What to install after formatting Windows: a complete guide

Formatting your PC has its relief aspects and its headaches. On the one hand, the system is clean, fast, and error-free; on the other, you have to remember what to install after formatting to have your computer ready again for work, study, play or simply browse the Internet without missing anything.

After many system reformats, you eventually realize that you almost always rely on a fairly similar set of programs and basic configurations. It's true that someone who works in office automation doesn't need the same things as an architect, a programmer, or a hardcore gamer, but there's a common core of Essential applications, drivers, and initial settings which should be very clear (and how) save program settings) so that the launch of your "fresh out of the oven" Windows doesn't become an ordeal.

First steps after formatting: activating, updating and preparing Windows

Before you rush to install programs like there's no tomorrow, it's essential to properly install your operating system. This involves activate Windows, install updates, prepare drivers, and configure devices basic, because everything depends on them to work smoothly.

Activate Windows license

If your computer was already linked to a Microsoft account, the digital license will usually reactivate automatically when you connect to the internet. If not, you will need to manually enter your product key from the system settings to unlock all customization options.

In Windows 10, activation is managed from Settings> System> About, while in Windows 11 you will have to go to Settings > System > Information > ActivationWithout a valid license you can use the system, but you will have annoying limitations when adjusting the desktop, background, some parameters and, above all, you could have legal problems in professional environments.

Install all Windows updates

Although the installer may seem like it, when you create a Windows installation USB drive you're not downloading a "final and up-to-date" version. You're actually downloading the edition with the latest major cumulative updateHowever, it does not include security patches or improvements that are released weekly.

Therefore, as soon as you activate the license, the next step is to open Windows Update and download all pending updates. It's a somewhat lengthy process, involving several restarts and potentially taking over an hour depending on the hard drive, computer power, and internet speed, but it's crucial for fix bugs, improve performance and patch vulnerabilities that could leave your PC sold.

Peripheral drivers and software

Windows usually recognizes most keyboards, mice, printers, and other peripherals automatically, but if you want to get the most out of their features, it's a good idea to install the official manufacturer softwareHere we talk about things like macros, profiles, advanced settings, scanning, ink management, RGB lighting, and other extras.

For basic use, the drivers that Windows installs are sufficient, but if you have a gaming keyboard or mouse, or a feature-rich printer, their dedicated applications allow you to customize buttons, manage lighting, access advanced printing or scanning modes and much more. In Windows 11 with the 23H2 update, there is also the option to dynamic lighting en Settings > Personalization > Dynamic Lightingwhich can save you from having multiple lighting programs installed if your devices are compatible.

Component drivers and driver pack

Something that's good to have ready even before formatting is a Driver package for motherboard, graphics card, sound, network and other hardwareIt is not uncommon that, after a clean installation, Windows does not correctly recognize some devices or uses generic drivers that don't work perfectly.

The best approach is to download the chipset, GPU (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel), network adapter, and audio drivers from the official websites, save them to a USB drive, and then, once Windows is installed, install the most critical ones if you encounter any problems. Having these drivers readily available prevents situations where a newly formatted PC lacks them. WiFi, sound, or adequate resolution until you manage to connect it somehow.

Stability review following update issues

If you've had a bad experience with a Windows build (for example, a Windows 11 update that left you with blue screens, driver errors, or other issues), formatting is usually the cleanest solution. In these cases, in addition to reinstalling, it's advisable to... control which updates are installed and make sure all drivers are compatible.

When the source of the problems is certain specific versions, it can be helpful to delay some feature updates and focus first on getting everything working stably, with the Correct drivers, no conflicts or unusual software that loads at startup.

Essential apps you absolutely must install

Once the system is activated, updated, and has the most important drivers in place, the fun begins: installing the essential applications. It's not about filling your PC with junk, but about wisely choosing a set of Programs that cover everyday tasks: browsing, working with documents, watching videos, listening to music, managing files, and maintaining security.

Web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge and others

Windows 10 and 11 come with Microsoft Edge As the default browser, it's a modern replacement for Internet Explorer that, since switching to Chromium, is far more capable than many people realize. It's compatible with the same Chrome extensionsIt performs very well and, for many users, it might be the only option you need.

