New Windows 11 PC setup: the settings and apps to configure first

2. Security basics

• Windows Security: open it and make sure everything shows a green check.
• Device encryption / BitLocker: Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption (or BitLocker on Pro editions). Save the recovery key somewhere safe; it's often stored in your Microsoft account.
• Windows Hello: set up face, fingerprint or PIN sign-in (Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options).
• Backup: Windows Backup and OneDrive, or your own backup solution.
• Password manager and browser of your choice.

3. Remove what you don't need

• Settings > Apps > Installed apps: uninstall trial software and apps you won't use.
• Startup apps: Settings > Apps > Startup. Turn off what doesn't need to start with Windows.
• Notifications: Settings > System > Notifications. Turn off the noisy ones.

4. Turn on clipboard history

This one feature changes daily work more than most apps:

• Press Windows + V and select Turn on (or Settings > System > Clipboard > Clipboard history).
• From now on, Windows + V shows your last 25 copies. Pin the ones you reuse.
• Optional: turn on Clipboard history across your devices to sync text between your Windows PCs.

Full guide: how to use clipboard history in Windows 11. If it misbehaves: Win+V not working.

5. Windows and multitasking

• Snap layouts: hover over a window's maximize button, or press Windows + Z. Windows + Left/Right snaps a window to half the screen.
• Virtual desktops: Windows + Ctrl + D to create one, Windows + Tab to see them.
• Taskbar: Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Hide widgets or search if you don't use them, and pin your main apps.

6. Keyboard shortcuts to learn this week

7. File Explorer tweaks

• View > Show > File name extensions and Hidden items (if you're comfortable).
• Pin work folders to Quick access / Home.
• Decide what OneDrive backs up (Desktop, Documents, Pictures) so files don't end up somewhere unexpected.

8. Focus and do not disturb

• Settings > System > Focus: set a default session length.
• Do not disturb rules for work hours or presentations.

9. PowerToys (free, from Microsoft)

Install PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Useful modules:

• Advanced Paste: paste as plain text anywhere (Windows + Ctrl + Alt + V by default) (Microsoft Learn).
• Text Extractor: copy text from anything on screen.
• FancyZones: custom window layouts.
• Command Palette: a launcher for apps, files and commands.
• Keyboard Manager: remap keys.

10. Optional apps to consider

Add these only when you feel a need:

• Search: Everything (very fast file name search).
• Screenshots: ShareX (free, open source) or Snipping Tool's built-in features.
• Text expander: espanso (free) for fixed phrases.
• Clipboard manager: if Windows + V's 25 items and reset-on-restart feel limiting, or you also use a Mac or iPhone. Options include Ditto and CopyQ (free, open source), ClipClip, and Clipster (history with search, Pins and previews on Windows, Mac and iPhone, with end-to-end encrypted sync). See the best clipboard managers for Windows or free clipboard managers.

11. Connect your phone

• Phone Link connects Windows to your phone; with an iPhone it covers messages, calls and notifications, but it doesn't share the clipboard. For that, see copy and paste between iPhone and Windows PC.
• If you also use a Mac: copy and paste between Windows and Mac.

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