Setting up a new Xbox: accounts, home console, power modes and storage

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A new Xbox Series X or Series S can be playing games within the hour, but a few choices made during setup affect how you use it for years. Here is what to think about, step by step.

Before you switch it on

Have your Microsoft account email and password ready, and check that two-step verification is on. The Xbox account is the same as the Microsoft account you use for Outlook or Windows.
Install the Xbox app on your phone. Setup can be done from the app, which is faster than typing passwords with a controller.
Use a wired network connection if possible. The first system update and game downloads are large.

The setup itself

Connect the HDMI cable that came with the console. On a Series X, use an HDMI 2.1 port on your TV if it has one.
Switch on and follow the prompts. If you choose app setup, the console shows a code to enter in the Xbox app.
Let the system update finish. Do not switch off during the update.
Sign in, choose whether to keep your sign-in, and set a passkey if you share the console.
Choose your power mode and update preferences when asked. Both can be changed later.

If you are coming from an older Xbox, your game library, achievements and most cloud saves follow your account, so there is little to transfer. Many settings also sync.

Making it your home Xbox

Designating a home Xbox is the most important setting for a shared console.

On your home Xbox, anyone who signs in can play the digital games you own and use your Game Pass subscription.
On any other console, you can still play your games while signed in.
You can change your home Xbox, but Microsoft limits how often, so do it deliberately.

To check or change it, go to Settings > General > Personalisation > My home Xbox. If you own more than one console, make the one the household uses most your home Xbox.

Power modes

Series consoles have two main power options:

Sleep: the console starts in seconds, resumes suspended games and downloads updates overnight, but uses noticeably more electricity while off.
Shutdown (energy saving): the console uses very little power when off but takes longer to start, and cannot be switched on remotely.

Microsoft has added an option to use Sleep only during set hours and energy saving the rest of the time. If you play in the evenings, that keeps quick starts when you want them without paying for standby all night. Find these under Settings > General > Power options.

Storage, planned from day one

Neither console's internal storage is huge once system space is taken out, and big games can be very large.

Check what is installed in My games & apps > Manage. You can sort by size.
Use Quick Resume for a few games you switch between often, rather than leaving many installed.
Uninstall finished games. Your saves are kept in the cloud.
If you need more room, compare a storage expansion card (for Series games) with a cheaper external USB drive (for older games and archiving).

Settings worth a look

Display and sound: run the HDR game calibration, and set a 120 Hz refresh rate only if your TV supports it.
Privacy and online safety: decide who can message you and see your activity.
Accessibility: the narrator, high contrast and button remapping are worth knowing about.
Updates: keep the console, games and controllers up to date automatically.

Accessories

Controllers pair with the button on the console and the pair button on the controller. A controller update needs it to be connected; you can trigger one from the accessories settings. Menu names change with updates, so check Xbox Support for current steps. What setting would you tell a new Xbox owner to change first? Share it in the comments.