{"id":12323,"date":"2026-07-27T09:54:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T07:54:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/?post_type=manual_kb&#038;p=12323"},"modified":"2026-07-27T09:55:01","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T07:55:01","slug":"ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first","status":"publish","type":"manual_kb","link":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first\/","title":{"rendered":"Ubuntu Desktop Setup Checklist After Installation: Privacy, Backups, Drivers, Updates, and Restore Options to Review First"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"translation-block translation-block-merged\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ubuntu desktop setup after installation starts with a few important checks. A fresh Ubuntu install can look ready before key safety steps are finished. These checks help you spot driver issues, complete updates cleanly, protect your account, and make sure you can recover files or the system later. They matter most before you store important work on the machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is a stable Ubuntu desktop that updates properly, keeps the hardware working as expected, and has a clear backup and restore plan. Some items only take a minute to verify, but they can prevent broken packages, missing drivers, boot issues, lost files, and privacy surprises later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first\/#Start_with_system_updates\" >Start with system updates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first\/#Check_that_hardware_and_drivers_are_working\" >Check that hardware and drivers are working<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first\/#Confirm_update_health_before_moving_on\" >Confirm update health before moving on<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first\/#Review_privacy_settings_and_browser_behaviour\" >Review privacy settings and browser behaviour<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first\/#Set_up_backups_before_important_files_build_up\" >Set up backups before important files build up<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first\/#Decide_on_your_restore_options\" >Decide on your restore options<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first\/#Secure_your_user_account_and_access\" >Secure your user account and access<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first\/#Install_only_the_apps_you_need_first\" >Install only the apps you need first<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first\/#What_normal_post-install_behaviour_looks_like\" >What normal post-install behaviour looks like<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/ubuntu-desktop-setup-checklist-after-installation-privacy-backups-drivers-updates-and-restore-options-to-review-first\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_with_system_updates\"><\/span>Start with system updates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"mybox-4132211151\" class=\"mybox-content mybox-entity-placement\"><div class=\"early-access-banner-inpost\">\r\n  <div class=\"banner-left-inpost\">\r\n    <div class=\"icon-box-inpost\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/square-info-icon.svg\" alt=\"Info\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"text-box-inpost\">\r\n      <span class=\"label-inpost\"><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Early access<\/span><\/span>\r\n      <h4><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Still need help?<\/span><\/h4>\r\n      <p><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Contact our customer service team.<\/span><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"banner-right-inpost\">\r\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/panel.mybox.com\/helpdesk2\/v\/list\/\" class=\"banner-button-inpost\"><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Message us<\/span><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"translation-block translation-block-merged\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Run updates before you install extra apps or move important data onto the computer. Early updates often include security fixes, hardware support, firmware updates, and package changes that make the system more stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p>Open the update tool or use the terminal update method you prefer.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Install all available updates.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Restart the computer if Ubuntu asks for a reboot.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>After restart, check once more for updates so pending packages are not left behind.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ubuntu updates usually work well, but problems can happen when key steps are skipped during the update process. Broken packages, missing drivers, failed boots, and unstable desktops often start with common update mistakes, not with a fault in Ubuntu itself. A full update cycle with a restart helps reduce that risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_that_hardware_and_drivers_are_working\"><\/span>Check that hardware and drivers are working<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the first update, test the hardware you use every day. Focus on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, graphics, audio, webcam, touchpad, suspend and resume, external displays, and printers if they matter for your setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p>Connect to Wi-Fi and confirm the connection stays stable.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Play audio and test the microphone if you use calls or meetings.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Connect an external monitor if you use one.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Put the machine to sleep, then wake it again.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Open the driver management tool if your hardware needs extra drivers and review any recommended options.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the stage where display issues, poor battery life, missing wireless support, or graphics problems usually appear. It is better to find them now, before the machine becomes your daily work system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Confirm_update_health_before_moving_on\"><\/span>Confirm update health before moving on<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A system can finish downloading updates but still need attention. Before you install many applications, make sure the update process completed cleanly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p>Check that no package operation is still running in the background.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Look for update errors, held packages, or restart prompts.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>If something failed during updates, fix that first before adding more software.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This matters because package problems often spread. If the base system is already in a bad state, later installs can make troubleshooting harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Review_privacy_settings_and_browser_behaviour\"><\/span>Review privacy settings and browser behaviour<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Privacy settings are worth checking on a new install, especially if you sign in to websites, use web apps, or sync browser data. Browser privacy settings can change after an app update, a device migration, or a switch to a different browser. When that happens, websites may stop keeping you signed in, forget preferences, clear shopping carts, or show cookie notices again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p>Open your main browser and review cookie and site data settings.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Check whether the browser clears cookies on exit.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Review tracking, privacy, and permission settings for camera, microphone, location, and notifications.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Sign in to one or two common websites and confirm sessions stay active after closing and reopening the browser.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If browser behaviour changes after updates later, review these settings again. That is a common cause when websites stop remembering you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Set_up_backups_before_important_files_build_up\"><\/span>Set up backups before important files build up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Backups are one of the highest-value steps after installation. Regular backups help protect files from accidental deletion, hardware failure, malware, and other unexpected events. If data is lost, a recent backup may let you restore files quickly instead of recreating them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p>Choose where backups will be stored, such as an external drive or another backup location you trust.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Turn on scheduled backups.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Make sure your home folders and other important work locations are included.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Run one backup now so you know the setup works.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Test that you can browse and restore a file.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A backup is only useful if restore works. For a deeper backup plan, use the separate mybox article about backing up your home computer data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decide_on_your_restore_options\"><\/span>Decide on your restore options<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Backup and restore are related, but they are not the same. Backup protects your files. Restore options help you recover either files, settings, or the whole system after a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Option<\/th><th>What it helps with<\/th><th>What to verify<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>File backup<\/td><td>Lost or changed documents, photos, and project files<\/td><td>That backups run on schedule and files can be restored<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>System reinstall plan<\/td><td>Serious system damage, boot issues, or a failed experiment<\/td><td>That you have install media and know what must be reinstalled<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Recovery access<\/td><td>Cases where the main system does not start normally<\/td><td>That you know how to reach recovery or boot options on your device<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you do not set up advanced restore tools, have a clear recovery path. At minimum, keep backup copies of important files and access to installation media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Secure_your_user_account_and_access\"><\/span>Secure your user account and access<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Account security checks are quick, but they are easy to skip on a fresh install. Review them before the device becomes part of your daily routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p>Use a strong account password.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Confirm automatic login is set the way you want.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Lock the screen automatically after inactivity if the device is shared or mobile.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Check which online accounts or sync services are connected.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These settings affect both privacy and day-to-day safety. A laptop that is lost, shared, or used in public spaces benefits most from a stricter lock screen setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Install_only_the_apps_you_need_first\"><\/span>Install only the apps you need first<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep the first round of software small. Add the tools you need for work, then confirm the system stays stable before installing many extras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p>Install your browser, office, communication, and file sync tools first.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Restart if a core app install affects drivers or desktop components.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p>Open the apps once and check they launch normally.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This makes it easier to spot what changed if a problem appears. Large batches of changes are harder to undo and test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_normal_post-install_behaviour_looks_like\"><\/span>What normal post-install behaviour looks like<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some follow-up activity is expected after installation. The system may download more updates, rebuild caches, ask for a restart, or feel busy for a short time after first login. Browser sign-in sessions may also change if privacy settings are strict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If updates complete, the system restarts cleanly, drivers work, and backups run successfully, the machine is usually ready for normal use. If you see repeated update failures, missing hardware support, or unstable boots, fix those issues before relying on the computer for important work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What should I check first after installing Ubuntu?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with updates, then test hardware and drivers. After that, review backups, restore options, privacy settings, and account security.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Why test backups right away?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early testing confirms both backup and restore work before important files build up. That reduces the risk of finding a problem only after data is already at stake.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is it normal for updates to need more than one restart or check?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Some updates need a reboot before the next set can finish. Running one more update check after restart is normal and helps confirm the system is fully current.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","manualknowledgebasecat":[42],"manual_kb_tag":[],"class_list":["post-12323","manual_kb","type-manual_kb","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","manualknowledgebasecat-miscellaneous"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/12323","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/manual_kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/12323\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12337,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/12323\/revisions\/12337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12323"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"manualknowledgebasecat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manualknowledgebasecat?post=12323"},{"taxonomy":"manual_kb_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb_tag?post=12323"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}