How to set up Xbox Series X, Series S: Parental controls, transfer games, and more

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Source: Microsoft

Microsoft has launched the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, its duo of next-generation consoles and successors to Xbox One. If you're reading this, y'all're likely among the lucky few with one of these consoles, both presenting giant operation leaps over past consoles. That includes bolstered visuals, high framerates, and cutting-edge technology like ray tracing, with reduced load times sweetening the feel across the board.

While the Xbox Serial Ten and Xbox Series South pack different engineering under the hood, both consoles share a lot in common. They utilize an identical operating system (Bone), run the same games, and accept a similar setup process. Here's how to get started, with some additional out-of-box tips to ensure you depict the full value from your new Xbox console.

What'south in the box with Xbox Serial Ten, Serial S?

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Retail Boxes Source: Matt Brownish | Windows Key

Xbox Series X and Xbox Series South include all the necessities to set-upwardly and start using your new console, making it easy to relish information technology nearly immediately. The box stows the device in protective, hassle-free packaging, coupled with one wireless controller, alongside all the cables needed to power and use your Xbox.

The Xbox Series X ships with the console itself, a new Xbox Wireless Controller in matte-black styling, and AA batteries required for power. The aforementioned comes with Xbox Series South but swapping out the gamepad for an all-white cease. The box also includes an HDMI cable to connect the panel to your TV and the same figure-8 C7 power cable used by Xbox I X.

Panel	Contents
Xbox Serial X	Xbox Series Ten Console Xbox Wireless Controller Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable Ability Cable
Xbox Series South	Xbox Serial South Console Xbox Wireless Controller High Speed HDMI Cable Power Cable

It'due south also worth highlighting Microsoft bundles an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable with Xbox Series X that meets HDMI 2.1 requirements. That supports 4K resolution at 120Hz, or 8K resolution at 60Hz, making it like shooting fish in a barrel to push the best possible experience to capable TVs. The Xbox Series S includes a High Speed HDMI cable that supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz, or 1440p resolution at 120Hz, in line with the target functioning for this lower-tier panel.

How to set up Xbox Series X, Series Due south hardware

Xbox Series X Ports Source: Matt Brownish | Windows Central

Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S ensure a relatively hassle-gratuitous setup, in role because of its streamlined out-of-box experience, getting you gaming in no time. Subsequently unboxing the console and its included accessories, it's time to hook everything up to your display.

Showtime, detect a place for your Xbox console, whether a desk, amusement eye, or another flat surface. Your console must have adequate ventilation, so the green-tinted top-facing frazzle on Xbox Series 10 and black circular vent on Xbox Serial S can't be blocked. Microsoft recommends 4 to 6 inches (around ten to xv cm) minimum around the exhausts to cool your panel. Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S too support horizontal and vertical positioning, making information technology easier to position the console around your habitation.

And in an always-connected work, besides consider your internet connection. With Xbox Live and supporting services like Xbox Game Pass among the console fundamentals moving frontwards, it's crucial to have a speedy, lag-free experience. While wireless is most accessible with just a few clicks, the logistics of hooking up via Ethernet hugely amend that connexion for most.

To ensure your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S functions as intended, follow the steps below.

Connect the included HDMI cable to the rear of your Xbox Series 10 or Xbox Series S.
Connect the HDMI cable to your TV or monitor.
- For many 4K TVs, it's also essential to consider which HDMI port is used. Some TVs map their best features to specific ports, which becomes especially crucial if using an HDMI 2.one display, with an impact on resolution and framerate. Refer to your TV manufacturer for further specifications.
Connect the power cable to the rear of your panel.
Connect the power cable to an outlet. We recommend connecting the console directly to the wall, as external surge protectors accept historically limited power describe, which impacts performance.
Press the ability button on your Xbox console.

Your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series Due south should light up with an accompanying chinkle. If no chime sounds, check if your power cable is plugged in correctly, using a functional outlet. If no paradigm is displayed on the screen, bank check your TV connection, and ensure the right HDMI source is selected.

How to prepare your Xbox Series X, Series S

When your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S first powers on, a digital out of box experience (OOBE) walks new users through configuring essentials on the software side. It touches on system language, getting online, and setting preferences, while also installing the latest Xbox operating organization (Bone) version bachelor at launch.

It's a relatively self-explanatory setup, especially for returning Xbox I users. Microsoft also allows users to expedite the process through the official Xbox companion app, out now on iOS and Android, allowing you to configure preferences while the system is nonetheless processing.

