// A KIND HEAD-START
Setting up a computer or tablet for an older relative
A little thought at the start saves a lot of worried phone calls later. Here’s how to set up a computer or tablet so an older relative can use it happily, safely and with confidence.
- ● Kind & practical
- ● Safe from scams
- ● We can help
// GET IT RIGHT FROM THE START
Five things that make all the difference
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01
Choose the right device
Simpler is kinder. A tablet suits many people; a laptop suits others. Our buyer’s guide helps you pick without the jargon.
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02
Make it easy to see and use
Turn on bigger text, a larger pointer and good contrast, and tidy the screen to just the apps they need — see our accessibility guide.
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03
Set up the essentials cleanly
Email, video calling with the family, photos and a couple of favourites — signed in and working, with passwords saved safely.
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04
Make it safe
Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, automatic updates and good protection — so a wrong click is far less likely to cause harm.
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05
Arrange help in advance
Agree how you’ll lend a hand, and set up safe remote support so you (or we) can help without driving over — see helping a relative remotely.
Keep it simple — that’s the kindest thing
The biggest favour you can do is to remove clutter. A clean desktop with large icons for the few things they actually use — email, video calls, the web, photos — is far less daunting than a screen full of things they’ll never touch. Write a simple one-page note of how to do their favourite tasks, in their words.
Protect against scams from day one
Older people are targeted most, so a little protection goes a long way: good security software, a chat about never giving anyone remote access who phones out of the blue, and our Spot the Scam quiz to practise together. Remind them: a genuine technician calls first and is someone you arranged — we never cold-call demanding access.
Setting up a new Windows 11 computer for an elderly parent
If the new machine is a Windows 11 laptop or desktop, give yourself an hour: sign in with their Microsoft account (write the password somewhere sensible), let it finish its first updates, turn on the accessibility settings above, and remove the pre-installed clutter before they ever see the desktop. Set their email, printer and video calling up properly on day one — those three cause most of the worried calls later.
Still on Windows 10? Plan the move kindly
Windows 10 has reached the end of free support, so an older relative’s trusty machine now needs a plan — upgrading it, replacing it, or bridging safely in the meantime. Our plain-English guide to what Windows 10 end of life means covers the honest options, and we’ll happily handle the upgrade and move everything across so nothing is lost — photos, emails, bookmarks and all.
You don’t have to be the IT department
If you’d rather not be on call forever, we’re glad to be the patient, friendly help at the end of the phone — that’s a real specialism of ours. See how we support retired people and families — or arrange it all from wherever you live with our computer help for elderly parents — and our refer a friend offer if you’re already with us.
// GOOD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
Tablet or laptop — which is better for an older person?
It depends on what they want to do. Tablets are simpler for browsing, video calls and photos; laptops are better for typing and documents. We’re happy to advise — see our buyer’s guide.
How do I stop them being scammed?
Good protection, automatic updates, two-factor authentication, and a simple rule: never give remote access or money to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Practise spotting scams together with our quiz.
Can you set it all up so it’s ready to go?
Yes — we can set up a new device simply and safely, move photos and contacts across, and make it easy to use. See new computer setup.
Can you be their ongoing help instead of me?
Gladly. Patient, jargon-free support for older users is what we do best — at home or remotely, and we always call before we connect.
Want us to set it up beautifully?
We’ll set up a device that’s simple, safe and a joy to use — and be the friendly help at the end of the phone.
01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM