Basic steps to take when preparing a fresh Windows device

Windows Quick Start.md

Install

• Core
  • Ninite
  • Total Commander
• Productivity
  • LightBulb
  • ImageGlass
  • WhatsApp
• Development
  • Git
  • PowerShell
  • .NET
  • Node.js
  • VS Code
  • JetBrains Rider

Configure

• Debloat
  • Run WinDebloat
• Windows settings
  • Change the device name to something sensible
  • Move standard user directories to the storage partition
    • For each folder (Downloads, Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos): open File Explorer → right-click the folder in the left sidebar → Properties → Location tab → Move → select the desired path on the storage partition
  • Configure appropriate Windows locale
  • Configure additional keyboard layouts
  • Enable “Turn on Dark mode systemwide”
  • Enable “Let me use a different input method for each app window”
  • Disable “Use the print screen key to open Snipping Tool”
  • Enable “End task in taskbar”
  • Enable “Remove MAX_PATH limitations”
  • Configure Google DNS in network adapter settings
  • Configure wallpaper slideshow
• Sign-ins & sync
  • Sign into Microsoft Account (via Windows Control Panel)
  • Sign into Google Account (via Chrome settings)
  • Sign into VS Code and sync settings
  • Sign into JetBrains Rider and sync settings
• Git
  • Set global identity
    • git config --global user.name "xxx"
    • git config --global user.email "xxx"
  • SSH keys
    • Generate git SSH keys
    • Add the SSH key to GitHub

Laptop-specific configuration

• Disable “media keys without Fn” (usually in BIOS)
• Set touchpad sensitivity to “High sensitivity”
• Basic touchpad settings
  • Enable “Tap twice and drag to multi-select”
  • Set scroll mode to “down motion scrolls up”
• Advanced touchpad gestures
  • 2-finger swipe left: backward navigation
  • 2-finger swipe right: forward navigation
  • 3-finger tap: middle mouse button
  • Disable all other gestures

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