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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo set up an Xbox Series X or Series S, connect it to power and an HDMI display, connect to broadband, then follow the console’s setup prompts or use the Xbox app. Sign in with a Microsoft account, pair the controller, and let the console finish its update. This guide covers Series X|S; for Xbox One or a newer hardware revision, check the instructions for that specific model.
What you need before setup
- An Xbox console and its power cable.
- A TV or monitor with an HDMI input and the HDMI cable appropriate for your model.
- A broadband internet connection, through Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- A Microsoft account. An account already used for Microsoft services can be used for Xbox.
Microsoft lists a console, Microsoft account, broadband internet, and HDMI-capable TV among the setup essentials (Xbox getting started). Its Series X|S manual lists a minimum of 1.5 Mbps download and 768 Kbps upload for initial online setup and related functions; those are minimum technical requirements from Microsoft’s 2020 manual, not a recommendation for smooth multiplayer or streaming (Series X|S manual).
Choose how to complete the first-run setup
| Route | Best when | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Console-guided setup | You prefer to read and follow prompts on the TV or monitor. | Start the console and work through the instructions shown on screen. |
| Xbox app-assisted setup | You have a phone and would rather use it during setup. | Follow the app’s prompts to help set up the console. App screens and labels can change over time. |
Microsoft describes both the console flow and app-assisted setup; neither route is mandatory (Xbox getting started; Microsoft’s setup video). Choose whichever is convenient and works with your network.
Set up the console step by step
- Position and connect the console. Place it on a stable surface with room around it, then connect power and HDMI to the display. Microsoft’s setup video specifies an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for Series X and a High Speed HDMI cable for Series S; follow the instructions for your exact model.
- Turn on the console and display. Select the TV or monitor input connected to the Xbox, power on the console, and follow the first-run prompts. Alternatively, follow the app-assisted route described above.
- Connect to broadband. Choose Wi-Fi or connect an Ethernet cable if a wired connection is available. Online setup, downloads, updates, and some features need internet access.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account. Use an existing account if the player has one, or follow the setup prompts to create or add an account. The account connects the player’s Xbox profile and other account-linked features.
- Pair the controller. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the included wireless controller. If setup asks for an update, allow it to complete rather than powering off the console.
- Finish the system update before adding accessories. Updates and downloads can take time. Xbox Wire recommends completing the setup update before attaching extra peripherals such as an external drive or charging station (Xbox Wire setup guide).
Set up a child’s account and family controls
If the new player is a child, add the child’s account as a family member and review the controls available through Xbox Family Settings or the console. Microsoft describes tools for managing screen time, content, chat, friend requests, and spending (Xbox Family Settings; Xbox Wire setup guide).
#1 Best Overall
- FASTEST, MOST POWERFUL XBOX — Experience next-generation performance with 12 teraflops of processing power, delivering smoother gameplay, richer worlds, and faster responsiveness than any previous XBOX.
- TRUE 4K GAMING UP TO 120 FPS — Enjoy breathtaking visuals with true 4K resolution, HDR, and frame rates up to 120 FPS, plus hardware-accelerated ray tracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 1TB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 1TB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF GAMES — Play thousands of games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX, with many titles enhanced for better visuals and performance on XBOX Series X.
- Choose content access and communication settings suited to the child’s age and needs.
- Set screen-time and spending limits if useful.
- Review the choices with the child when appropriate, and revisit them as their needs change.
Install a game and manage storage
Once setup and updates are complete, install a game from the console’s available options. You do not need to buy extra storage just to set up the Xbox. If space becomes limited, Xbox lists uninstalling games, using external storage, or using a compatible expansion card as possible ways to manage it (Xbox getting started). Check compatibility for the specific console and storage device before buying anything.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
Rank #3
- BEST VALUE IN GAMING — Experience next-gen speed and performance in the smallest XBOX ever. The XBOX Series S delivers powerful all-digital gameplay in a sleek, compact design.
- UP TO 120 FPS GAMEPLAY — Enjoy smooth, responsive gaming with frame rates up to 120 FPS, powered by XBOX Velocity Architecture, a custom NVMe SSD, and DirectX Raytracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 512GB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 512GB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF DIGITAL GAMES — Play thousands of digital games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX with backward compatibility. Many titles are enhanced for better visuals and performance. Smart Delivery ensures you always get the best version for your console.
Rank #2
- What's in the box: Xbox Series X console, 1 Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black, Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, Power cord.
- Equipped with AMD's Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, DirectX ray tracing delivers true-to-life lighting, shadows and accurate reflections to create dynamic, living worlds.
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6 w/320 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6 GB @ 336 GB/s; Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: True 4K; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; High Dynamic Range: Up to 8K HDR; Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
- Bundled with HDMI_Cable
If setup does not proceed
- The console cannot connect: Check that your Wi-Fi credentials are correct, or try Ethernet if available. Initial online setup requires internet access.
- An update is still running: Give it time to finish before connecting extra peripherals or interrupting power.
- The app route is inconvenient: Use the console’s on-screen setup flow instead; the app is optional.
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