How to gear up your Xbox Serial X, Series S with the Xbox app

Xbox Series X, Series S Console App Setup Source: Windows Central

Microsoft'southward new Xbox app setup experience provides the most seamless opportunity to customize your panel, with an easily navigable in-app feel that walks users through the setup footstep-by-step. The free app is available on iOS and Android devices, which speeds up the process while your panel handles updates in the background.

Open and sign into the Xbox app on your iOS or Android device. If you don't have the Xbox app, it's bachelor for free from the App Shop and Google Play Shop.
Tap the console icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
Tap Set up a panel.
Tap Set up up a new console.

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Enter the x-digit code displayed on your Tv set. This code will display when first powering on Xbox Series Ten or Xbox Serial Southward, prompting users to use the app during setup.
Tap Connect to console. Your mobile device will automatically display a prompt requesting to join your panel's Wi-Fi network.
Tap Join. Your phone will at present connect to your Xbox panel.
Tap Next.

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Tap your preferred language and location.
Hit Adjacent.
Cull your preferred Wi-Fi network and follow the on-screen prompts to connect. A confirmation will display when online.
- If using a wired connexion, select Use wired connection. Ensure your Ethernet cablevision is connected to the console. A confirmation will display when online.
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Tap Next. The app will prompt you lot to install an Xbox update.
Tap Adjacent to start the update. Your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series Southward will start updating in the background.
Choose your preferred power style for your Xbox console.
- Energy saving: This fashion aims to reduce ability consumption, with slower start-upwardly, no downloads while sleeping, and easy remote access. The surroundings appreciates your sacrifices.
- Instant-on: This fashion is all about speed and functionality, powering on in but seconds with the ability to download titles or remotely access your console while turned off.
Tap Next.

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Choose your preferred sign-in preferences.
- No barriers: This is the easiest mode to use Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, allowing yous to sign-in, change settings, and even purchase content without additional steps. Yous're sacrificing security for convenience.
- Enquire for my passkey: This setting allows you to create a uncomplicated passkey that you lot must enter to sign-in, make purchases, and modify settings across your console. Platonic when using your Xbox panel in a household with multiple people.
- Lock it down: This setting requires users to reauthenticate your Microsoft account with your total password every fourth dimension you sign-in, make purchases and change settings beyond your console. While great for security, it tin can be a hassle.
Tap Next.
Select Enable instant sign-in to be automatically signed when turning on your Xbox console. Otherwise, select No thanks.
Choose your preferred automated update preferences using the on-screen toggle.
Tap Next.

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Choose whether to enable remote features using the on-screen toggle. This includes remote play, remote install, remote control. Otherwise, select Skip.
Tap Next.
Sign in with your Microsoft Business relationship when prompted.
Tap Adjacent to acknowledge Microsoft's data drove policies.
Tap Send Optional Data to send Microsoft optional diagnostic and usage information. Otherwise, select No thank you.
Tap Next to admit Microsoft's information-sharing policies.
Enter a name for your Xbox Series X or Xbox Serial S console. Otherwise, select Skip.
Tap Next.

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Choose your preferred communication preferences for information and offers using the on-screen toggle.
Tap Next.

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For existing Xbox users, Microsoft will provide an opportunity to restore your Xbox organization preferences from the cloud. Select Apply Settings to accept these aforementioned preferences, or select No Thank you to farther customize your panel. Those setting up an Xbox panel for the get-go time will also receive an opportunity to customize their system preferences.

Source: Windows Central
Select Link Controller to automatically sign in when using your controller. Otherwise, select Skip This.

Source: Windows Key
Select Have Me Dwelling house to complete the setup process.

How to set upwardly your Xbox Series X, Series S on the panel

For those who prefer to keep it simple or don't have admission to the Xbox app, new consoles can too be prepare on the device with an equally intuitive setup process. It's best to have your Microsoft Account set, with an experience that transitions between your phone and Goggle box.

Press and agree the Xbox button to plow on your Xbox controller.
Press the Menu (three-lines) push.

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Select your preferred linguistic communication.

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Select the preferred variety of your preferred language.

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Choose your preferred Wi-Fi network and follow the on-screen prompts to connect. A confirmation will display when online.
- If using a wired connection, select Use wired connexion. Ensure your Ethernet cablevision is connected to the console. A confirmation will brandish when online.
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Select Proceed.

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Select your location. The panel volition prompt you lot to install an update.

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Select Get-go update. Your Xbox Series X or Xbox Serial Due south volition get-go updating. Microsoft will prompt you to hand over the set-up process to your mobile, although you tin continue using just the console if preferred.

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Press and agree the Xbox push button to turn on your Xbox controller.

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Printing A to continue the setup process. Your console volition prompt you to update the Xbox controller.

