Got a New Laptop or Phone for Christmas? A Help Desk Pro's Setup Checklist

Christmas morning is the busiest day of the year for new tech. I spent years doing IT, first in the Navy and then on the help desk, and most of the problems people called about could have been avoided in the first hour with a new device. Here's the checklist I'd walk a family member through, whether it's a laptop, phone or tablet.

Before you start

• Plug it in. Setup and first updates can take a while and drain the battery fast.
• Have your Wi-Fi name and password handy.
• Know the email and password for the account you'll sign in with, like your Apple, Google or Microsoft account.

1. Run updates first

A device that sat in a box for months is already behind. Before you install apps or move files over, check for system updates and install everything available, restarting as many times as it asks. Updates fix security holes and bugs that cause a lot of "it's acting weird" calls later.

2. Lock down your accounts

• Use a strong password or passcode on the device itself. Turn on fingerprint or face unlock if it has it.
• Turn on two-factor authentication for your main account. It's the single best thing you can do to stop someone else from getting in.
• Write down or securely store your passwords. A password manager works, or keep them on paper in a password journal stored somewhere safe at home.
• Set up account recovery with a current phone number and backup email, so you can get back in if you're locked out.

3. Move your stuff over

Most phones and computers have a built-in transfer tool that copies photos, contacts and settings from your old device. Use it, and keep the old device untouched for a week or two until you're sure nothing is missing.

4. Set up backups right away

Turn on automatic cloud backup for photos and files, or plug in an external drive and schedule regular backups on a laptop. The worst calls I ever took were from people who lost years of photos because a device died before backup was turned on.

5. Clean out what you don't need

New laptops often come with trial software and extra apps. Uninstall anything you won't use, especially antivirus trials that start nagging for payment. Built-in security is enough for most people at home.

6. Setting up a device for a kid

• Create a child account instead of handing over yours.
• Turn on the built-in parental controls for screen time, app downloads and purchases.
• Require a password or approval for in-app purchases.
• Keep the device in a shared space at first and talk about the rules together.

7. Save the receipt and the warranty info

Snap a photo of the receipt and note the return window and warranty dates now, while it's still in front of you. Receipt Vault is a web app I built for exactly this, so you never miss a return or warranty deadline.

Shopping for tech? See the PCs, laptops and IT tools I recommend on Shop My Picks. And if helping people fix their tech sounds like a job you'd enjoy, start with Help Desk Ready.