July 17, 2025

Your essential back-to-school tech checklist

As the new academic year approaches, ensuring your technology is up to the task is crucial. Whether you're setting up a new device or optimizing your current one, a well-prepared PC can make all the difference in managing assignments, attending virtual classes, and staying organized.

This checklist will guide you through setting up your PC for success and introduce you to the benefits of considering a Copilot+ PC as part of your back-to-school tech arsenal.

1. Consider a Copilot+ PC for enhanced performance and battery life

If you're in the market for a new laptop, a Copilot+ PC might be the perfect fit for your academic needs. These devices offer up to 58% faster performance than the MacBook Air with M3 and are up to five times faster than popular 5-year-old Windows laptops.¹

One of the standout features of Copilot+ PCs is their impressive battery life. With up to 22 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing,² you can power through your school day without constantly searching for an outlet.

Additionally, Copilot+ PCs come equipped with AI-powered tools that can assist with tasks like:

Summarizing articles and notes to quickly grasp key points.
Generating writing prompts to kickstart essays and projects.
Managing your calendar by setting reminders for assignments and classes.
Providing quick answers to technical questions or troubleshooting issues.

These features can help streamline your study sessions and keep you organized throughout the school year.

A person using a Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC in Sapphire to prep for back to school

2. Install Windows 11 updates for security and speed

Keeping your PC up to date is one of the simplest, and most effective, ways to maintain a secure, high-performing device. Windows 11 updates deliver critical security patches, performance improvements, and feature enhancements that help your system run smoothly and stay protected against evolving threats.

To install updates, go to Settings > Windows Update, then select Check for updates. Turn on automatic updates to make sure you never miss a critical patch.

3. Download essential apps

No back-to-school setup is complete without the right PC apps. Here are a few classroom essentials:

OneNote: For organized note-taking and syncing across devices.
Microsoft To Do: Manage tasks and set reminders.
Microsoft Edge: Utilize features like vertical tabs and Collections for efficient browsing.
Microsoft Teams: Stay connected with classmates and teachers.
Clipchamp: Create and edit videos for presentations and projects.
Co-Creator in Paint: AI-powered writing and design tools that turn your ideas into art. Start with a prompt and a few brush strokes—then let generative AI help you cocreate something extraordinary.³ Co-Creator + you = art, evolved.

These applications enhance productivity and collaboration, essential for academic success.

4. Take advantage of Microsoft Defender and parental controls

Microsoft Defender is an easy-to-use security app that helps protect identities, data, and devices from online threats.⁴ It comes pre-installed on Windows 11 devices and runs quietly in the background, providing real-time antivirus protection without disrupting students’ focus.

For added protection, enable parental controls through Microsoft Family Safety. You can set screen time limits, filter content, and monitor app activity—especially helpful on shared family devices or younger student setups.

To get started, go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users on your Windows 11 device or visit the Microsoft Family Safety website.

5. Personalize your Start menu and taskbar

Customization isn’t just cosmetic, it makes daily productivity easier. Pin your most-used school apps to the Start menu, rearrange your taskbar, and add browser shortcuts to streamline your routine.

On Copilot+ PCs, you can even ask Copilot to help organize your apps or clean up your desktop—making your digital workspace faster to navigate and more focused for study.

6. Ace back-to-school prep with smart tech

Getting your device ready for school doesn't have to be overwhelming. This quick back-to-school checklist helps ensure your Microsoft Windows laptop is secure, organized, and optimized for the year ahead.

Whether you’re building your first system or just refreshing your setup, the right combination of apps, protection, and personalization will go a long way. And if you're considering a new device, try a Copilot+ PCs, for the smartest Windows 11 features yet.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.
[1] Based on Procyon AI benchmark. Performance will vary significantly by device. See aka.ms/cpclaims
[2] Battery life varies significantly by device and with settings, usage and other factors. See aka.ms/cpclaims
[3] Optimized for English text prompts and requires a Microsoft account and internet connection to access cloud services that help ensure the responsible use of AI. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
[4] A Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription is required. Note that Microsoft Defender is not available in Microsoft 365 Personal or Family regions.