How to Set Up Windows 10

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Buying a new computer is exciting, but setting it up once you get it home can be a confusing & frustrating experience. While getting your new computer up and running for the first time isn't exactly rocket science, being sure that you're doing things properly is important. This guide will take you through the process of setting up your new machine step by step, so that you're ready to jump right into using it.

Tools You'll Need:

  • An Ethernet cable is needed if you plan to use a wired connection to the internet.

Before You Begin:

  • Have your WiFi network name and password ready if you plan on wirelessly connecting to the internet.
Laptop and desktop computers

2. Unbox and Power

  1. Remove your laptop from the box.
  2. Remove any protective materials such as screen covers.
Brand new laptop out of its retail packaging.
  1. Locate your laptop's power supply and adapter cables.
Laptop power supply.
  1. The round triple plug (3) goes into the power supply. The circular connector (2) goes into your laptop's power port.
  2. Once plugged in, your laptop will begin to charge.
  3. You can now turn your laptop on.
Laptop computer's power button highlighted.

3. Setup Windows

  1. Select your region from the list.
Example region highlighted
  1. Click Yes.
Yes box highlighted
  1. Choose your keyboard layout.
Example keyboard layout highlighted
  1. Click Yes.
Yes box highlighted
  1. Click on Skip.
  2. If you have another style of keyboard you would like to set up, you can click Add Layout to add additional layouts.
Skip button highlighted

4. Connect to WiFi

  1. Find you home Wi-Fi network from the list and click on it to select it.
Example Wi-Fi network highlighted
  1. Click on Connect.
Connect button highlighted
  1. Enter your network security key.
Network Security Key field highlighted
  1. Click Next.
Next button highlighted

5. Login to Microsoft Account

  1. Click Set up for personal use.
Setup for personal use highlighted
  1. Click Next.
Next button highlighted
  1. Type in the email address associated with your Microsoft account.
  2. If you do not have a Microsoft account, you can click Create account and follow the on-screen prompts. If you do not wish to create or use a Microsoft account, you can click Offline account and follow the on-screen prompts to create what is known as a local account. Keep in mind, certain features of Windows 10 require that you be signed into a Microsoft account.
Email, phone, or Skype field highlighted
  1. Then click Next.
Next button highlighted
  1. Enter your password.
Password field highlighted
  1. Then click Next.
Next button highlighted
  1. Click Create PIN.
Create PIN button highlighted
  1. Enter and confirm your PIN.
PIN and Confirm PIN fields highlighted
  1. Then click OK.
OK button highlighted

6. Set Up Additional Services

The final steps of the set up process include configuring additional (and sometimes optional) services. Depending on the type of Windows 10 device you're setting up, you may not be prompted to set up each one of the additional services depicted below.

Link your smartphone and PC

By linking your smartphone to your PC, you will have the ability to keep your data synchronized between devices.

  • If you want to link your mobile device with your pc, enter your phone number and press send. Follow the link provided to you from your phone.
Phone number field and Send button highlighted
  • If you do not wish to link your phone at this time, you can either click Do it later.
Do it later highlighted

OneDrive

One Drive lets you save files from your PC to the cloud. You can then access this data on any other device that is also attached to your OneDrive account.

  • To use OneDrive, click on Next.
Next button highlighted
  • If you do not wish to use OneDrive, click Save Files Locally.
Only save files to this PC highlighted

Cortana

Cortana is a personal voice assistant that is included with windows. By enabling Cortana, you can get updates and perform simple tasks using your voice.

  • If you wish to enable Cortana, click Yes.
Yes button highlighted
  • If you wish to disable Cortana, click No.
No button highlighted

Privacy Settings

Privacy Settings will dictate how your computer communicates with Microsoft and what features you can enable or disable. Go though this list and decide which items you want to be turned on or off. Once you are done, click on Accept.

  • Example Security Settings
Accept button highlighted

7. Connect Ethernet

Keep in mind that some laptop computers do not come equipped with an ethernet port anymore. Tablet PCs rarely come equipped with ethernet ports and must be connected via WiFi.

  1. Connect an Ethernet cable to your computer.
Computer plugged into router with Ethernet cable
  1. Once the cable is connected, your network should appear as being connected.
Ethernet status highlighted
  1. Click Next.
Next button highlighted

8. Unbox and Power

  1. Unbox your desktop.
Unboxing a desktop computer.
  1. Remove any protective materials.
  2. Locate your cables and find a place for your desktop.
  3. Begin plugging in your cables.
  4. Plug your power cord into your power supply.
Common desktop computer power cable.
  1. You're most likely going to be using an HDMI cable for your monitor. Plug that in now.
    HDMI Cable
Common HDMI cable.
  1. HDMI Port
Common HDMI port.
  1. Plug in your keyboard and mouse using the USB ports.
Plugging in USB cables to the rear of a computer.
  1. Press the power button on your desktop to turn it on.
Common desktop computer power button.

9. Unbox and Power

  1. Remove your tablet from the box.
  2. Remove any protective materials such as screen covers.
Windows based tablet PC.
  1. Locate your tablet's power supply and adapter cables.
USB charging block and supplied USB cable.
  1. Many tablets come with a USB charger, enabling you to charge with your desktop or laptop or to charge with an adapter in an outlet.
  2. Once plugged in, your tablet will begin to charge.
  3. You can now turn your tablet on.
Tablet with power button highlighted.