Unfortunately, a Windows PC isn’t quite as straightforward as a Mac or an iPhone, which you can simply switch on and start using. If you want a Windows PC that’s genuinely excellent, it’s well worth building it yourself from carefully chosen components, and installing Windows the right way from the start. This article focuses on desktop PCs, but most of the information also applies to Windows laptops. The main differences for laptops are typically related to BIOS settings and driver installation.
Everything below reflects the opinion of just one person. Others may well have different views. Some of the points discussed are also matters of personal preference, and, as with opinions, there is no single right answer.
That said, I am an IT professional and have worked with Windows workstations for decades. Based on that experience, I believe I have some understanding of the subject, and I am comfortable standing behind everything written below in public.
Most people who install Windows themselves at home tend to fall into one of three camps:
- PC builders who assemble their own machines from individual components.
- People who buy a new PC and immediately wipe the manufacturer’s factory installation.
- Those who upgrade an aging computer because, well… why buy a new one when you can spend hours wrestling with the old one?
If you install Windows yourself, and probably more often than is healthy, this guide is for you. I’ll assume you already know the basics, such as what a USB flash drive is and how to install Windows. (If you don’t, this probably isn’t the guide for you.) This article does not cover upgrading an existing Windows installation or upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Instead, it focuses on performing a fresh, clean installation on a computer that doesn’t yet have Windows installed.
Introduction and Background
One of the biggest frustrations with Windows 11 is that it’s packed with unnecessary extras - applications, features and even advertisements. On top of that, Microsoft collects a considerable amount of telemetry data from every user, which raises privacy concerns for many people and, for others, is simply a matter of principle.
Many of these unnecessary applications consume memory, processor time and storage space even if you never use them, which can be surprisingly irritating.
Yes, if you simply install Windows using the default settings without making any customizations, it will work perfectly well. Your applications, games and everything else will run just fine.
However, by following the approach in this guide, you’ll get considerably more out of your PC. Not only will your system be cleaner and better optimized, but you’ll also save yourself a lot of frustration by avoiding unnecessary software, unwanted features and annoying defaults.
Many Windows users therefore remove unwanted apps to improve performance (or simply because they’re annoyed by their existence) and adjust the privacy settings to suit their own preferences. This can certainly make the system feel leaner, but you should be careful when stripping Windows down. Removing the wrong component may prevent software you actually need from working properly.
For these reasons, I recommend this method for virtually every home Windows installation, regardless of whether the computer is used for gaming, work, content creation or everyday browsing.
Another major challenge with Windows 11 is its strict hardware requirements, particularly regarding supported processors. Microsoft’s aim appears to be improving security by taking advantage of modern CPU security features.
The downside is that many people still own perfectly functional older computers that could easily serve them for years to come. Unfortunately, many of these systems can’t officially be upgraded to Windows 11. There are many workarounds for this though.
There are countless ways to install Windows, and plenty of third-party tools available. Even so, Microsoft’s recommended approach is still to use either the Media Creation Tool or download the Windows ISO directly.
If you’re not completely sure what you’re doing, those are really the only two methods I’d recommend.
I’d like to explain the workflow I personally use when installing and optimizing Windows.
Building PCs is one of my hobbies, so I install Windows, and all the necessary software, fairly regularly. Once you’ve done it often enough, every unnecessary mouse click becomes painfully obvious, and automating repetitive tasks starts saving huge amounts of time.
The method I use is safe, well tested and, most importantly, saves me hours every time I build a machine. Roughly half the time spent building a PC from components is actually taken up by installing Windows, drivers, applications and configuring everything afterwards.
Is it really worth spending time setting up automation if you only install Windows once a year or even once every 10 years?
Personally, I’d say yes. Some of the techniques described below would either be incredibly tedious - or practically impossible - to perform manually. Automation not only makes the whole process significantly faster but also surprisingly straightforward.
Microsoft also provides deployment tools intended for business environments, such as the free Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT). MDT can automate many of the tasks described below using Microsoft’s officially supported deployment methods. A word of warning, though: MDT has reached end of development, even though it’s still available to download. More importantly, it requires extensive and up-to-date technical knowledge. These tools were built for IT professionals and have a fairly steep learning curve.
For that reason, I definitely wouldn’t recommend them for home users, unless you’re looking to turn your hobby into a full-time job.The Two Tools I Use
I mainly rely on two tools that make installing Windows quick and straightforward.