Even so, it's very common for the first thing you do after formatting to be to use Edge to download Google Chrome or Mozilla FirefoxThe two most popular browsers on the market. Both stand out for their enormous ecosystem of extensions, cross-device synchronization, and community, so it's very common to have both installed. separate uses (work and leisure) or have a plan B If one fails, you can also use command-line tools to speed things up, for example. Use Winget to install programs after formatting.

Edge, being integrated into the system, has the advantage of consuming slightly fewer resources in some scenarios and offering native features such as a PDF reader, integration with Microsoft services, and a good balance between performance and resource consumption. Chrome, meanwhile, remains king in terms of... compatibility with websites, support for web applications, and synchronization with your Google accountFirefox stands out for its focus on privacy and open source.

Office suites: Microsoft Office and LibreOffice

If you're going to use your PC for studying, working, or simply managing documents, you need a good office suite. The global benchmark remains... Microsoft Officewith Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other leading programs with which you can create and edit all kinds of documents, spreadsheets, presentations or databases.

The problem is that Office, while very comprehensive, isn't exactly cheap, and if you only need to edit documents occasionally, a subscription might not be worth it. This is where [the solution/approach] comes in. LibreOffice, an open-source and completely free suite that offers alternatives to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with a Very broad compatibility with Microsoft formats.

LibreOffice has improved tremendously over the years: it's stable, powerful, and increasingly has fewer problems opening or saving files created with Office. That's precisely its strength. combination of zero cost and high compatibilityIdeal for home users, students, or people who don't need to integrate with Microsoft 365 corporate services.

PDF viewers and editors: SumatraPDF, Foxit Reader, and PDFelement

The PDF format has become the standard for contracts, manuals, invoices, and official documents. Windows 10 and 11 allow you to open PDFs directly with Edge, which also includes tools for... Highlight text, add annotations, and read aloud, which is enough for many users.

However, if you want a lighter, faster, and no-frills viewfinder, SumatraPDF It's a little gem. It's open source, uses very few resources, and starts up in a flash—perfect for anyone who just needs view PDFs, ePubs, comics or similar documents without carrying heavy suites.

When the need arises to edit PDF content, organize pages, insert images, or fill out advanced forms, it's worth considering solutions like PDF elementWith its free version, you can perform many tasks: modify text, add or remove graphic elements, manage annotations, and work with forms without needing the paid version of Acrobat, making it a a very versatile tool for office and studios.

Another long-established and widely used option is Foxit ReaderIt's a viewer with tabbed support, numerous annotation options, and a customizable interface. It's been on the market for years and has earned a good reputation for its... balance between lightness and advanced features, ideal for those who work daily with a large number of PDFs.

Media players and music streaming: VLC, Kodi and Spotify

Windows includes its own applications for playing videos and music, but sooner or later you'll encounter a format that doesn't look or sound right. That's where this comes in. VLC Media Player, the classic open-source player that plays virtually any audio or video file without the need to install additional codec packs.

VLC is free, cross-platform and very complete, with options for subtitles, playlists, audio and video filters, network playback And much more. It's one of those programs that almost everyone installs right after formatting because you know it'll get you out of trouble with any weird files.

If you're looking for a complete multimedia center, with movies, series and music managed from a single interface, Kodi It's another key piece. This open-source software lets you organize your local library with cover art, metadata, series covers, and even extend its functionality through add-ons which add online services, radio stations, podcasts and more.

For music, fewer and fewer people are storing MP3s on their hard drive and prefer streaming. Spotify It's the benchmark: with its free (ad-supported) version, you can listen to virtually any artist, create and follow playlists, discover music, and sync across devices. With it, you no longer need collect gigabytes of songs nor manually manage audio folders.

Cloud storage: OneDrive, Google Drive, and Mega

No matter how big your hard drive is, space will eventually run out, and besides, there are files that you want to be able to access from anywhere. That's what file-sharing services are for. cloud storagewhich allow you to save documents, photos and projects on remote servers with automatic synchronization.

Windows integrates OneDrive It comes standard, and it works wonderfully if you use a Microsoft account and Office 365. But perhaps you're already used to Google DriveIt offers a good amount of free gigabytes and integrates with Google Docs, Sheets and other company services, ideal if you live in the Google ecosystem.

