TL;DR
- Plug in the HDMI and power cables, press the Xbox button, and follow the on-screen setup prompts.
- Use the Xbox app on your phone to complete setup faster with a 10-digit code.
- Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet and let the console update before doing anything else.
- Set your resolution to 4K, enable HDR, VRR, and 120fps in Display Settings if your TV supports them.
- Sign in with or create a Microsoft account to access Game Pass and your game library.
- Enable Quick Resume, check power settings, and configure your storage before downloading games.
Xbox Series X setup is straightforward once you know what to do and in what order. Whether you just got the console out of the box or you want to make sure you have not missed any important settings, this guide walks you through every step — from plugging in the cables to optimising display output and getting your first games downloaded.
What’s in the Xbox Series X Box
Before you start, check that everything is included. A new Xbox Series X comes with:
- Xbox Series X console
- One Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black)
- Two AA batteries for the controller
- Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1)
- Power cable
- Quick setup guide
Keep the HDMI cable that comes in the box. It is an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable rated for 4K/120fps and VRR. Using a cheaper or older HDMI cable can prevent these features from working correctly.
Step 1: Position the Console
The Xbox Series X can stand vertically or sit horizontally. Either orientation works fine. The important thing is ventilation. The large circular vent at the top (when vertical) or side needs clear space around it — at least a few inches. Do not put it inside a closed cabinet or directly against a wall. The console needs airflow to stay cool during long gaming sessions.
It is compact enough to sit beside a TV, on a shelf, or inside an entertainment unit as long as there is adequate airflow around the vents.
Step 2: Connect the Console to Your TV
Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI OUT port on the back of the Xbox Series X. Plug the other end into an HDMI port on your TV. For the best results, use your TV’s HDMI 2.1 port if it has one. This is required to get 4K at 120fps and to use Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). If your TV only has HDMI 2.0 ports, you can still get 4K at 60fps and HDR.
If you are connecting through an AV receiver or soundbar, make sure that device supports HDMI 2.1 passthrough. Many older receivers do not. If yours does not, connect the Xbox directly to the TV via HDMI and use the TV’s eARC port to pass audio back to the receiver.
Plug the power cable into the power port on the back of the console, then into the wall.
Step 3: Set Up the Controller
Insert the two AA batteries into the Xbox Wireless Controller. Press the Xbox button (the glowing circular logo) on the controller to turn it on. In most cases, the controller will pair with the console automatically on first boot.
If it does not pair automatically, press and hold the Pair button on the front of the console (the small button near the USB port) until it flashes, then hold the Pair button on the top of the controller until they connect.
Step 4: Power On and Initial Setup
Press the Xbox button on the front of the console or on the controller to power on. The first boot takes a minute or two. You will see the Xbox startup animation, then an initial setup screen.
You have two options for completing setup:
- Use the Xbox app on your phone — this is the faster option. Download the Xbox app, tap Set Up a Console, tap Set Up a New Console, and enter the 10-digit code shown on your TV screen. The app guides you through the rest on your phone.
- Set up manually on TV — use the controller to navigate the on-screen prompts to select language, region, and Wi-Fi.
Step 5: Connect to the Internet
You will be prompted to connect to your network. You can connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Ethernet is always the better choice for a gaming console — lower latency, faster downloads, and more stable online play. The Ethernet port is on the back of the console.
If using Wi-Fi, select your network from the list and enter your password. The Xbox Series X supports dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
Step 6: Sign In or Create a Microsoft Account
You need a Microsoft account to use the Xbox Series X fully. This covers your game library, achievements, cloud saves, Game Pass subscription, and online multiplayer. If you already have an Xbox or Microsoft account from a previous console, sign in with those details and your existing library and friends list will carry over automatically.
If you are new to Xbox, create a free Microsoft account during setup. Go to account.microsoft.com to set one up in advance if you want to save time during the process.
Step 7: Install System Updates
Before you do anything else, let the console update. After connecting to the internet and signing in, the Xbox Series X will check for and download the latest system software. This can take 10–30 minutes depending on your connection speed.
Do not skip this step. The system update ensures you have the latest features, performance improvements, and security fixes before you start gaming. Go to Settings → System → Updates to check manually if the automatic prompt does not appear.
Step 8: Configure Your Display Settings
This is the most important step for getting the best picture quality. Go to Settings → General → TV & Display Options.
Set Your Resolution
Choose the resolution that matches your TV. If you have a 4K TV, select 4K UHD. The console will confirm whether your TV supports it.
