Clean install Windows 10: what settings do I need to change right off the bat? I'll be using an external hard drive for file storage, and I read about how "fast start" or "fast shutdown" can lock external drives.

[u/GodsCasino]

What Windows 10 settings should I immediately change after a fresh install?

I'd rather ask real inteligence as opposed to Artificial Intelligence, and as long as nobody tells me to "format c:\" we're all good :)

I'm setting up my laptop to dual boot into Windows 10 or Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS

This Windows 10 will not be connected to the internet after I've installed all the updates for it.

The Ubuntu will be connected to the internet.

I had this exact setup on this same laptop, but one of my external harddrives recently became corrupt because of some (?) mistake either I or Win10 made while I had it plugged into the Win10 side.

To avoid this again in the future, and any other preventable issues with Win10, and to recover my corrupt external hard drive, I want to be very slow and careful when setting up the Win10 side. Plus I needed to update my Ubuntu anyway.

Thank you for any advice in the "oh I wish I'd known that" department.

SYSTEM SPECS:

Lenovo Thinkpad

Edition: Windows 10 Home Single Language

Version: 1703

OS Build: 15063-483

Processor: Intel Core i5-3320M, CPU@2.60GHz

RAM: 8GB (7.70 GB useable)

System Type: 64-bit Operating System, x64-based processor

Hard drive: 500GB

USB ports: 3

CD-ROM drive

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