For an Xbox Series X|S, connect the console to an HDMI display and power, get online, then follow either the on-screen setup or the Xbox app. You’ll need an Xbox console, a Microsoft account, broadband internet and an HDMI-capable TV or monitor. These steps focus on Series X|S; check the instructions for your specific model if you have an Xbox One or a newer hardware revision.
What to have ready
- An Xbox console and its power cable.
- A TV or monitor with an HDMI input and the supplied HDMI cable. Microsoft’s setup video lists an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for Series X and a High Speed HDMI cable for Series S: Microsoft’s Series X|S setup video.
- A broadband connection, by Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- A Microsoft account. An existing account used for Microsoft services can be used for Xbox, according to Xbox’s getting-started page.
Microsoft’s Series X|S manual lists a minimum broadband requirement of 1.5 Mbps download and 768 Kbps upload for initial online setup and related functions. That is a minimum technical requirement, not a recommendation for smooth multiplayer or streaming: Microsoft’s network connection guidance.
Choose a setup route
| Route | Best fit | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Console-guided setup | You want to use the TV or monitor and the controller. | Follow the prompts shown when you start the console. |
| Xbox app setup | You have a phone and prefer to use it during setup. | Microsoft offers app-assisted setup; the app and console guide you through the process. App availability and screens may vary over time. |
Both options are described in Microsoft’s getting-started guide and setup video. Neither route is mandatory; use whichever is more convenient and works with your current network.
Set up the console
- Position and connect it. Place the console on a stable surface with room around it, then connect power and HDMI as shown in the instructions for your model. Select the matching HDMI input on your TV or monitor.
- Turn on the console. Start it and follow the first-run prompts, or use the Xbox app’s setup option if you chose that route.
- 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 the player’s existing account if they have one, or follow the setup prompts to create or use an account. The account links the Xbox profile to online and account-based features.
- Pair the controller. Follow the console’s instructions to connect the included wireless controller.
- Install the system update. Let the update finish before attaching additional peripherals, such as external drives or charging stations. Xbox Wire recommends updating first: Xbox Wire’s guide to using Xbox.
- Install a game. Use the console’s game or store options to install a game the player owns or can access. Downloads may take time depending on the connection and game size.
Set up family controls for a child
If the new player is a child, add their account as a family member and review the available controls with them as appropriate. Xbox Family Settings and console controls let a parent or guardian manage screen time, content, chat, friend requests and spending. Microsoft describes family setup options in its getting-started guide and Xbox Wire guide. Available controls and labels can change, so follow the current prompts in the app or console.
#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.
Manage storage when it becomes an issue
You do not need extra storage to complete initial setup. If the console runs short of space later, Xbox lists uninstalling games, using external storage or adding an expansion card as possible approaches. Which option suits you depends on your console model, game library and the accessory’s compatibility. See the Xbox storage guidance 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 get online: check that your Wi-Fi password is correct or that the Ethernet cable is connected, then retry the network step.
- The app cannot connect to the console: try the console-guided flow instead; app setup is an option, not a requirement.
- An update is still running: keep the console connected to power and internet and allow the update to complete before adding peripherals.
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