When you purchase a MacBook (whether Air or Pro), what should you do first? Which settings will make it easier to use? If you’re feeling a little lost with your very first Mac, this guide will help! From initial setup to everyday customizations that make your Mac more convenient, we’ll walk you through everything step by step.

1. First Things to Do After Unboxing Your MacBook

When you turn on your Mac, the initial setup screen will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the following in order:

✅ Initial Setup Items

• Language & Region Selection → Choose Japanese/Japan if appropriate.

• Data Transfer (Migration Assistant) → You’ll be asked if you want to transfer data from your previous computer. If you’d prefer to start fresh, just select “Set up later.”

• Wi-Fi Connection → Select your home or café network and enter the password.

• Create a User Account → Set your name or nickname and a password. You can also choose an icon.

• Sign in with Apple ID → If you already have an iPhone, use the same Apple ID. If not, you can create a new one. ※ Use the Shift key for capitals, or toggle Caps Lock (green light on).

• Set Up Touch ID (Fingerprint Login) → Register your fingerprint using the power button (top-right). This makes logins and payments quick and secure.

• Apple Pay Setup (Optional) → You can skip this for now—it’s not required.

2. Check Your Mac’s Status: “About This Mac”

Click the Apple logo (top-left) → About This Mac to see your basic system info.

✅ Things to Check

• Confirm Your Specs → MacBook model (Air/Pro), chip (M1/M2, etc.), memory size.

• Change Your Computer’s Name → This name is shown in AirDrop. For privacy, consider changing it to a nickname or symbol.

• Check Storage Capacity → Under the Storage tab, see how much space is used. Large photo/video/download files can slow performance.

• Tips for Freeing Space → Move files to an external SSD to keep your Mac running smoothly.

3. How to Shut Down or Quit Apps on Mac

✅ To Shut Down Your Mac

• Full Shutdown: Apple logo → Shut Down
• Sleep Mode: Simply close the lid (commonly used).

✅ To Quit Apps

In the Dock (bottom bar), active apps show a small dot under the icon.

• Two-finger press (or right-click) the app icon → Quit

4. Customize the Look & Feel of macOS

From System Settings, you can personalize the appearance and controls.

✅ Appearance Settings

• Dark/Light Mode → Can also auto-switch by time of day.

• Dock Settings → Change icon size, move Dock to sides, or auto-hide it.

• Menu Bar Settings → Show/hide items like Wi-Fi, battery percentage.

• Default Browser → Switch from Safari to Chrome or Firefox if preferred.

• AirDrop Settings → Choose sharing visibility: Everyone or Contacts Only.

5. Organize Files Efficiently with Finder

Finder is the Mac’s file manager (blue-and-white face icon).

✅ Useful Finder Settings

• Default Folder at Startup: e.g., Downloads
• Sidebar Organization: Only keep what you need
• Show File Extensions: e.g., .jpg, .pdf
• Path Bar: See exact file location
• Sorting & Search: Arrange by type/date, use quick search
• Split Windows: View two Finder windows side by side, drag & drop files

6. Organize Your Dock for Efficiency

The Dock is the row of app icons at the bottom of your screen. Keeping it tidy improves workflow.

● Add Apps to the Dock

1. Open the app from Finder or Launchpad
2. In the Dock, two-finger tap (right-click) the icon
3. Select Options → Keep in Dock

● Remove Apps from the Dock

1. Two-finger tap → Options → Remove from Dock ※ The app itself is not deleted—just removed from the Dock.

● Customize Dock Style

Apple logo → System Settings → Desktop & Dock

💡 Auto-hide frees up screen space for better focus.

7. Master Trackpad Gestures

The MacBook’s trackpad supports intuitive gestures that boost speed.

● Settings

Apple logo → System Settings → Trackpad Adjust under: Point & Click / Scroll & Zoom / More Gestures

● Common Trackpad Gestures

💡 Many gestures can be customized—find your best style.

8. Personalize with Wallpapers & Screensavers

Make your Mac truly yours with wallpapers and screensavers.

● Change Wallpaper

• Default Wallpaper: Apple logo → System Settings → Wallpaper
• Custom Image: Save an image → Finder → Two-finger tap → Set Desktop Picture

● Dynamic Wallpapers

Wallpapers that change with time (morning, day, night).

● Screensaver Settings

Apple logo → System Settings → Screensaver Choose animation/photos and set idle time.

💡 Avoid personal/private photos if using your Mac in public!