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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFor a personal Windows 11 Home or Pro PC, initial setup requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account. Turn on the new or reset PC, follow the on-screen prompts, connect to a trusted network, sign in with the account that fits the device, and complete any privacy, security, or organization prompts shown. The exact screens and their order can vary by edition, device, region, and management settings.
What to expect during Windows 11 OOBE
OOBE—short for Out-of-Box Experience—is the first-run setup Windows guides you through when a PC is new or has been reset. Microsoft describes the broad process as accepting the license agreement, connecting to the internet, signing in to or creating a Microsoft account, and completing other setup tasks. Language, region, keyboard, and later configuration screens may appear depending on the device; there is no single guaranteed screen sequence for every Windows 11 24H2 installation.
Keep the PC connected to power if possible, and use a network you trust. Follow the prompts on your own screen rather than expecting every step below to appear in precisely this order.
Set up a personal Windows 11 Home or Pro PC
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Start the setup prompts
Turn on the new or reset PC and follow the OOBE instructions. If asked, select your language, region, and keyboard layout. Confirm the choices before continuing.
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Connect to the internet
Choose a listed Wi-Fi network and enter its password, or use a wired connection if the PC supports it. Microsoft states that an internet connection is required to finish setting up a device running Windows Home or Pro. A connection also lets the device receive available security updates and drivers during setup. See Microsoft’s connection guidance.
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Sign in or create a Microsoft account
For personal use, Windows 11 Home and Pro require a Microsoft account during initial setup. Follow the sign-in prompts for an existing account or the option to create one. If this is a work- or school-managed PC, use the organization path instead of treating personal-account instructions as universal.
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Review privacy and device configuration prompts
Read the choices presented on your device and select the settings that fit your needs. Some prompts may cover connected experiences or Windows Hello, depending on the setup path. Microsoft explains that connected experiences involve data being sent to and processed by Microsoft to provide their capabilities, and that most device setup settings can be changed after setup. Not every device displays the same individual privacy screens or toggles. See Microsoft’s overview of essential services and connected experiences.
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Let setup finish
Continue through any remaining prompts and allow setup to complete. The PC may download and install an OOBE update and restart; follow the on-screen instructions rather than powering it off during an update.
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Set up a work or school device
An organization-managed PC follows a different account path from a personal device. Microsoft’s documented process asks you to enter your work or school email and password during OOBE; the organization may also require approval on a mobile device. Depending on organizational choices, the PC may automatically enroll in mobile device management (MDM), which lets the organization manage some device settings.
- When prompted for account details, enter the work or school credentials supplied by your organization.
- Complete any requested mobile-device approval or other verification.
- Follow the remaining setup prompts, including any Windows Hello or privacy choices shown for that device.
For organization-specific enrollment requirements, contact your IT administrator. Microsoft’s instructions are at Join your work device to your work or school network.
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- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
If Wi-Fi is missing or will not connect
Start with the straightforward checks. The available fixes depend on the PC and network; Microsoft’s setup connectivity guide covers additional troubleshooting.
- Make sure any physical Wi-Fi switch is turned on.
- Move closer to the router or access point.
- Check that you selected the right network and entered its password correctly.
- If several networks or frequency bands are listed, try another trusted option.
- If available, try another trusted Wi-Fi network, Ethernet, or cellular connectivity supported by the PC.
Try Ethernet when the hardware supports it
If the PC has an Ethernet port, connect it to the router with an Ethernet cable. If it has no Ethernet port and you want to try a wired connection, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter may work; check that the adapter’s connector is compatible with the PC before choosing one. It is an optional workaround, not a requirement for every setup.
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When no Wi-Fi networks appear
If basic checks do not help and no networks are listed, the PC may need its manufacturer’s Wi-Fi adapter driver. This is an advanced recovery route, not a normal OOBE step:
- On another device, download the Wi-Fi network adapter driver from the PC manufacturer.
- Unzip the downloaded driver package if required, then copy it to a USB flash drive.
- Make sure the driver’s
.inffile is at the root of the flash drive, not inside a subfolder. - Use Microsoft’s device-appropriate instructions to install the driver, then retry the network step.
OOBE updates and restart
Microsoft’s update record for Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 lists KB5128942, published September 22, 2026. Microsoft says this update downloads and installs automatically during OOBE when internet is available, requires a restart, and replaces KB5122035. Depending on the PC’s update state and connection, this can extend setup. You do not necessarily get a separate screen to choose the update; follow the prompts displayed on the device. Details are in Microsoft’s KB5128942 update notice.
Personal and organization setup at a glance
| Setup context | Account path | Approval or management |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Windows 11 Home or Pro | Microsoft account required during initial setup | Personal setup; the organization enrollment path does not apply unless the device is managed |
| Work or school device | Work or school email and password | May require mobile approval and may automatically enroll the PC in MDM, depending on organizational choices |
For the personal setup requirements, see Windows 11 System Requirements. For the organization path, see Microsoft’s work-device setup instructions.
Quick Recap
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