New laptop setup: Do I need any of the preinstalled "apps", or can I do a fresh install?

[Getmore]

I am trying to set up my new laptop (took delivery two days ago), and I want to get rid of as much of the un-needed crap as I can, so I can have a clean start.

I saw an option to do a clean install of Windows, which I know will do exactly what I want. The questions are:

Is there anything HP has installed that I should have/need? 

Is there anything that I would not be able to replace?

What do all the HP apps do?

I know it has Office 365 preinstalled, but that is a download, so I can just reinstall that afterward. I believe it is only a trial version anyway.

[Rock_Hunter]

I just did a similar install. My new laptop came with a very slow 2tb hard drive. So I replaced it with a faster SSD. Rather than clone the hard drive to the SSD, I did a clean install of Windows 10 x64 pro. Windows installed most of the drivers that are needed for the hardware to work. That includes sound, touch pad, bluetooth, wifi, etc. Then I used the HP utility and let it search my computer and decided which HP files needed to be installed. Now it run great and it runs much faster. Oh, BTW, when I had it open to swap the HD I also replaced the 12gb of ram with 16 gb.

[Getmore]

So you are saying the HP has something on their site that will determine what HP software is applicable and I can download them from there?

You mention that Windows installed most of the drivers that are needed. Is there anything I need to know about finding the rest, or making sure they are the right version?

Anything else I should know?

[Rock_Hunter]

After I did the Windows install, I used Windows Update to update any files that were not installed by the basic install. Then I went to the HP web site. Yes, there is a page where you enter information about your computer. I installed just the HP Support Assistant. Then I ran that program and it showed me other files that I could install that would be for my particular laptop. I had had HP install those files.

Then if there are any other hardware drivers needed, such as your printer, you would have to get those files from the printer web site and install them. I have an Epson printer so HP doesn't have files for Epson.

Two thoughts:

1. I keep a text file on my computer with the s/n and product number of my laptop. Then when I need them I don't have to hunt.

2. I made a checklist for all the things I did during the install so that next time I decide to do it, I won't have to reinvent the wheel.

[Getmore]

That is a great idea, having a checklist of all the steps!

Thank you!