Windows 10: Fresh install of Windows 10 what next?

Really I know to update drivers from manufacturers websites, but mainly just curious as to what programs are favored with everyone. Anti virus, registry cleaners, disk defrag, whatever else. Also wondering if Windows Defender is worth keeping or if any other Windows programs that are preloaded should be removed.

:)

 

Windows 10 fresh install, what happens to applications on my second hard drive

Hi Hussain,

The applications on your HDD should be working properly once it is connected to your machine. The only time that you would need to reinstall an application is when it isn't compatible with the build and version of Windows 10 that you'll be installing.

Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

 

Windows 10 fresh install, what happens to applications on my second hard drive

Hello,

I ran into some issues recently and had to reinstall windows 10 on my computer. I use a 128GB SSD as the boot drive and a 2TB HDD for applications and files. Since I reinstalled windows 10, what happens to my applications on my HDD. If they start up as they
normally did, should i use them or delete the files and reinstall all the software?

Any advice would be appreciated

Moved from: Windows / Windows 10 / Install, upgrade, & activate

 

Hi, you don't need to update drivers manually unless you have a clear problem. Windows does that for you.
It's hardly worth bothering removing some of the universal apps you don't use, but you're welcome to do so.

What you should do first is start routinely using disk imaging to protect your PC, your data and perhaps your sanity.

Here's my write-up on the value of disk imaging.

Everyone who contributes regularly here uses and recommends disk imaging.

If you use it, you can recover from:
- a failed disk drive (restore to a new one)
- ransomware (which encrypts your disk)
- user error
- unrecoverable problems from failed updates to problem programs
- unbootable PC (hardware faults aside)

Images also act as a full backup- you can extract files too.

You can even use images to help you move more easily and quickly to a new PC.
Can be used with Laplink software to transfer your build automatically to another PC

Imaging can even help you sleep at night knowing you have a second chance.

Creating disk images lets you restore Windows and all your imaged disks and partitions to a previous working state from compressed copies you have created and kept updated on external storage media, quickly and probably without technical help.

Many here recommend Macrium Reflect (free) as a good robust solution and more reliable than some others. It’s
- more feature rich
- more flexible
- more reliable
than Windows Backup and Restore system images.

It's well supported with videos, help and a responsive forum.

There are other such programs, free/commercial, some with simpler interfaces, but Macrium R is one of the most robust and reliable.

How long does it take?
SSD+ USB3 - maybe 15 mins for the first system image, less thereafter
HDD + USB2 - maybe 40-50 mins
That’s with little personal data, few programs installed.
- of course, depends how much you have on C:
(You can and should image all your partitions and disks)

Once you've created your first image, keep it updated with e.g. differential imaging- which images just changes from the first image, more quickly, and creates a smaller image file.

You need a backup medium - say- twice as large as the total amount of data you are imaging to keep a reasonable number of differential images. This will vary dependent on the number of images you keep, so is only a rough practical guide.

Some comment that system restore isn't always reliable; if it works and solves the problem, great. But sometimes restores won't work or fail. And of course a restore point only covers a limited number of aspects of the system. That’s where disk imaging comes in.

(There's a tutorial on Macrium in the Tutorials section, and a couple of videos in the user videos section on this forum)
Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect Windows 10 Backup Restore Tutorials
Windows 10 instructional videos by Ten Forums members

 

Well , first off ..... you don't need any kind of " Registry Cleaners" period. Period! Save your disk space. Also I don't think you really NEED another disk defragger, windows built in one is just fine. Now on to the rest , a lot of people like Defender and I used it for a minute or so lol, but an Anti-virus is largely up to you. I use Panda cloud A/V myself, its extremely light on your machine and I have had no problems with it. I think Ccleaner is a no brainer too. I have the Pro version but all you really need is the free one. A good uninstaller is a good idea too I think. I use Revo and have never had any misgivings or problems. As a "back-up" so to speak, I also have SuperAntispyware (free). A good imaging program is a good idea, Macrium is my choice there. I use third party programs for my media too, VLC for movies/videos, Winamp (yeah I know its old but it works for me) for music , and Faststone for pictures.

You can do these to optimize your system, its the safest way by far : Optimize Performance of Windows 10 Windows 10 Performance Maintenance Tutorials

 

For AV, I stick with Defender. I've never needed anything stronger.

Registry cleaners? Nope, don't use them. I stay away from them.

Disk Defrag: If I have a standard mechanical drive, I let Windows take care of it. Since I mostly use SSD, I don't use anything.

Personally, I hit Ninite - Install or Update Multiple Apps at Once and download the following
--7zip
--putty
--notepad++
--chrome
--evernote
--filezilla
--Office 365
--Dropbox

That's pretty much what I use outside of games.

 

's software

 

what is mentioned is just right, just like one more opinion. Windows has favored performance, compatible, new features if your PC or laptop computer are. without leaving out the improved measures for work and the choice of starting programs. ninite for many I include is good if the PC is connected to the internet, since otherwise. you can view the programs from their official manufacturer page. remember to have updated Windows antivirus defend. is the most complete and upgraded. defragmenting the disk in a given time can be every month or choice. enjoy windows

 

I'm also using Windows Defender together with a VPN. So far, no nasties. I've used Ccleaner registry cleaner on occasion and it's never caused a problem. I like Revo Uninstaller, too. It does a thorough job.

 

I worry about getting Ccleaner seeing as how that was one of the last things I did before my laptop went fubar.

 

There is nothing wrong with CCleaner *Smile

Just don`t install anything you don`t need, and you`ll be fine.

 

As someone said, many people use Macrium Free to make regular images of the C: drive. Very reliable, works automatically in the background. Assuming the C: drive does not hold personal files like Documents, Pictures which are on another disc, if the C: drive goes down completely and the comp. won't even boot and you have previously made a one-off Macrium Rescue Disc or USB stick, it takes about 15-20 minutes to restore it to what it was when you last made an image, in my case the last time 5:15 pm came around. If your personal files are on the C: drive it would take longer to make the regular images and to use it to restore.