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To set up a Mac Studio, connect its power cable, a compatible display, and a keyboard and mouse or trackpad, then press the power button on the back. Setup Assistant will guide you through network access, choosing a fresh setup or data transfer, and creating a computer account.

What you need before turning on Mac Studio

Have these items ready before starting:

  • Your Mac Studio and the power cable included with it.
  • A display and its power supply, if it requires one.
  • A keyboard and a mouse or trackpad. They can connect by cable or, if compatible, Bluetooth.
  • Access to Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connection if you want to connect to a network during setup.
  • If you plan to migrate data, the source device or backup you intend to transfer from.

Place the computer on a hard, stable surface with adequate airflow underneath and around it. Apple’s Mac Studio setup guide covers the first-boot sequence.

Connect the Mac Studio and its accessories

1. Connect power

Connect the included power cable to Mac Studio and then to a power outlet.

2. Connect a display

Power the display if it needs a separate power connection. Use its cable to connect it to a Thunderbolt port or the HDMI port on the back of Mac Studio. Port availability can vary by Mac Studio generation. If the display cable does not match a port, check the documentation for both devices and choose a compatible cable or adapter; the right option depends on the specific models.

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3. Connect a keyboard and pointing device

Connect a keyboard and a mouse or trackpad. Wired devices can be connected by cable. Compatible Bluetooth devices can also be paired; Apple says Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad can be paired using their cable and then used wirelessly. Check accessory documentation if a connector does not fit or you are unsure how to pair a device. See Apple’s accessory connection guidance.

Turn on Mac Studio and use Setup Assistant

  1. Press the power button on the back of Mac Studio.
  2. Select a language when Setup Assistant appears.
  3. Connect to a network. Choose Wi-Fi, or use the Ethernet option under Other Network options if you have a wired connection available.
  4. Choose how to configure the Mac. You can set it up as a new Mac, use an iPhone or iPad, or transfer information from another Mac, a Windows PC, a Time Machine backup, or a startup disk.
  5. Set up accessibility and your computer account. Follow the prompts for accessibility features and create a local computer account and password.
  6. Choose optional settings. Setup Assistant may offer Apple Account sign-in or account creation, Location Services, Appearance, and other settings. Follow the on-screen choices; available features can vary by macOS version, language, and region.

Apple describes Setup Assistant as guiding users through data transfer, accessibility, Wi-Fi, and account creation. For Apple’s complete walkthrough, see Welcome to Mac Studio.

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Choose a fresh setup or transfer your data

Set up the Mac as new if you want to begin without transferring information from another device or backup. Choose a migration option if you want to bring data from a supported source, such as another Mac, a Windows PC, a Time Machine backup, or a startup disk. Decide which source you plan to use before beginning so it is available when Setup Assistant asks.

Transferring data takes additional time. The duration depends on the amount of data and transfer method; Apple does not give a universal time estimate for the process.

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Finish setup and check that the Mac is ready

Continue through Setup Assistant until you see the Welcome message indicating Mac Studio is ready to use. If the display stays black, an accessory does not connect, or a cable will not fit, check that device’s documentation and Apple’s setup and accessory guidance. Avoid assuming a particular adapter will work without confirming the Mac and peripheral ports.

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