How to set up and customize the Apple MacOS

If you have a brand new Mac computer(opens in new tab), you need to set the appropriate options before using it properly. The setup process is not difficult, but it can take some time to go through all the settings you need to enable, disable, or change.

Mac setup works the same even if you have a MacBook laptop(opens in new tab) Or a Mac desktop. This process assumes this is a new Mac that you are setting up from scratch.

Click here to read the original post on PC Mag(opens in new tab).

Set location and accessibility settings

When you turn on your computer, first select your country or region. You will be asked if you would like to set up certain accessibility features to help with vision, hearing, and other areas. If so, please select one. Otherwise, not now Bypass this or set it later.

Connect to Wi-Fi

The next step is to connect your computer to your wireless network. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to use, enter the password, and tap ContinueThe next screen describes data privacy.click learn more Link to read more on this topic. Otherwise, Continue.

Transfer data using Migration Assistant

You will then be given the option to use the Migration Assistant(opens in new tab), another Mac, a Time Machine backup, or a Windows PC. If you have content that you would like to migrate, please select the corresponding option to complete the process.if you choose not nowyou can use Migration Assistant later to transfer your data, even after you set up your computer.

Apple ID and login settings

Then sign in (or create) with your Apple ID and password. This is the account you use to sign in to Apple services.If you previously set up two-factor authentication for your Apple ID(opens in new tab) (2FA), you will be prompted to enter a verification code sent to your iPhone or iPad.click ContinueClick to agree to the iCloud Terms of Service.

[コンピューター アカウント]On the 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 desired.Check the box next to Allow Apple ID to reset this password If you forget your password, you can still recover your account. Click the image next to your account name if you want to change it to a note, emoji, monogram, or photo.click Continue Complete account setup.

The next screen describes the Find My app(opens in new tab) Helps you find your Mac if you lose it.

Customize specific settings

from Get this on your new Mac On the screen, you can review and change some important settings.click Continue Either accept the default values ​​for all settings, or Customize settings Click at the bottom to change options for location services, analytics, and Siri.

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

Next, decide whether to share your analytics with Apple.click About analytics and privacy Please click the link to see how this data is collected and used.Consider turning on Screen Time to limit the amount of time you can access certain apps and websites on this Mac(opens in new tab). Otherwise, set later.

Check the box next to Activate Siri, if you use Apple’s voice assistant on your Mac. When you enable Siri, you will be presented with a series of screens where you say certain phrases so that Siri can learn your voice.

If you’re okay with Apple accessing your voice recordings to improve Siri, check out: share audio recordings. For more information, About Siri and voice input and privacy improvements Link.If you do not wish to share this data, please check not now.

Next, you will be asked if you would like to use FileVault to encrypt the disk on your Mac. To protect your disk and data, Turn on FileVault disk encryption option.Also check Allow your iCloud account to unlock your disk Just in case you forgot your Mac password.

If your Mac offers Touch ID, you’ll be asked to set it up.Tap Continue Then keep resting and releasing your finger on the power button until your finger registers. When Touch ID is ready, Continue.

Then you can choose between light mode, dark mode and choose a theme for your desktop(opens in new tab), or automatic to change theme based on time of day.Even after initial setup, this option is Display settings anytime.

Update your Mac

Once setup is complete, it will be placed on your desktop. The final item on the agenda is updating your Mac to make sure it’s running the latest version of macOS.

For Macs running macOS Monterey(opens in new tab) Previously, click the Apple icon About This Mac > Software Updatethen select Upgrade NowIf your Mac has macOS Ventura(opens in new tab) above, open System Settings > General > Software UpdateIf an update is available, enter your Mac password to allow the update to install. Your Mac will then restart so you can sign back in at the login screen and start using your new computer.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.(opens in new tab), Mashable’s sibling site. PCMag.com(opens in new tab) A technology authority, providing lab-based independent reviews of the latest products and services.