Congratulations! You’ve got your hands on an Xbox One, Xbox One S or 4K-enabled Xbox One X. You have an amazing games console packed with high-end titles, and you’re about to enter a world of great digital entertainment.
The first step is to set up your Xbox One, both physically and digitally. It is a pretty simple process, but our Xbox One setup guide is here to make it even simpler.
Plugging in your Xbox One
Make sure you have access to and the details of a Wi-Fi network, a TV and space for your Xbox.
Take everything out of the Xbox One box and place the console on a flat surface near the TV you are going to use. Make sure nothing is blocking the vents of the Xbox, and that you are in reach of plug sockets.
Now get your HDMI cable. Plug one end into the HDMI socket in the back of the Xbox One, and then the other into the back of the TV. Also, find the Xbox Controller and put the batteries in the back. If batteries aren’t your thing, you can also pick up a rechargeable battery pack for the controller.
If you have an original Xbox One, plug the power cable into the power socket at the back of the console, and then plug the secondary cable into the power source (the big black block). The other end will go into the wall socket.
If you’ve got the more recent Xbox One S or One X, the power source is built in so you can plug your console directly into the wall socket using the provided cable.
Your Xbox is now set up and good to go, so it’s time to concentrate on the digital set up.
Setting up your Xbox One
Once everything is in place, power up the console by placing your finger over the Xbox One logo, push the Xbox One logo on the One S or One X, or push and hold the Xbox One logo on the controller (with it plugged in).
If you powered on the Xbox from the button on the front of the console, you will be prompted to turn on the controller. To do this, just press the Xbox button in the middle of the controller. Again, you may need to plug it in with the included microUSB cable to establish the initial connection, but you won’t need to do that in future.
You will see a close-up image of the righthand side of the controller, and be prompted to hit the A button. Do so.
Now you will be prompted to select your language. Do that and the next step is to connect to the internet. When prompted, select ‘Add wireless network’, and the Xbox will scan for local networks. When it finds yours, select it and put in the password.
Alternatively, you can connect an Ethernet cable to the back of the Xbox One and to your router, and select ‘Use wired connection’. Or manually add a wireless network. This requires you to enter the SSID (network name), security type, and password. And if you don’t know what this means, don’t do it.
Once you’re online, you’ll be asked to select your location. Presuming you know what country you are in, this step should be simple.
Next, the Xbox One will prompt you to download and install the latest system update. You need to do this to ensure that your Xbox has the latest, most secure software. Click Start update and the Xbox will do the rest.
The download may take a while, and the system will need to restart so now is a good time to make a cup of tea.
At this point, the Xbox will request that you select a time zone. Why it can’t do so based on your location is one of life’s great mysteries. Here in the UK by default it will automatically sync to local time. So just let it!
Next, you choose whether to go with the Instant-On option, or select Save Energy. We’d got for Instant-On as it prevents your Xbox One ever booting down and means you can get straight in and play a couple of seconds after booting. But as the name suggests Save Energy will, well, save energy!
Finally, it’s time to sign in with your Microsoft account. If you already have an Xbox this will be simple. If you don’t, but have an Outlook or other Microsoft account, just use those details. Or set up a new one.
Your Xbox One is now set up and ready to go! Don’t forget to pick up an Xbox Live Gold subscription if you’re planning to play online multiplayer games, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.
If you’re new to the world of Xbox gaming, be sure to take a look at what we think are the best Xbox One games.
