Les Numériques, a French technology website, has compiled a detailed guide on how to configure new laptops properly, focusing on avoiding common problems that can arise after purchase. The outlet explains that no computer is perfectly set up when it leaves the factory, regardless of whether it is a high-end ultraportable or a powerful gaming laptop. To prevent slowdowns, unwanted advertisements, and poorly designed default settings, they have simplified their testing process into a practical step-by-step approach. They highlight that the initial setup is the most important stage for ensuring the computer runs smoothly and lasts longer. One of the first steps recommended is removing stickers like "Intel Inside," "Powered by AMD Radeon," "Dolby Surround Approved," or "Bonbon Anglais Certifié" from the laptop. These stickers are typically used for retail display purposes and do not affect the warranty if removed. This simple action helps keep the device looking clean and professional. Setting up privacy options is another key part of the initial configuration, especially for users running either Windows or macOS. It is advised to limit the amount of optional data sent to Microsoft or Apple and to enable location services only when necessary. On macOS, it is possible to use a local account without creating an Apple ID, but Windows 11 encourages the use of a Microsoft account. However, users can bypass this requirement by pressing the Shift + F10 keys to open a command terminal and typing "start ms-cxh:localonly" to set up a local account. Uninstalling pre-installed software, often referred to in Quebec as "inflagiciel" and "obsésiciel," is also emphasized. These programs, such as trial versions of antivirus software, browser extensions, or AI assistants, can consume significant system resources. Removing them promptly helps improve performance. For those who want a completely clean system, a full reset after initial setup can be an option to start with a fresh version of Windows 11. Creating a system restore point is recommended to help recover from configuration errors or unbootable situations. This can be done by searching for "create a system restore point" in the Windows search bar. However, it is important to note that system restore points do not save personal files, so a full backup is advised. Windows 11 provides native backup tools like Windows Backup and OneDrive, though the latter requires a subscription. For more advanced users, third-party tools like Veeam Agent are available. On macOS, the recommended backup solution is Time Machine. For Windows 11 users, a community-developed script called Win11Debloat is available on GitHub. This script allows users to remove pre-installed applications like Bing or Copilot, disable AI features, and clean up the system for a more efficient user experience.