Installing Windows 11 ARM64 is only the first part of setting up an Arm-based PC.
After installation, important areas such as Windows Update, drivers, activation, security, applications, networking, and peripherals should be checked before the computer is considered ready for normal use.
This post-installation checklist can help identify missing drivers or configuration problems early.
Finish the normal Windows setup process before installing additional software.
Depending on the device and deployment method, this can include:
For business computers, follow the organization's account and device-management requirements.
After reaching the desktop, check the Windows activation status.
Open:
Settings > System > Activation
The activation method depends on the Windows edition, device, and licensing arrangement.
If Windows does not activate as expected, confirm that the installed edition matches the license intended for the computer.
Check Windows Update before manually installing large numbers of additional drivers.
Open:
Settings > Windows Update
Check for available updates and restart the computer when required.
Run Windows Update again after restarting because additional updates can sometimes become available after earlier packages are installed.
Device Manager is useful for identifying hardware that Windows has not configured correctly.
Look for:
Do not assume that everything is working simply because Windows reached the desktop successfully.
Test the network hardware after installation.
For Wi-Fi, check:
If the device has Ethernet, test that connection as well.
Manufacturer-specific ARM64 network drivers may be required if Windows does not recognize the adapter correctly.
Turn on Bluetooth and connect a device if Bluetooth is normally used.
Possible test devices include:
Restart Windows and confirm that important Bluetooth devices reconnect normally.
Confirm that Windows is using the expected display configuration.
Check:
Unexpected display behavior can indicate that additional graphics or device-specific drivers are required.
Check both audio output and input.
Test:
For laptops, also verify that keyboard audio controls work correctly.
Open the Windows Camera app or another trusted application that uses the camera.
Verify:
Some Arm-based devices include camera hardware that depends on manufacturer-specific components.
If the computer supports Windows Hello, test the available authentication options.
These may include:
Confirm that the related hardware works correctly after Windows installation.
For laptops and convertible PCs, verify all important input features.
Check:
Missing platform or input drivers can sometimes affect these features.
Put the computer into sleep mode and wake it again.
Check whether:
Repeat the test several times if the device will frequently use sleep mode.
For portable Arm-based computers, verify power-related functions.
Check:
Unexpected battery or charging behavior may require manufacturer firmware or system drivers.
If Device Manager shows missing hardware or certain features do not work, visit the computer manufacturer's official support resources.
Use drivers designed for the exact model and Windows environment.
Important packages can include:
Avoid random third-party driver download websites.
Once Windows and hardware are stable, begin installing required applications.
Start with essential software such as:
Where available, native ARM64 versions can be a good choice for Arm-based Windows PCs.
Do not assume that successful installation means every application feature works correctly.
Open important applications and test the functions you normally use.
Pay additional attention to software that depends on:
For information about ARM64 installation media, compatible Arm-based PCs, installation steps, driver preparation, and troubleshooting, see the Windows 11 ARM64 download and installation guide.
Connect the USB devices normally used with the computer.
Test items such as:
Confirm that Windows recognizes each required device correctly.
If the computer normally uses a docking station, connect the complete setup.
Check:
A dock should be tested with the actual peripherals used in normal operation.
Restore personal or business files only after the basic Windows installation and hardware configuration are stable.
Keep the original backup available until you confirm that all important data has been restored correctly.
Open Windows Security and check the available protection areas.
Confirm that required security features and organization-specific security applications are operating correctly.
For managed business devices, also verify that required security agents and policies have been applied.
Once the computer is configured correctly, consider preparing recovery resources for future problems.
Keep:
Documenting the working configuration can make future recovery much faster.
A Windows 11 ARM64 installation should be tested thoroughly before the computer returns to normal use.
Run Windows Update, check Device Manager, verify networking, audio, cameras, displays, power management, and peripherals, and then install important applications.
Keeping the original backup and recovery resources until the entire system has been tested provides an additional safeguard if a driver, application, or hardware problem appears later.