How To Hook up a Desktop Computer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hooking up a desktop computer is not always an easy task.

Even if you have done it before, there is always the chance that your desk has changed, and you need to set it up in a new way.

Thankfully, you’ll find that it doesn’t have to take too long to set up your rig, regardless if you’re new to this or not.

Today, we give you an easy-to-follow guide on how to hook up a desktop computer so you can make sure that everything is ready for use.

Common Mistakes When Setting up Computers

Ready to begin setting up your rig?

Setting up a computer for the first time can be challenging, especially if you don’t watch out for some of the most common mistakes.

These include:

• Connecting cables without checking for the right connections
• Running out of space on a hard drive
• Not creating an emergency recovery disc when setting up their computers

You need to create one so that if your computer crashes, you have a way of getting it back to how it was before.

How To Hook up a Desktop Computer

When hooking up a desktop computer, the first thing to do is make sure you have the right equipment.

You need a monitor or two, a keyboard and a mouse, an Ethernet cable, and the desktop computer itself.

After preparing all of those, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Unpack the Box and Set Up the Desktop on a Desk or Table

If you purchase a desktop computer from an electronic store, the box will probably be in pieces.

Remove any plastic covering or protective tape and set up the base on your desk or table so that you can start connecting everything.

Ensure your computer case is placed in an area with good airflow and good ventilation.

Doing so will help keep the PC from overheating even during long periods of use.

Step 2: Locate and Plugin the Monitor Cable

The monitor cable should be neatly coiled in the box.

Locate the monitor cable and determine which end is for the monitor.

The ends should be labeled, or you can match up colors to know which one goes where.

Connect your monitor’s cable to an open VGA or DVI port on your desktop computer.

Ensure you connect the correct type of connector for both, as these two ports cannot be mixed up.

After doing that, you can now plug in any additional monitors into other available slots on the back of your tower.

Step 3: Locate and Connect Your Keyboard

There is a USB cable for each of these devices, as well; plug one end into your computer and then the other into their respective device.

The keyboard should have a PS/SYNC button.

While pressing, it can sync up with any monitors you may have connected.

If you are going to use a wireless keyboard, the receiver should be plugged in somewhere on the tower.

Step 4: Connect the Mouse to the Desktop

Next, connect your mouse using its receiver so that you can control both devices simultaneously with only one hand.

Plug your mouse into a USB port, which will usually sit next to one of your other devices (like a keyboard or monitor).

You may also have an additional slot beside the VGA and DVI ports for this device.

If you are going to use a wireless mouse, make sure it has batteries installed before plugging it in.

Step 5: Connect the Speakers

Locate and connect speakers to your desktop PC using green audio cables.

Make sure they are plugged into their corresponding speaker jack connectors labeled with green color.

Step 6: Plug in the Power Cord

Plugin your power cord into a surge protector, then plug in the surge protector to a nearby outlet.

If you can’t find an open wall socket near where you want to place your desktop tower, consider getting a lighter cable.

This will allow more flexibility on the positioning of cords and plugs for convenience when hooking up everything together.

Step 7: Turn On Your Desktop Computer

Turn on your desktop by pressing the power button or flipping the switch located at the back of it.

If you are unsure how to turn on your desktop computer, refer back to the manual for the step-by-step instructions.

In this step, you will determine if you are successful in hooking up your desktop computer.

You will also be able to check if you have done the right thing.

By pressing the power button, everything from the computer to the peripherals should light up and be ready for use.

Step 8: Install the Printer and Other Peripherals

Once you successfully turn on your desktop, the next thing to do is plug in your printer to the USB port on your computer and switch it on.

It will automatically install any drivers that are necessary for it to function properly.

Step 9: Update Drivers for All of Your Devices

You have to update the drivers for all of your devices to ensure they run at optimal performance.

You can do this by going to the Device Manager on your desktop and looking for any device with a yellow question mark or exclamation point next to its name.

Right-click it and then select Update Drivers Software from the context menu that appears.

Step 10: Locate your Ethernet Cable

Locate the ethernet cable and determine how long it needs to be.

Do this by measuring the distance between the computer’s ethernet port on the back of your PC case and the power outlet closest to its location.

If it doesn’t reach all the way there, get a longer one so that they both will reach without being stretched too tight.

Step 11: Troubleshooting the Connection Problems

If you are experiencing connection problems, there may be something wrong with your cable or the port used.

If this is the case, try switching devices or ports instead of reconnecting things repeatedly until they work.

Sometimes, moving the connections around can help fix these types of issues.

Check to make sure all connections are safe and that your cables aren’t bent at sharp angles.

If you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, check for any battery life issues on these devices.

Also check if you have missed something in the steps by going through it again.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you should have a basic understanding of how to hook up a desktop computer.

The next thing to do is to set up the desktop according to how you will use it.

The desktop computer was once considered obsolete compared to laptops.

Now, there is an exciting resurgence of people who prefer them over mobile computing powerhouses.