How to set up and customize Apple MacOS

If you have a brand new Mac(Opens in a new tab), you need to set it up with the right options before you can start using it properly. The installation process is not difficult, but it can take some time if you want to make all the settings that you need to enable, disable or modify.

Setting up a Mac works the same whether you have a MacBook laptop(Opens in a new tab) or Mac desktop. For this process, we’ll assume this is a new Mac that you want to set up from scratch.

To read the original PC Mag post, click here(Opens in a new tab).

Set your location and accessibility settings

Once the computer is turned on, the first step is to select your country or region. You’ll be asked if you want to set up certain accessibility features to help with vision, hearing, and other areas. Select one if yes. Otherwise, click Not now to skip or adjust it later.

Connect to Wi-Fi

The next step is to connect your computer to a wireless network. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to use, enter the password and click To continue. The next screen describes the privacy of your data. Click on learn more link to read more about this topic. otherwise click To continue.

Transfer data with Migration Assistant

You are then given the option to use the Migration Assistant(Opens in a new tab), which lets you transfer data from another Mac, Time Machine backup, or Windows PC. If you have content you want to migrate, select the appropriate option and complete the process. If you choose Not nowyou can transfer data through Migration Assistant later, even after setting up the computer.

Set up Apple ID and sign in

Then sign in with (or create) your Apple ID and password. This is the account you use to sign in to Apple services. If you’ve previously set up Apple ID two-factor authentication(Opens in a new tab) (2FA), you’ll be prompted to enter a verification code that will be sent to your iPhone or iPad. click To continuethen agree to the terms and conditions for iCloud.

On the Computer Account screen, confirm your full name and create an account name to use when you sign in to your Mac. Enter a password and add a hint if you want. Check the box next to it Allow this password to be reset on my Apple ID so you can recover your account if you ever forget your password. Click the image next to your account name if you want to change it to a memoji, emoji, monogram, or photo. click To continue to complete your account setup.

The next screen offers an explanation about the Find My app(Opens in a new tab) functionality, which can help you locate your Mac if it ever goes missing.

Adjust specific settings

From Make this your new Mac screen, you can check and change some important settings. click To continue to accept the default values ​​for all settings or select Adjust settings at the bottom to change options about location services, analytics, and Siri.

For Location Services, you can enable or disable location-based apps, such as Apple Maps(Opens in a new tab) and Weather. You can then set the time zone by selecting the nearest city from the drop-down menu or by clicking on a location on the map.

Then decide whether you want to share analytics with Apple. Click on About Analytics and Privacy link to learn how this data is collected and used. To limit access to certain apps and websites on this Mac, consider turning on Screen Time(Opens in a new tab). Otherwise, click Set up later.

Check the box next to it Turn on Siri, if you want to use Apple’s voice assistant on your Mac. If you turn on Siri, then you’ll go through a series of screens where you say certain phrases so that Siri can learn your voice.

If you’re okay with Apple accessing your recordings to improve Siri, check out Sharing recordings. You can learn more about it by clicking on About Improve Siri and Dictation and Privacy Link. If you don’t want to share this data, check out Not now.

Next, you’ll be asked if you want to use FileVault to encrypt the drive on your Mac. To secure your drive and data, check it out Enable FileVault disk encryption selection. Also, check Allow my iCloud account to unlock my drive in case you ever forget your Mac password.

If your Mac offers Touch ID, you’ll be prompted to set it up. Puncture To continue and then keep touching and lifting your finger on the power button until your finger is registered. When Touch ID is ready, click To continue.

You can then choose the theme for your desktop by choosing between light mode and dark mode(Opens in a new tab), or Auto, which will change the theme based on the time of day. Even after the initial setup, this option can be changed Screen settings anytime.

Update your Mac

Once the setup is complete, you will be placed on your desktop. The last item on the agenda is to update your Mac to ensure you’re running the most up-to-date version of macOS.

For Macs running macOS Monterey(Opens in a new tab) or earlier, click the Apple icon and select About this Mac > Software Updatethen select Upgrade now. If your Mac has macOS Ventura(Opens in a new tab) or higher, open System Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, enter your Mac password and allow the update to install. Your Mac will then restart so you can sign in again at the sign-in screen and start using your new computer.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com(Opens in a new tab), Mashable’s sister site. PCMag.com(Opens in a new tab) is a leading authority in technology, providing independent, lab-based assessments of the latest products and services.