The two tools I recommend are Schneegans.de and Chris Titus Tech’s Windows Utility. Both offer significant benefits and are genuinely free, with no hidden agenda. We’ll use the first tool to customize the Windows installation itself, while the second is used to fine-tune Windows settings and install applications.
There are, of course, many other tools available, and some provide similar functionality. However, many are of questionable quality or origin, some are poorly maintained, and a few can even be harmful. For that reason, I recommend sticking to tools with a strong reputation and a proven track record.
Another excellent utility that I occasionally use is Rufus. However, its functionality is much more focused, and in the context of this guide it only covers a small subset of the features provided by the two tools above.
- Another computer with administrator rights (Windows, macOS or Linux) if you’re building a brand-new PC
- A 16 GB (or larger) USB flash drive
Go to Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page and select Create Windows 11 Installation Media, then click Download Now. This downloads the Media Creation Tool, which creates a bootable USB drive for you. This only works on a Windows computer.
The same page also allows you to download the Windows ISO directly by selecting Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO). This is useful if, for example, you’re installing Windows in a virtual machine.
Once you’ve created the USB drive (or downloaded the ISO), it's time for the first tool:
https://schneegans.de/windows/unattend-generator/
This website generates an autounattend.xml file, which instructs Windows to install itself according to your preferred settings.
This is actually a standard deployment method used in enterprise environments. Windows includes built-in support for unattended installations simply by using an XML file.
The website was created by a highly knowledgeable developer and greatly simplifies a process that would otherwise require Microsoft’s Windows System Image Manager.
Which options should you choose?
Explaining every option properly would take several pages, so it’s much easier to watch these videos instead:
https://youtu.be/WyLiJl-NQU8?si=8SCKU7uOa4Q_HFsa&t=44
https://youtu.be/VapEEf4k7Eo?si=6n9VhyQrd7VfMZiS
Using the tool, you can:
- Bypass Windows 11 hardware requirements
- Install Windows without a Microsoft account
- Remove unnecessary applications and features during installation
If you’re building a desktop PC, use ethernet instead of WiFi if possible.
If you’d like Windows to remain completely in English, leave all language settings at their defaults during installation. Otherwise, certain applications, such as Windows Defender, may still appear in other languages, or Windows may clutter the taskbar with unwanted language options despite the operating system itself being in English.
It’s much cleaner to change the language, region and formatting manually after installation.
I’d recommend enabling:
- Select language settings interactively during Windows Setup
- Bypass Windows 11 requirements check (TPM, Secure Boot, etc.)
- Allow Windows 11 to be installed without internet connection
- Add a local (“offline”) user account interactively during Windows Setup
- Always show file extensions
- Use classic context (right-click) menu in Windows 11
- Open File Explorer to This PC instead of Quick access
- Hide the search box
- Disable widgets
- Do not show Bing results when searching in the Start menu or the search box
- Enable long paths
- Do not update Last Access Time stamp
- Turn off system sounds
- Disable app suggestions / Content Delivery Manager
- Prevent device encryption (unless it's a laptop)
- Hide Edge First Run Experience
- Disable Edge Startup Boost and Background mode
- Prevent download and installation of applications associated with certain hardware devices
- Do not reboot with users signed in
- Disable app suggestions
- Disable core isolation
- Skip Wi-Fi Configuration
Under Remove bloatware, I usually click Select all first, then untick the following so they remain installed:
- Notepad (Classic)
- OneDrive
- Snipping Tool
- Windows Media Player (Classic)
- Paint
- Calculator
- Windows Terminal
- Microsoft Store (don't remove this!)
- Powershell ISE
- Camera
Once you’re happy with the settings, scroll to the bottom of the page and download the XML file, unless you want to add your own scripts or further customizations. If you’re not entirely sure what you’re doing, it’s best not to.
Remember that both Windows and this website evolve constantly, so always review the settings carefully. For example, it’s now possible to disable Windows Hello, although I wouldn’t recommend doing so.Place the XML file in the root of your Windows installation USB drive. The videos above demonstrate exactly how.
When installing Windows, I recommend keeping the computer disconnected from the internet until the installation has finished. This makes it much easier to create a local account and avoids several unnecessary complications.
The entire process is straightforward, saves a considerable amount of time, and eliminates much of the manual work involved in removing unwanted software and adjusting privacy settings afterwards.
Additional Tweaks and Installing Software
Before we move on to the second tool, there are a few essential steps to complete first, including updating your motherboard’s BIOS.