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Select Update Controller.

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Select Side by side to continue the setup process.

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Select Next to continue the setup process.

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Sign in with your Microsoft Account when prompted.

Source: Windows Fundamental
Select Next to acknowledge Microsoft's data collection policies.

Source: Windows Central
Select Send Optional Data to transport Microsoft optional diagnostic and usage information. Otherwise, select No thanks.

Source: Windows Central
For existing Xbox users, Microsoft will provide an opportunity to restore your Xbox system preferences from the cloud. Select Apply Settings to take these same preferences, or select No Cheers to further customize your console. Those setting up an Xbox console for the beginning time will as well receive an opportunity to customize their arrangement preferences.

Source: Windows Fundamental
Select Link Controller to automatically sign in when using your controller. Otherwise, select Skip This.

Source: Windows Central
Select Have Me Dwelling to consummate the setup process.

How to motility games from Xbox Ane to Xbox Series X, Series Southward

Xbox One Hard Drive Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central

With Xbox Series X and Xbox Serial Southward supporting nigh every title once playable on Xbox One, it's easy to bring your existing installations across devices. It saves the demand to redownload potentially dozens of titles on your new panel, with relatively seamless transfer processes in place, depending on your setup.

The Xbox One and Xbox Series family provide ii transfer options: a wireless network transfer and by using a concrete external hard bulldoze. The former allows yous to copy over games speedily provided the consoles are on the same local network. Only if you have a USB-continued drive to hand, it's an easy plug and play process. You can even play backward compatible titles direct off the hard drive, allowing you to expand the Xbox Series X and Series S storage beyond that SSD.

Our guide on transferring games from Xbox One to Xbox Series 10 or Xbox Series S provides the full lowdown on how to move your games, unlocking the full benefits of the next generation.

How to prepare Xbox parental controls

For parents setting up an Xbox Series X or Xbox Serial S, Microsoft too provides a robust suite of parental controls designed to aid keep an eye on the kids. Existing tools include timers on when and how long your child can play, limitations on content, as well as monitoring and managing their action on consoles.

It'due south relatively easy to prepare these controls on the Xbox Series X, located within the Settings app, under Account > Family unit Settings. But the new Xbox Family unit Settings app is our recommended feel considering information technology packs all the tools into one remote app on your iPhone or Android device. The gratuitous app allows you to manage and monitor any attribute of your child's experience whenever and wherever with a simple procedure, only requiring a Microsoft Account.

For whatsoever parent picking upward a new Xbox, these tools are a must-try to ensure your kids stay prophylactic online, both with the content they play and the people they meet. It's now easier than ever, ideal even if you're non technically-minded.

Experience the best with your TV: 4K, HDR, 120Hz

Xbox Series X 4K 120 Hz Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central

Before sitting back and enjoying your new console, the importance of making certain your console is configured to work with your TV tin't exist stressed enough. While the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S work meliorate than always with the newest TV technologies, information technology'southward still working checking your console has been configured to evangelize the clearest, smoothest, and most vibrant gameplay out of the box.

Microsoft contains a handy 4K Tv test inside the Xbox Series 10 and Xbox Series S settings app, available under General > Idiot box & display options > 4K TV details. The presented results, as demonstrated above, provide a breakdown of what your TV tin output. It'due south also important to bank check which port your console uses, with many 4K TVs limiting features to select port numbers.

Only a select number of TVs volition exist capable of 4K resolution at 120Hz, which provides the ultimate residual of clarity and fluidity. It'south restricted to only the best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and Series Southward, with the new HDMI ii.ane standard. Older 4K TVs may support upwardly to 4K at 60Hz, or 1440p at 120Hz. HDR is as well ane to watch, supported across many new TVs, resulting in improved contrast and colors.

Visit Full general > Tv set & display options nether the Settings app on your Xbox and ensure your maximum resolution is selected on the "Resolution" tile. The adjacent Video Modes tile also provides boosted options, similar enabling HDR content or loftier refresh rates.

Leading 4K

Xbox Series X

Xbox Serial X

The total next-generation feel.

Xbox Series X is Microsoft's new flagship, as its about powerful console with over 12TF GPU performance and a custom SSD. Information technology boasts up to 4K resolution and 120 FPS, full backward compatibility across four generations, and ray-tracing back up.

Next-gen in Hard disk drive

Xbox Series S

Experience adjacent-gen gaming for less.

Microsoft serves the next-generation for less with its budget-friendly Xbox Serial Due south. The console packs the same high-operation CPU and SSD technology as Xbox Series Ten, while scaling back the GPU and removing the disc drive.

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