Enable HDR
Go to Video Modes and check the boxes for Allow HDR10 and Allow Dolby Vision if your TV supports them. HDR improves brightness range, contrast, and colour accuracy significantly in supported games and media.
Enable 120Hz
Check the box for Allow 120Hz Refresh Rate. This requires your TV to have an HDMI 2.1 port and to support 120Hz input. When enabled, games that support 120fps will run noticeably smoother.
Enable VRR and ALLM
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) reduces screen tearing by syncing the console’s frame output to your TV’s refresh rate. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically switches your TV into its low-latency game mode when you start playing. Both are under Video Modes and should be turned on if your TV supports them.
Use the 4K TV Details option in the same menu to see a clear breakdown of exactly what your TV supports. Green ticks confirm each feature is working correctly. If something is greyed out, it means your TV does not support that feature, or you may need to enable Game Mode or HDMI 2.1 settings directly on your TV.
For official display troubleshooting, see the Xbox Support 4K and HDR guide.
Step 9: Set Up Audio
Go to Settings → General → Volume & Audio Output. If you are using a TV’s built-in speakers, the default settings work fine. If you have a soundbar or AV receiver connected via HDMI eARC or optical, select the appropriate audio output format. The Xbox Series X supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough for compatible home cinema setups.
Step 10: Check Power and Sleep Settings
Go to Settings → General → Power Options. You have two main modes:
- Instant-On — the console stays in a low-power standby state. It turns on in about two seconds, downloads updates in the background, and keeps Quick Resume states active. Uses a small amount of electricity at all times.
- Energy Saving — the console fully powers off. Uses no electricity but takes around 20–30 seconds to boot and does not update in the background.
Most players use Instant-On for the convenience and to keep Quick Resume working. If you want to reduce electricity usage, Energy Saving is the better choice.
Step 11: Configure Storage
The Xbox Series X comes with 1TB of internal NVMe SSD storage. Modern games regularly take 50–130GB each, so you may want to plan your storage strategy early.
Go to Settings → System → Storage to see your current usage. If you plan to install many large titles, consider picking up an official Xbox Storage Expansion Card (sold separately) for an additional 1TB or 2TB of SSD-speed storage. USB hard drives can also be connected for storing backward-compatible Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games, though current-gen titles require the internal SSD or the expansion card to run.
Step 12: Set Up Xbox Game Pass
If you are subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, activate it now. Go to My Games & Apps → Browse Game Pass to start exploring the library. Over 500 games are available, and most Microsoft first-party titles launch here on day one.
Game Pass Ultimate also includes EA Play and Xbox Cloud Gaming. For a full breakdown of what is included and which tier is right for you, see our Xbox Game Pass price guide.
Step 13: Transfer Your Old Xbox Library (If Upgrading)
If you are upgrading from an Xbox One, you can transfer your game library over the local network. Both consoles need to be on the same Wi-Fi or wired network. Go to Settings → System → Backup & Transfer on the Series X and follow the prompts. This is significantly faster than re-downloading everything, especially for large libraries.
Your Microsoft account, achievements, and cloud saves carry over automatically when you sign in — you do not need to do anything to retrieve those.
Things to Check Before Your First Gaming Session
- Enable Game Mode on your TV — most TVs have a Game Mode that reduces input latency. Enable it for the HDMI port connected to your Xbox.
- Update your controller — go to Settings → Devices & Connections → Accessories to check for controller firmware updates.
- Check capture settings — go to Settings → Preferences → Capture & Share to set your screenshot and clip quality. Bump video capture to 4K HDR if you want higher quality clips.
- Set up family safety if needed — go to Settings → Account → Family Settings to manage child accounts and content restrictions.
What to Play First
Once your Xbox Series X is set up, the best way to start is with a Game Pass title that shows off what the hardware can do. Forza Horizon 5 or Forza Horizon 6 are both immediately impressive at 4K. For a full list of recommendations across every genre, visit our best games on Xbox Game Pass guide or our roundup of the best Xbox Series X games overall.
For what is new and releasing in 2026, our new Xbox Series X games 2026 page keeps an up-to-date list of every major release this year.
Need Help With the Xbox App or Game Bar on PC?
If you also use Xbox features on a Windows PC, our Xbox Game Bar complete guide covers everything from shortcuts to settings. And if something goes wrong with the overlay, our Xbox Game Bar not opening fix has step-by-step solutions.
For a complete look at everything the Xbox Series X can do beyond the initial setup, see our full Xbox Series X guide.
