When buying a laptop, you must purchase some additional items to utilize the device at its best. Some are necessary for the laptop's wellbeing, while others keep it safe and allow it to run smoothly.

If you have already bought a new Windows laptop or are looking to buy one, we will cover different accessories you should buy with your device.

1. An External Hard Drive

An external hard drive is a good investment, even if the laptop you buy has storage space in trillions of gigabytes. First, it will reduce the load on your laptop's drive. And second, it will keep your data safe if your laptop encounters a malware attack that corrupts the data.

Further, because external hard drives are easily portable, you can carry them easily, eliminating the need to lug your laptop around. Moreover, since the external hard drives aren't pricey and won't break the bank, consider getting one with a new laptop.

Not sure which one to choose? Check out our guide to the best portable hard drives on the market.

2. Cooling Pad

Windows laptops tend to overheat more than Mac or Linux devices, especially while running a labor-intensive process or playing games. Heat is a slow poison that affects the performance of your laptop.

For this reason, you should get a cooling pad that lowers the laptop's temperature, keeping its components at an optimal temperature. If you need help with your decision, read our article on the best laptop cooling pads you can buy.

In general, cooling pads increase airflow but depending on where your laptop exhausts heat; you need to get the right kind of cooling pad. Our article on choosing the right cooling pad has some short advice for you.

3. USB Hub

Most Windows laptops come with a wide range of ports, but for some users who need to hook up dozens of accessories at once, they fall short. If you fall into that category, getting yourself a USB hub beforehand is best.

A USB hub takes up one USB port on your laptop, and in exchange, it enables you to connect as many USB devices as the hub can handle. This effectively increases the number of ports for your laptop and lets you connect your desired accessories simultaneously.

Apart from adding new ports, a USB hub may also help you charge multiple devices simultaneously and efficiently transfer large amounts of data between various devices. Not sure which USB hub to get? Check out our article on the best USB-C hubs for laptops.

4. External HD Webcam

With a shift in work-from-home culture and an increase in online meetings, a reliable webcam is more essential than ever. External webcams provide many more advanced features, such as a wider field of view, higher display quality, and the ability to work in low-light environments, so they are worth investing in.

Thus, whether you plan to use the laptop for remote work or live-stream your gaming sessions, a dedicated webcam will come in handy. Those on a tight budget can check out our guide for an easy way to buy the best budget webcam.

5. Accessories to Prevent Physical Damage

As long as you are only going to use the laptop indoors in your home, you don't need any safety accessories. However, if you are going to wear it daily on a commute or if you travel a lot, it would be worthwhile to invest in additional safety accessories.

Investing in safety accessories such as screen protectors and surface protectors for your laptop's bottom, lid, and keyboard will ensure that it does not suffer damage and sustain accidental falls without any injuries.

In light of how expensive laptops and their repairs can be, these safety accessories are well worth their cost. Lastly, if you can afford a theft-proof bag, that will be the cherry on top for the security of your laptop.

6. External Mouse & Keyboard

For a smooth typing experience, a robust keyboard is a must. In the same vein, if you plan to play games on your laptop, you can't go without a quality mouse. Likewise, a desk mat can also help you control your mouse better and prevent scratches on your keyboard's lower surface, making it a worthwhile purchase.

You can skip them all if you're only doing general office work or studying on your device. The trade-off, however, is the strain on your arms, neck, eyes, hands, and more, especially if you sit for hours in front of your laptop.

An external keyboard and mouse will also help retain your laptop's value by reducing wear and tear. When you plan to upgrade, a neat and clean keyboard and trackpad will likely get you a better resale price.

7. Cleaning Accessories to Keep Your Device Dust-Free

Cleaning your laptop regularly will prevent dust from quietly absorbing into your laptop's components. Not only will this increase the performance of your device, but it will also save you repair costs.

Cleaning accessories like microfiber cloths and cleaning sprays are thus a must-have, especially if you care about the aesthetics of your laptop. Be sure, however, that the cleaning spray you buy doesn't contain any chemicals that will damage your laptop's screen over time. Choose wisely!

If you're new to cleaning your gadgets, take a look at our guide on how to give your laptop a new look, especially if this will be your first time cleaning the laptop.

Get the Most Out of Your Windows Laptop With These Accessories

With the accessories covered in this article, your laptop will perform better and last longer. Spend time researching products that fit your budget and help you get the most from your device. Don't go for an overpriced product to prevent further burdening your pocket.

If your Windows laptop is brand new, or you haven't yet bought one, there are a few things you should do before you start using it. We recommend changing the update settings, checking the power plan, removing bloatware, creating a backup, and more. So, before you get started with using your device, make sure you go through the basic setup.