes: Apple Notes, Obsidian or Notion.

11. Connect your iPhone

  • Handoff and Universal Clipboard: same Apple Account, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, and Handoff enabled (System Settings > General > AirDrop & Continuity). Copy on one device, paste on the other. If it fails, see Universal Clipboard not working.
  • iPhone Mirroring and AirDrop, if you'll use them.

Checked against Apple Support in October 2026. Menu names can vary slightly by macOS version. Something out of date? Tell us at contact@clipster-app.com.

FAQ

What should I do first on a new Mac?

Update macOS, turn on FileVault, set up a backup, and sign in to your Apple Account with only the iCloud features you need.

Does a new Mac have clipboard history?

Yes, with macOS Tahoe 26 or later: Command-Space, then Command-4 in Spotlight. Allow it the first time.

How do I copy and paste on a Mac coming from Windows?

Use Command-C and Command-V instead of Ctrl. For clipboard history, use Spotlight (Command-Space, Command-4) instead of Windows + V.

Do I need antivirus on a Mac?

macOS includes built-in protections. Keep macOS updated, install apps from trusted sources, and follow your employer's requirements on work Macs.

Which apps should I install first?

Your browser, password manager and work apps. Add utilities like a launcher or clipboard manager only when you feel a specific need.

Disclosure: We make Clipster, which appears once in the optional apps section. Everything else is built into macOS or widely used.

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Available on Mac, Windows and iPhone.

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Other comparisons: Clipster vs Paste · Clipster vs Maccy · Clipster vs Ditto · Clipster vs ClipClip · Clipster vs CopyQ · Clipster vs Pastebot · Clipster vs Raycast · Clipster vs Windows clipboard (Win+V) · every app side by side

Details checked on official websites in October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us: contact@clipster-app.com