How to set up Xbox Series X, Series S: Parental controls, transfer games, and more
The A-Z for getting started with Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, from setup to gaming.
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If you’re like the rest of us, therecent insane deals on the Xbox Series X and Series Smeans you have some new consoles to set up. Whether you picked up a console for yourself, or you’re like me and you’re finally upgrading your kids from the Xbox One to the newest Xbox generation this holiday season, you will need to set up your new Xbox to get it up and running.
Have no fear though, Microsoft has one of the best out-of-the-box setup experiences of any consumer tech device I’ve ever used. And we are here to guide you through each step of the way.
While the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S pack different technology under the hood, both consoles share a lot in common. They utilize an identical operating system (OS), run the same games, and have a similar setup process. Here’s how to get started, with some additional out-of-box tips to ensure you draw the full value from your new Xbox console.
What’s in the box with Xbox Series X, Series S?
Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S include all the necessities to set-up and start using your new console, making it easy to enjoy it almost 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 same comes with Xbox Series S but swapping out the gamepad for an all-white finish. The box also includes an HDMI cable to connect the console to your TV and the same figure-8 C7 power cable used by Xbox One X.
It’s also worth highlighting Microsoft bundles anUltra High Speed HDMI cablewith Xbox Series X that meets HDMI 2.1 requirements. That supports 4K resolution at 120Hz, or 8K resolution at 60Hz, making it easy to push the best possible experience to capable TVs. The Xbox Series S includes aHigh Speed HDMI cablethat supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz, or 1440p resolution at 120Hz, in line with the target performance for this lower-tier console.
How to set up Xbox Series X, Series S hardware
Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S ensure a relatively hassle-free setup, in part because of its streamlined out-of-box experience, getting you gaming in no time. After unboxing the console and its included accessories, it’s time to hook everything up to your display.
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First, find a place for your Xbox console, whether a desk, entertainment center, or another flat surface. Your console must have adequate ventilation, so the green-tinted top-facing exhaust on Xbox Series X and black circular vent on Xbox Series S can’t be blocked. Microsoft recommends 4 to 6 inches (around 10 to 15 cm) minimum around the exhausts to cool your console. Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S also support horizontal and vertical positioning, making it easier to position the console around your home.
And in an always-connected work, also consider your internet connection. With Xbox Live and supporting services likeXbox Game Passamong the console fundamentals moving forward, 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 improve that connection for most.
To ensure your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S functions as intended, follow the steps below.
Your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S should light up with an accompanying chime. If no chime sounds, check if your power cable is plugged in correctly, using a functional outlet. If no image is displayed on the screen, check your TV connection, and ensure the correct HDMI source is selected.
How to set up 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 system (OS) version available at launch.
It’s a relatively self-explanatory setup, especially for returning Xbox One 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 still processing.
How to set up your Xbox Series X, Series S with the Xbox app
Microsoft’s new Xbox app setup experience provides the most seamless opportunity to customize your console, with an easily navigable in-app experience that walks users through the setup step-by-step. The free app is available on iOS and Android devices, which speeds up the process while your console handles updates in the background.
How to set up your Xbox Series X, Series S on the console
For those who prefer to keep it simple or don’t have access to the Xbox app, new consoles can also be set up on the device with an equally intuitive setup process. It’s best to have your Microsoft Account ready, with an experience that transitions between your phone and TV.
How to move games from Xbox One to Xbox Series X, Series S
With Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S supporting almost every title once playable on Xbox One, it’s easy to bring your existing installations across devices. It saves the need to redownload potentially dozens of titles on your new console, with relatively seamless transfer processes in place, depending on your setup.
The Xbox One and Xbox Series family provide two transfer options: a wireless network transfer and by using a physical external hard drive. The former allows you to copy over games quickly provided the consoles are on the same local network. But if you have a USB-connected drive to hand, it’s an easy plug and play process. You can even play backward compatible titles directly off the hard drive, allowing you toexpand the Xbox Series X and Series S storagebeyond that SSD.
Our guide ontransferring games from Xbox One to Xbox Series X or Xbox Series Sprovides the full lowdown on how to move your games, unlocking the full benefits of the next generation.
How to set up Xbox parental controls
For parents setting up an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, Microsoft also provides a robust suite of parental controls designed to help 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 activity on consoles.
It’s relatively easy to set up these controls on the Xbox Series X, located within the Settings app, underAccount>Family Settings. But thenew Xbox Family Settings app is our recommended experiencebecause it packs all the tools into one remote app on your iPhone or Android device. The free app allows you to manage and monitor any aspect of your child’s experience whenever and wherever with a simple process, only requiring a Microsoft Account.
For any parent picking up a new Xbox, these tools are a must-try to ensure your kids stay safe online, both with the content they play and the people they meet. It’s now easier than ever, ideal even if you’re not technically-minded.
Experience the best with your TV: 4K, HDR, 120Hz
Before sitting back and enjoying your new console, the importance of making sure your console is configured to work with your TV can’t be stressed enough. While the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S work better than ever with the newest TV technologies, it’s still working checking your console has been configured to deliver the clearest, smoothest, and most vibrant gameplay out of the box.
Microsoft contains a handy 4K TV test inside the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S settings app, available underGeneral>TV & display options>4K TV details. The presented results, as demonstrated above, provide a breakdown of what your TV can output. It’s also important to checkwhichport your console uses, with many 4K TVs limiting features to select port numbers.
Only a select number of TVs will be capable of 4K resolution at 120Hz, which provides the ultimate balance of clarity and fluidity. It’s restricted to only thebest 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and Series S, with the new HDMI 2.1 standard. Older 4K TVs may support up to 4K at 60Hz, or 1440p at 120Hz. HDR is also one to watch, supported across many new TVs, resulting in improved contrast and colors.
VisitGeneral>TV & display optionsunder theSettings appon your Xbox and ensure your maximum resolution is selected on the “Resolution” tile. The adjacent Video Modes tile also provides additional options, like enabling HDR content or high refresh rates.
The full next-generation experience.
Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s new flagship, as its most powerful console with over 12TF GPU performance and a custom SSD. It boasts up to 4K resolution and 120 FPS, full backward compatibility across four generations, and ray-tracing support.
Experience next-gen gaming for less.
Microsoft serves the next-generation for less with its budget-friendly Xbox Series S. The console packs the same high-performance CPU and SSD technology as Xbox Series X, while scaling back the GPU and removing the disc drive.
Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central’s Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft’s gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter@mattjbrown.
