Merry Christmas! If you unwrapped a shiny new laptop, tablet, or computer this morning, you're probably eager to start using it. But before you dive into downloading games or setting up your email, taking a few minutes to set up your device properly will save you hours of headaches down the road. Here in Saskatoon, we help dozens of families every holiday season get their new tech gifts running smoothly.

Whether you received a Windows laptop, MacBook, iPad, or desktop computer, this guide will walk you through the essential setup steps. These are the same procedures our software installation team recommends to ensure your new device stays fast, secure, and reliable for years to come.

Devices set up properly on day one are 60% less likely to experience performance issues or security problems within the first year of use.

Before You Start: What You Need

Before powering on your new device, gather these essentials to make the setup process smoother:

Wi-Fi password: You'll need your home network name and password for internet access
Account credentials: Microsoft account, Apple ID, or Google account login information
Charger: Make sure your device is plugged in during initial setup to avoid interruptions
Old device: Keep it nearby if you plan to transfer data, photos, or settings
Time: Set aside 30-60 minutes for proper setup without rushing

Got everything ready? Let's get your new Christmas gift set up the right way.

Step 1: Initial Device Setup

When you first power on your new device, you'll be guided through an initial setup wizard. Here's how to navigate it correctly:

For Windows Laptops and Desktops:

Select your region and keyboard layout — Choose Canada and your preferred language
Connect to Wi-Fi — Select your home network and enter the password
Sign in with a Microsoft account — This enables cloud backups and syncing (or create a local account if preferred)
Set up Windows Hello — Configure fingerprint or facial recognition for quick, secure logins
Review privacy settings — Take time to read each option and disable any tracking you're not comfortable with

For MacBooks and Mac Desktops:

Select your country and language — Choose Canada
Connect to Wi-Fi — Join your home network
Sign in with Apple ID — This enables iCloud, Find My Mac, and the App Store
Enable FileVault encryption — Protects your data if the device is lost or stolen
Set up Touch ID — Configure fingerprint authentication for faster access

Take your time with these steps. The choices you make during initial setup affect your privacy and security for as long as you own the device.

Step 2: Security First

A brand-new computer is a clean slate — no viruses, no malware, no security issues. Let's keep it that way! Security should be your first priority after initial setup.

Install All System Updates:

Your new device likely has pending updates that were released after it left the factory. Installing these updates patches security vulnerabilities and improves stability.

Windows: Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
Mac: Go to Apple Menu → System Settings → General → Software Update

This might take 30 minutes or longer and may require a restart. Be patient — it's worth it.

Set Up Antivirus Protection:

Windows 11 includes Windows Defender, which provides solid basic protection. For most Saskatoon home users, this is sufficient. However, if you want additional protection, consider free options like Malwarebytes for on-demand scanning.

Mac users benefit from built-in security features, but should still practice safe browsing habits and avoid downloading software from untrusted sources.

Create Strong Passwords:

Use a unique, strong password for your device login. Consider setting up a password manager like Bitwarden (free) to help manage passwords for all your online accounts securely.

Step 3: Install Essential Software

New computers come with Windows or macOS and not much else useful. Here are the essential free applications every new device needs:

Web Browser:

Google Chrome — Fast, secure, and syncs across all your devices
Mozilla Firefox — Privacy-focused alternative with excellent features
Microsoft Edge — Pre-installed on Windows, surprisingly good in 2025

Productivity Tools:

LibreOffice — Free alternative to Microsoft Office for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
Google Docs/Sheets — Cloud-based option that works in any browser
Adobe Acrobat Reader — Essential for viewing and signing PDF documents

Utilities:

7-Zip — Open ZIP files and other compressed archives
VLC Media Player — Plays virtually any video or audio file format
Paint.NET or GIMP — Free image editing for basic photo work

Need help choosing the right software? Check out our detailed guide on essential free software every new computer needs in 2025.

Step 4: Transfer Your Data

Got photos, documents, and files on your old computer? Here's how to transfer them to your new device:

Option 1: Cloud Storage (Easiest)

If your files are already backed up to OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox, simply sign in to those services on your new device. Your files will sync automatically.

Option 2: External Hard Drive or USB

Connect an external drive to your old computer
Copy important folders: Documents, Pictures, Downloads, Desktop
Safely eject the drive and connect it to your new computer
Copy the files to the same folder locations on the new device

Option 3: Direct Transfer Cable

Both Windows and Mac offer built-in migration tools that can transfer files, settings, and even some applications directly between old and new devices using a USB cable or network connection.

If you have important data and aren't comfortable transferring it yourself, our software support team can help ensure nothing gets lost in the transition.

Step 5: Personalize Your Device

Now for the fun part! Make your new device feel like yours:

Set a desktop wallpaper — Choose a personal photo or download a beautiful background
Organize your desktop — Create folders for different types of files to stay organized from day one
Pin favorite apps — Add your most-used programs to the taskbar or dock for quick access
Configure email — Set up your email accounts in the Mail app or your preferred client
Install entertainment apps — Netflix, Spotify, gaming platforms like Steam

Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid

We've seen a lot of new computers come through our shop with problems that started on day one. Here's what NOT to do:

Skipping updates: Those initial Windows updates are critical for security — don't postpone them
Installing bloatware: Avoid "free" software bundles that come with toolbars, browser extensions, or other junk
Using weak passwords: "password123" won't protect your Christmas photos from hackers
Not setting up backup: Your new device will eventually fail — set up cloud backup or external drive backup now
Downloading from sketchy sites: Only install software from official sources or trusted download sites
Ignoring privacy settings: Take time to review what data your device shares and with whom

If you've already made one of these mistakes, don't worry. Most can be fixed with a bit of cleanup. Our guide on cleaning up your computer for the new year can help.

Need Help Setting Up Your New Tech?

Setting up a new computer should be exciting, not stressful. If you'd rather spend Christmas Day with family instead of troubleshooting tech, TechYXE is here to help. Our software installation service can get your new device set up perfectly so you can start enjoying it right away.

Our setup service includes:

Complete initial setup — Windows or macOS configuration done right the first time
Essential software installation — All the apps you need, none of the bloatware you don't
Data transfer — Safely move your files, photos, and documents from your old device
Security configuration — Antivirus, updates, and privacy settings optimized
Personalization — Email setup, account configuration, and your preferences applied
Local Saskatoon service — Real people who understand your needs

Software installation starts at just $19, and we offer remote support so you don't even need to leave your home. Contact us today to get your Christmas tech set up properly!

Essential Free Software Every New Computer Needs in 2025 — Complete guide to the best free apps for your new device
How to Clean Up Your Computer for the New Year — Start 2026 with a fast, organized PC
How to Back Up Your Data Before the Holidays — Protect your precious files and photos
Protect Your Computer from Holiday Season Threats — Stay safe from scams and malware this season

How to Set Up Your New Christmas Tech Gifts (2025 Guide)