Another popular alternative is Mega, known for offering significantly more free space than the competition and for its end-to-end encryptionwhich adds an extra layer of privacy. In all cases, the most convenient option is to install the official client on Windows so that your folders are synchronized without having to manually upload files from your browser.

Download managers and torrent clients: Transmission, qBittorrent, and JDownloader

Downloading large files from the internet isn't always about piracy. Many Linux distributions, free software projects, and legal files are distributed over networks. P2P (torrent) or direct download servers, so a good manager is always useful.

Transmission It's a very lightweight, simple, and clean torrent client, designed for those who only need the bare essentials: adding links, controlling speed, managing queues, and little else. Its appeal lies in the fact that It does not include bloatware or ads., something that other, more well-known clients have incorporated over time.

If you're looking for a more complete torrent client that's still free and open source, qBittorrent It's another excellent option. It offers an intuitive interface, plenty of advanced options, filters, and search capabilities, but without cluttering your system or installing unwanted software. It's widely used as a clean alternative to uTorrent.

For direct downloads from servers like those of many websites, the classic method is JDownloaderThis manager makes it easy to add links, automatically capture them from the clipboard, manage wait times, passwords, and captchas. It's a program for open source, very complete and highly configurablealthough its interface may seem somewhat overwhelming at first.

Compressors and decompressors: WinRAR and PeaZip

Compressed files remain the most convenient way to group several files and reduce their size To send them by email, upload them to the cloud, or share them by any means. Windows can handle ZIP natively, but if you want to work with many different formats, you'll need a dedicated compression program.

The format RAR It is one of the most widespread, and to create and fully manage it, the traditional option is WinRARAlthough it's a paid app, the popular 40-day trial never actually expires, so many people use it without a license. It allows you to open and create a wide variety of file formats and offers... Advanced features such as volumes, recovery, and encryption.

If you prefer something completely free and open source, a great alternative is PeaZipThis program relies on the 7-Zip engine and offers a user-friendly interface with support for almost all common compression formatsYou can open virtually any compressed file you receive and create files in multiple free formats; the only limitation comes with proprietary formats like RAR, which can only be generated with their official software.

Image editing: Adobe Photoshop and GIMP

For retouching photos, creating designs, or working with graphics, the king is still Adobe PhotoshopIt's the professional standard in photography, design, and many other creative fields, with a massive arsenal of tools for Advanced editing, layers, masks, filters, automation, and batch processingIf you make a living from this or need very advanced features, it's hard to escape it.

However, its price and complexity make it unattractive to users who only want to retouch photos occasionally, create simple collages, or prepare images for social media. That's where [the solution] comes in. GIMP, an open-source and completely free image editor that can do many of the things that Photoshop allows.

GIMP includes layers, brushes, filters, advanced selection tools, and scripting support, and if you're coming from Photoshop, you'll find it easy to adapt to its workflow. It's a An excellent alternative for hobbyists, students, and users who don't need the full Adobe ecosystem It doesn't have the latest AI features, but it is something powerful.

Screenshots and recording: ShareX and PicPick

Windows has greatly improved its capture tools with the Print Screen key shortcut Win + Print Screen and the current Snipping Toolwhich already allows you to easily crop, draw, and save. But if you take screenshots often, you'll probably find it insufficient.

ShareX It is a free and open-source program that allows you to not only take screenshots in multiple modes (window, region, full screen, scrolling, etc.), but also Record desktop video, edit on the fly, add graphics, and automatically upload captures to various servicesIt is a very powerful tool for content creators, trainers, and anyone who frequently documents processes.

Another very interesting option is PicpickIt combines screenshot capture with a small integrated graphic editor. In addition to allowing different types of capture, it offers tools such as Rulers, color droppers, effects, frames, shadows, and watermarksAll managed through a relatively simple interface. It's ideal for users who want more than just a cropping tool, but without the complexity of heavier solutions.

Extra security: Malwarebytes as a second opinion

Windows 10 and 11 include Microsoft DefenderDefender, an antivirus program that over the years has gone from being a novelty to becoming a fairly competent solution. For normal internet use (browsing, watching videos, using social media, and downloading only from trusted sources), Defender is usually more than enough.

