| 1. Preparation | Check hardware compatibility | Confirm that the computer meets the operating system requirements before starting the installation. | 64-bit processor, at least 4 GB memory, at least 64 GB storage, compatible firmware, and supported security features. | 10–15 minutes | The system starts normally and the firmware detects the storage drive and memory. | Required |
| 1. Preparation | Create an installation drive | Use a blank USB drive with sufficient capacity and create bootable installation media from an official installation image. | USB capacity: 8 GB or more; all files on the USB drive may be erased during creation. | 15–45 minutes | The USB drive appears as a bootable device in the firmware boot menu. | Required |
| 1. Preparation | Back up existing data | Copy important files, browser data, license records, and personal folders to separate storage before installation. | Keep at least one additional copy of important files outside the computer being installed. | 15 minutes–several hours | Open several backed-up files from the separate storage location to confirm they are readable. | Required |
| 2. Installation | Start from the installation media | Insert the installation drive, restart the computer, and select the USB device from the temporary boot menu. | Use the firmware boot menu rather than changing permanent settings when possible. | 5–10 minutes | The operating system setup screen opens successfully. | Required |
| 2. Installation | Select language and keyboard layout | Choose the language, regional format, time zone, and keyboard layout that match the intended daily use. | Verify date format, time format, decimal symbol, and keyboard characters. | 5 minutes | Type a short test phrase containing numbers and commonly used symbols. | Required |
| 2. Installation | Choose the installation type | Select a clean installation for a new PC or an empty system drive. Confirm the target drive carefully. | A clean installation removes existing partitions and files on the selected drive. | 10 minutes | The correct drive and partition are selected before installation begins. | Required |
| 2. Installation | Complete the first system setup | Allow the computer to restart several times and finish the initial privacy, network, and user setup screens. | Keep the computer connected to stable power; avoid interrupting the installation. | 20–60 minutes | The desktop loads without setup errors and the system drive is visible. | Required |
| 3. Accounts | Create the primary user account | Use a strong account password or passcode and choose a standard user account for everyday work when possible. | Use a unique password with at least 12 characters and avoid reusing passwords from other services. | 5–10 minutes | Sign out and sign in again to verify the credentials. | Required |
| 3. Accounts | Configure recovery options | Add an approved recovery method and store recovery information in a secure location. | Recovery details should not be saved only on the computer being configured. | 5–10 minutes | Recovery information is displayed as configured and can be accessed securely. | Recommended |
| 4. Drivers | Install essential device drivers | Use the operating system update service first, then install missing drivers from the hardware manufacturer’s official support source. | Prioritize network, chipset, graphics, audio, storage, touchpad, and wireless communication drivers. | 20–60 minutes | Device Manager shows no unknown devices or warning icons. | Required |
| 4. Drivers | Check graphics and display settings | Set the correct resolution, refresh rate, scaling, and orientation for the connected display. | Use the display’s recommended resolution and avoid unsupported refresh rates. | 5–10 minutes | Text is sharp, the screen is stable, and no display flickering occurs. | Verify |
| 5. Updates | Run system updates | Open the update settings, check for updates, install available packages, and restart when requested. | Repeat the check until no important updates remain; several restart cycles may be necessary. | 20–90 minutes | The update page reports that the system is up to date or has no further important updates. | Required |
| 5. Updates | Confirm security protection | Ensure real-time protection, firewall protection, and security notifications are enabled. | Do not run multiple real-time security products simultaneously unless they are designed to work together. | 5–10 minutes | The security dashboard shows active protection with no urgent warnings. | Required |
| 6. System Settings | Set privacy permissions | Review location, camera, microphone, contacts, diagnostics, and application permission settings. | Allow access only to applications that need each permission for a clear purpose. | 10–20 minutes | Review the permission list and disable unnecessary access. | Recommended |
| 6. System Settings | Configure power and sleep behavior | Set screen timeout, sleep timing, battery behavior, and lid or power-button actions according to the computer’s use. | Use balanced power behavior for general work; keep adequate free storage for system operations. | 5–10 minutes | The computer enters and resumes from sleep as expected. | Recommended |
| 6. System Settings | Set date, time, and region | Enable automatic time synchronization and verify the time zone and regional format. | Incorrect time settings can affect secure connections, updates, and scheduled tasks. | 3–5 minutes | The displayed time matches a trusted reference and remains correct after restart. | Required |
| 7. Applications | Install essential software | Install only the applications needed for work, communication, media, maintenance, and file management. | Download installers from official sources and select custom installation options when available. | 15–60 minutes | Each application opens correctly and has the expected file associations. | Recommended |
| 7. Applications | Remove unnecessary software | Uninstall trial programs, duplicate utilities, and applications that are not required. | Keep system components and hardware utilities unless their purpose is clearly understood. | 10–20 minutes | The installed application list contains only trusted and necessary software. | Recommended |
| 8. Backup | Create a recovery method | Enable a suitable backup routine and create a recovery drive or system recovery option. | Keep backup storage separate from the computer and test recovery instructions before an emergency. | 20–90 minutes | A backup completes without errors and the recovery method is clearly labeled. | Required |
| 9. Final Check | Test hardware and connectivity | Test the keyboard, touchpad or mouse, audio, camera, network, external ports, printing, and display output. | Record any missing function, error code, or device warning for later troubleshooting. | 15–30 minutes | All required hardware works without warning messages. | Verify |
| 9. Final Check | Record the finished configuration | Document the operating system edition, version, driver status, installed applications, and backup location. | Store the record in a secure location separate from the computer. | 10–15 minutes | The configuration record can be used to restore or troubleshoot the system later. | Recommended |
