There’s nothing quite like automating or in the very least, making OS reloads easier. I love it, but that’s probably because I remember having to install Windows using 3.5″ floppy disks. Anyway, here’s to making Windows 8.1 installation easier.
Table of Contents
Preparation
- Download updated drivers
- Download updated programs (not in Ninite package)
- Ensure personal files are properly backed up
After Windows 8.1 Installation
- Windows updates
- Install drivers
- Hide extensions for known file types
- Hide empty drives
- Show hidden files, folders, and drives
- Add “My Computer” icon to desktop (Right-click desktop -> Personalize -> Choose desktop icons)
- https://ninite.com – download some programs
- Right-click taskbar and personalize Windows 8.1 settings
- Setup shortcuts, startup optimization, and map drives (if necessary)
- Personalize backgrounds (https://wallhaven.cc/), screensaver, and power settings
- Windows file recovery (Backup and Restore under Windows 7)
Here’s a great video that goes into more detail on the install:
The First 5 Things to Do After Installing Windows
Install latest drivers, update Windows, and then replace Internet Explorer with Chrome or Firefox.
- Access folder options to turn off hide extensions for known file types
- Also turn on hidden file display and hide empty drives off.
- Add a My Computer icon to the desktop
- Personalize > Change desktop Icons > Tick Computer
- Install small applications or utilities via ninite.com
- Apps you’re going to install anyway. Rerun the installer to update.
- Specifically Windows 8.1 installation – Boot to desktop and disable charms.
- Under navigation settings in menu properties. Select show desktop or use classic shell (update: no longer actively developed).
- Windows beautification, AKA wallpapers via
interfacelift.com(update: no longer live).
Paul’s list is fairly close to mine. Very cool. Once you do this enough times, having little time savers or a productive system to move forward with is nice.