Getting a new iPad is one of the most exciting experiences. You get a beautiful pane of glass that just happens to be a tablet, capable of doing basically anything, if set up correctly. The most tedious part of an iPad is setting it up and learning how to navigate it. Especially now with the update to iPadOS 26, people quietly changed how the iPad works in some pretty meaningful ways. So before you start to set things up, and download a ton of apps, here are the things you should do right away to make your iPad feel faster, cleaner, and more intentional from day one.
Be sure to check out our complete guide on how to setup your iPad correctly!
Now lets get into each step!
1. Set up the new windowing & multitasking
The update to iPadOS 26 adds a brand new way to experience your iPad. Apple brought true Mac-like windowing and multitasking to the iPad. But what is great about this is that it is optional. If you have no interest in the new desktop-like windowing system, you can just keep it the way it has always been. Here is how you decide:
Open Settings
Go to Multitasking & Gestures
Enable either the new Windowed Apps option or the Full Screen Apps option
This, to me, is the most important first step because it will dictate how you experience your iPad on a day-to-day basis. If you are used to the old full-screen app ways, then go with that choice. However, if you want a computer-like experience, opt for the new version of multitasking. What I love is that there are options and there is no wrong answer.
2. Organize your Files app
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