Once Windows has been installed, remove the Windows installation USB flash drive and install the necessary drivers. If you’re using an AMD-based system, I strongly recommend doing this before connecting the computer to the internet. This prevents Windows Update from automatically installing older generic drivers, which can cause problems later.Install the following drivers:
- AMD chipset drivers
- Graphics drivers (NVIDIA or AMD, depending on your graphics card)
Avoid using the Auto-Detect option. Instead, scroll down, select Chipsets, then choose the correct driver for your Product Family and Product Line (for example, AM5). Download the drivers on another computer and copy them to the new PC using a USB flash drive.
If you have an NVIDIA GPU, install the latest graphics driver using NVCleanstall. This utility allows you to install only the components you actually need, avoiding unnecessary extras such as GeForce Experience (unless you specifically want it).
Once the drivers have been installed, restart the computer. You can then connect it to the internet and allow Windows Update to run. This is also a good time to activate Windows using your product key.
Let Windows Update install everything it finds, then restart the computer. After rebooting, check Windows Update again. If additional updates are available, install them and restart once more. Repeat this process until Windows Update reports that there are no more updates available.
Next, open the Microsoft Store and check for app updates. Let all the updates install, then check again until no further updates are offered. Unlike Windows Update, Microsoft Store app updates generally don’t require a restart.
Open the device manager and make sure there’s no missing drivers.
Once that’s done, it’s time to tweak the BIOS settings a bit.
Updating the BIOS
Don’t use beta BIOS versions. Likewise, avoid updating the BIOS directly over the internet using the motherboard’s built-in online update feature. Instead, download the latest stable BIOS from the motherboard manufacturer’s website, copy the update file to a USB flash drive, and perform the update using the traditional USB method.
You can find the correct BIOS by searching online for your motherboard’s exact model and visiting the support page on the motherboard’s website.
Important: Once the BIOS update has started, leave the computer alone. Don’t press any keys, power it off, or interrupt the process in any way. Simply let the update complete on its own.
After the update, you may see a black screen with white text saying something like, “BIOS has been reset. Press F1 to continue.” This is perfectly normal. At that point, press the requested key to continue and let Windows boot.
After that, re-enter the BIOS.
If and when your memory supports an XMP profile (or DOCP on many AMD motherboards), enable it now. Otherwise, your RAM will almost certainly be running at its default JEDEC speed rather than its advertised performance which can make a huge performance difference. Save & Exit and let Windows boot.
Then, run a few performance benchmarks and monitor temperatures and system stability.
Recommended benchmark: Cinebench R23: https://installer.maxon.net/cinebench/CinebenchR23.zip
Recommended graphics benchmark: Unigine Superposition: https://benchmark.unigine.com/superposition
Recommended monitoring software: CPUID HWMonitor: https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html (zip version)
Note the results and re-enter the BIOS.
I recommend enabling Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO). Leave the PBO settings on Auto unless you have a specific reason to change them.
If you’re using a modern AMD Ryzen processor, you can also reduce temperatures - and often improve performance slightly - by configuring the Curve Optimizer.
Navigate to:
Advanced → AMD Overclocking → Curve Optimizer (menu’s could be different and a bit hard to find)
Enable Curve Optimiser, then select:
- All Cores
- Negative
- 15
In my experience, this approach is both simpler and safer than applying a manual negative voltage offset. It usually reduces CPU temperatures while allowing the processor to boost more efficiently.
There’s generally no need to use Ryzen Master unless you’re planning to tune individual cores or CCXs manually.
Finally, run your benchmarks again after enabling PBO and Curve Optimizer. Compare the results with your earlier benchmark scores and keep an eye on CPU and GPU temperatures to ensure everything is performing as expected.
Now it’s time for the second tool: Chris Titus Tech’s Windows Utility.
Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell as Administrator and run:
iwr -useb https://christitus.com/win | iex
This utility allows you to:
- Install a large collection of applications with a single click.
- Apply a range of sensible Windows tweaks in just a few seconds.
https://youtu.be/pldFPTnOCGM?si=SOuUqIjF9umeXmL-
My recommendations
Install only the applications you really need. For a clean system, I recommend:- Brave browser
- 7-Zip
- Bitwarden password manager
You don’t need to create a restore point at this stage.
Select:
- Delete Temporary Files
- Disable Consumer Features
- Disable Telemetry
- Disable Hibernation
- Disable WiFi-Sense
- Enable End Task with right click
- Set Services to Manual
- Run O&O ShutUp10 and select Apply only recommended settings.
