To set up an Xbox Series X|S, connect it to power and an HDMI display, connect to broadband, then follow the console’s on-screen setup or use the Xbox app. Sign in with a Microsoft account, pair the controller, and let the console finish its system update. If the player is a child, configure family and privacy settings before they start playing. This guide covers Series X|S; for an Xbox One or a later hardware revision, follow that model’s instructions.
What you need before you start
- An Xbox Series X or Series S console and its power cable.
- A TV or monitor with an HDMI input, plus the console’s HDMI cable. Microsoft’s setup video specifies an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for Series X and a High Speed HDMI cable for Series S.
- Broadband internet, through Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- A Microsoft account for the player. An existing Microsoft account can be used for Xbox.
Internet is needed for online setup, downloads, updates, and some features. Microsoft’s 2020 Series X|S manual lists 1.5 Mbps download and 768 Kbps upload as a minimum broadband requirement for initial online setup and related functions; that minimum is not a recommendation for smooth multiplayer or streaming.
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Set up the console
- Position and connect the console. Place it on a stable surface with room for ventilation. Connect the power cable and HDMI cable to the console and display, then select the matching HDMI input on the TV or monitor.
- Turn it on and choose a setup route. Start the console and follow the prompts. You can complete setup on the console or use the Xbox app on a phone. The app is optional, not a requirement; choose whichever route is more convenient and works on your network.
- Connect to broadband. Choose Wi-Fi and enter the network credentials, or connect an Ethernet cable if a wired connection is available. A stable connection helps the console complete setup and download updates.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account. Use the player’s existing account if they have one, or follow the setup prompts to create an account. The account and Xbox profile support online setup and account-linked features.
- Pair the controller. Follow the console’s prompts to connect the included wireless controller. If it does not connect, use the controller and console pairing instructions for your model.
- Install the system update. Leave the console connected to power and internet while the update downloads and installs. Updates can take time depending on the download and connection. Xbox Wire recommends finishing the setup update before attaching extra peripherals such as external drives or charging stations.
Choose between console setup and the Xbox app
| Setup route | Best when | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Console’s on-screen flow | You prefer to follow prompts on the TV or monitor, or do not have a phone handy. | You complete the process at the console and use its displayed instructions. |
| Xbox app | Using a phone is convenient and the app can connect successfully in your network conditions. | The app is an alternative setup route, not mandatory. App availability and screens can change, so follow the current prompts. |
Set up a child’s account and safety settings
If the player is a child, add their account as a family member and review the available family and privacy controls with them as appropriate. Xbox family tools let parents or guardians manage settings such as screen time, content, chat, friend requests, and spending. You can use Xbox Family Settings or the console controls; review the current options and choose settings suited to the child.
Install a game and manage storage
Once setup and updates are complete, install a game from the console’s store or library and follow its prompts. You do not need to buy extra storage just to set up the console. If space becomes limited later, Xbox lists uninstalling games, using external storage, and using an expansion card as possible storage-management options. Check compatibility for your console model and games before buying an accessory.
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
#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.
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