Even so, there may be very specific threats that it misses. That's why having supporting antimalware like MalwarebytesIts function is not to replace the main antivirus, but to serve as second line of defense for specific analysesThe free version lets you run on-demand scans to find adware, PUPs, Trojans, and other malware that may have slipped through.

There's no point in installing a free third-party antivirus to replace Defender expecting more security, because you generally won't get it. Instead, combining Defender with regular scans using Malwarebytes gives you a better understanding of your security. A very decent balance between protection, resource consumption, and the absence of intrusive advertising..

Other very useful programs depending on how you use your PC

Besides the "basic package" that almost everyone should consider, there are a number of very interesting tools worth evaluating depending on what you do with your computer. It's not a matter of installing them all just for the sake of it, but rather choosing the ones that... you'll actually use it in your day-to-day lifeso as not to fill the disk with programs that you then never open.

eBook manager: Calibre

If you read ebooks on a computer, tablet, or Kindle-type e-reader, Caliber It almost becomes indispensable. It functions as a digital library from which you can organize your books, add metadata, covers, and collections to have everything organized and easily accessible in seconds.

It also includes its own reader for opening books directly in Windows, and a powerful function of format conversion (EPUB, MOBI, PDF, AZW, etc.) With this tool, you can adapt your files to the most convenient format for your device. This makes it very easy, for example, to convert an EPUB to MOBI for a specific reader or transform a PDF into something more readable on small screens.

Disk and partition management: MiniTool Partition Wizard

Windows Disk Management covers the basics, but its interface isn't exactly user-friendly and many users still find it a bit outdated. This is where applications like MiniTool Partition Wizard They make all the difference. If you also want to check the physical condition of your units, check programs to diagnose hard drives and SSDs.

With this program you can View, create, delete, resize, and format partitions It makes managing your hard drives, SSDs, or USB drives much clearer. The free version for personal use covers most common needs, and its graphical interface helps avoid errors when moving or resizing partitions without losing data—a tricky task if you're not used to it.

Advanced text editor and programming environment: Visual Studio Code

Windows Notepad is adequate for basic tasks: taking quick notes and little else. If you edit code, regularly configure text files, or simply want a more capable editor, Visual Studio Code It's one of the best things you can install.

Developed by Microsoft and open source, VS Code is a free editor with support for Syntax highlighting, autocomplete, debugging, extensions, tabs, panels, and a massive ecosystem of pluginsIt is ideal for both programmers and advanced users who handle configuration files, Markdown, scripts, and the like.

Disk space control: TreeSize

Over time, your hard drive fills up with files you don't even remember creating: old downloads, backups, forgotten projects… Windows shows you how much free space is left, but it's not always easy to see. Which folders are to blame for everything being overflowing?.

TreeSize It analyzes any drive (including network drives) and presents you with a Detailed folder tree showing size, percentage of occupancy, and potential accumulated junkThanks to this structured view, it's much easier to locate large directories you no longer need and clean them up thoroughly. Furthermore, the tool is translated into Spanish, so you won't have any language problems.

Monitor processes: Process Explorer

Windows Task Manager has improved considerably, but if you want to have minute control over what's happening on your system, Process Explorer (part of Microsoft's Sysinternals suite) is a very powerful alternative.

This program displays all running processes and subprocesses, their dependency tree, CPU, RAM, disk, and network usage, and much more detail. One particularly useful feature is its integration with... VirusTotalThis tool allows you to send active executables to check if any are malicious. It's a key tool for advanced users who suspect strange behavior on their PC and need to... manage the priority of your programs.

Optimize startup: Autorun Organizer

One of the most common mistakes after formatting and reinstalling applications is letting everything load at Windows startup. The more things that start in the background, the slower the boot process and the more sluggish the system becomes.

Autorun organizer It shows you in a centralized way all programs, services, and scheduled tasks that run at startupFrom its interface you can disable what you don't need or delay its startup so that the system becomes usable faster while the rest loads in the background (see how). configure programs to start at startupAlthough Task Manager allows you to disable startup items, it doesn't offer a delay option, so this tool is ideal for fine-tuning startup processes.