- If you’re using a desktop PC, enable the Ultimate Performance power plan.
- Change Windows Update behavior to the recommended one.
Additional info:
If you’re building a new PC and have access to another Windows computer, using a virtual machine is an excellent way to experiment with all these settings before applying them to your real system.
Windows Pro includes Hyper-V, which can be enabled through Windows Features once hardware virtualization has been enabled in your BIOS or UEFI firmware.
Hyper-V allows you to create a virtual test machine where you can safely experiment with everything described here before touching your physical installation. Personally, I’d recommend Hyper-V over third-party alternatives such as Oracle VirtualBox.
First of all - enjoy it! đ
The system has been carefully selected, assembled and configured to provide the best balance of performance, reliability and ease of use. The following recommendations will help keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Lifetime Support
If you’re ever unsure about something, it’s always better to ask first than try to fix it afterwards. A quick message or phone call can often save a lot of time and frustration.
Leave the Settings Alone
The system has already been fully optimized. There’s no need to tweak Windows settings, install “performance boosters”, registry cleaners or similar utilities. In almost every case they either make no difference or make things worse.
The same applies to the BIOS. The settings have been configured specifically for this hardware and should only be changed if there’s a genuine reason to do so.
Cleaning
Dust is the biggest enemy of any gaming PC.
I recommend cleaning the inside of the computer at least once a year. Excessive dust restricts airflow, increases temperatures, makes the fans noisier and can eventually reduce performance.
The removable dust filters should also be cleaned regularly.
For cleaning, I personally recommend using an electric air blower (such as a battery-powered workshop blower). After many years of building PCs, I’ve found this to be the quickest and safest method.
One good tools for this: https://makitatools.com/products/details/GBU02Z
DO NOT use household vacuum cleaners, as they are surprisingly ineffective for this job and there’s a risk of accidentally damaging components or generating static electricity.
Disposable compressed-air cans are also not ideal, as they quickly lose pressure and can expel liquid propellant if held incorrectly.
A quality electric blower is an excellent choice, but an ESD-safe compressed air blower is perfectly acceptable as well.
User Account
The PC currently has a single local administrator account which signs in automatically without a password.
BitLocker drive encryption has been disabled.
These settings can easily be changed later if your requirements change, but this configuration provides the simplest experience for a dedicated gaming PC.
Drivers and BIOS
The latest BIOS, chipset drivers and graphics drivers have already been installed.
The graphics driver should be updated from time to time, particularly when new games are released. NVIDIA’s Game Ready Driver is the recommended choice. Always use NVCleanInstall.
BIOS updates should only be performed when there’s a genuine reason, not simply because a newer version exists.
Please note that updating the BIOS resets its settings, so the performance tweaks (including AMD PBO and Curve Optimiser) would need to be configured again afterwards.
Web Browsing
The PC includes both Brave and Microsoft Edge.
I recommend using Brave as your primary browser, thanks to its excellent built-in privacy protection and ad blocking. Edge is there as a reliable backup if a website doesn’t behave properly.
Remote Support
Just let me know if you need help, we can use a remote control software.
Installing Software
Try to keep the system clean.
Only install software you genuinely need. If you’re unsure about something, just ask, I’m happy to give a second opinion.
Likewise, I’d avoid following random YouTube videos promising “ultimate Windows gaming optimizations”. Most of them either achieve nothing or introduce new problems.
This Windows installation has already been fully optimized.
Security
No third-party antivirus software is required.
Microsoft Defender provides excellent protection for most home users, and Brave adds another layer of protection while browsing.
If you ever feel you need additional protection, Malwarebytes Premium is one of the few products I’d consider recommending.
If you're genuinely interested in learning more about computer security in home use, here's some bedtime reading for you:
https://tapiokuosma.blogspot.com/p/home-computer-security-in-2026-what.html
Password Manager
Bitwarden has been installed.
I strongly recommend using it for all your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication to protect your account.
Keeping Everything Updated
Allow Windows Update to install updates normally. Don’t disable it!
Once a month, it’s also worth opening an elevated PowerShell window and running:
winget upgrade --all
This updates almost all installed applications in one go. Another recommended software is the Patch My PC Home Updater.
It’s also worth opening the Microsoft Store occasionally and installing any available app updates.
Most Importantly...
This PC was built to be used, not admired from afar!
Enjoy it, play lots of games, and get your money’s worth out of it!
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