Virtualization: VMware, VirtualBox and Hyper-V

This section isn't for everyone, but if you enjoy tinkering with other operating systems or need isolated environments for testing, it will be invaluable. With virtualization software you can create virtual machines on which to install other Windows, Linux distributions, older systems, or even servers.

VMware (in its various editions) is a very complete solution widely used in professional environments, although many of its advanced options are paid. It allows for a high level of integration between the host system and the virtual machines, with very good performance.

VirtualBoxFor its part, it's a very popular free alternative that more than meets the needs of most home and learning users. It's perfect for installing Linux, trying out older versions of Windows like XP or Vista, or even running older games and applications that no longer work well on modern systems.

If you use a Pro edition or higher of Windows, you also have Hyper-VThe system's native virtualization solution. Its performance is usually excellent because it's integrated at the operating system level, but its management is somewhat more complex and geared more towards a technical profile.

Important final settings after installing your programs

With Windows updated and your key programs in place, there are still a few settings you should configure to ensure your computer works the way you want from day one. These are small details related to Which apps start with the system, which programs open each type of file, and what actual protection do you need?.

Review the applications that load at startup

Every time you install a program, there's a chance it might "hang" during Windows startup without you noticing. This slows down the boot process and causes the system to consume unnecessary background resources.

To check this you can open the Task Manager (right-click on the Start button) and enter the tab HomeThere you'll see the list of applications that run at startup. Select the ones you don't need running in the background and tap on DisableThis way, your PC will start up faster and you'll have more resources available for what you actually use. If they don't appear, learn how to remove hidden programs.

If you want to go further, Autorun Organizer, as we have seen, still offers you more control and the possibility of delaying the load of certain applications to better distribute resource consumption right after startup.

Change default apps

By default, Windows associates many file types with its own applications: Edge for web and PDFs, Movie & TV Player for video, Photos for images, etc. If you have installed alternatives such as Chrome, Firefox, VLC, Adobe Acrobat, or any otherYou'll probably want them to be the ones that open when you double-click.

To change this, go to Settings (Win + I) > Apps > Default appsFrom there you can select your browser, email client, PDF viewer, media player, and more. It's worth spending a few minutes exploring this section so that... Each file will always open with the program you have chosenwithout having to choose manually each time.

Choosing the right protection: Defender and third-party antivirus

In terms of security, the most balanced combination for most is to maintain Microsoft Defender active and updated and avoid installing free antivirus software of dubious reputation that promises more protection but actually adds advertising, slows down the system, or even collects data.

If your internet activity involves visiting unreliable websites, downloading many files, trying out unknown programs, or venturing into more "tricky" territory, it might make sense to consider a paid antivirus from an established brand that adds extra layers of protection. In any case, reinforcing Defender with regular scans using Malwarebytes usually provides more than acceptable security for most users.

Install the applications you use regularly.

In addition to all of the above, there are a number of apps that each person needs depending on their profile: video editing suites like DaVinci Resolve, game stores like Steam, Epic Games, Ubisoft Connect or GOGCAD tools, architecture programs, music software, etc. Once you have your "basic package" clear, it's time to start installing these specific applications.

Take this opportunity to download the games or projects you use often from the start, so that when you want to play or work you don't have to expect hours of downloads and updatesIf you don't have access to conventional installers, you can opt for install programs manuallyThe more organized you are with this process after formatting, the less you'll dread repeating it in the future.

Use Ninite to streamline initial installations

A very convenient trick to save time installing basic programs is to use NiniteThis online tool acts like that friend who "knows about computers" and installs a collection of popular applications for you in one go, without toolbars, without adware, and always in their latest version.

You just need to go to the official Ninite website, select the applications you want (browsers, players, utilities, security tools, even Steam) and download a small executable file. When launched, Ninite will take care of Download and install all the chosen programs in sequence, without strange questions or installers full of junk.It's free in its basic version and can save you a lot of time right after formatting.

Creating a perfect PC after formatting isn't about installing everything haphazardly, but about combining a good foundation of Updates, properly installed drivers, essential programs, and a few key tweaks to startup and default applications.If you plan what you really need (office applications, multimedia, cloud, security, productivity, development, games…) and support the installation with tools like Ninite, you'll have a clean, fast Windows adapted to your way of working or playing without falling into chaos or the typical "I'll do it later" that never comes.