Thursday, September 11, 2025

How to Setup Windows 11 for the First Time (Out-of-Box Experience Guide)

 










How to Set Up Windows 11 for the First Time (Out-of-Box Experience)

When you install or buy a new PC with Windows 11, you’ll go through the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE). This is the setup wizard that helps configure your system for the first time.

This guide will take you through every step of setting up Windows 11 properly.

🔹 Step 1: Power On Your PC

  • If this is a new device, press the Power Button.

  • If you installed Windows 11 manually, boot your PC, and the setup wizard will start automatically.

🔹 Step 2: Select Language, Time, and Keyboard

  1. You’ll be asked: “Let’s start withthe  region”.

    • Choose your country/region → Click Yes.

  2. Next: Keyboard layout → Choose your keyboard (e.g., US, UK).

  3. If you want to add another layout → Click Add layout, otherwise select Skip.

🔹 Step 3: Connect to a Network

  • Windows will ask you to connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

  • Select your Wi-Fi → Enter password → Connect.

  • If using Ethernet → It connects automatically.

💡 Tip: If you want to skip Microsoft account sign-in, disconnect from the internet before this step.

🔹 Step 4: Install Updates (Optional)

  • If online, Windows may check for updates.

  • Wait for it to finish (it may restart once).

🔹 Step 5: Choose Setup Type

  • You’ll be asked: “Set up for personal use” or “Set up for work or school”.

  • For home use → Select Personal use → Next.

🔹 Step 6: Sign in with Microsoft Account (or Create One)

  • Enter your Microsoft account email (Outlook, Hotmail, Xbox, Skype).

  • Enter password → Click Sign in.

  • If you don’t have one → Click Create account.

👉 If you want local account setup (without Microsoft):

  1. Disconnect from the internet → Go back.

  2. Choose Offline account → Enter username and password.

🔹 Step 7: Create a PIN

  • Windows asks you to create a PIN (faster login than a password).

  • Enter 4–6 digit PIN → Confirm → OK.

🔹 Step 8: Privacy Settings

You’ll be shown several privacy options:

  1. Location → Enable if you want GPS and apps like Maps.

  2. Find my device → Enable if it’s a laptop (recommended).

  3. Diagnostic data → Choose Required only for privacy.

  4. Inking & typing personalization → Optional.

  5. Tailored experiences → Turn off if you don’t want ads.

  6. Advertising ID → Recommended to turn off.

Click Accept.

🔹 Step 9: Customize Your Experience

Windows asks how you plan to use your PC:

  • Gaming

  • Schoolwork

  • Creativity

  • Business

  • Entertainment

Select or skip → Next.

🔹 Step 10: OneDrive Setup

  • Windows 11 suggests storing files on OneDrive.

  • You can choose:

    • Save files to OneDrive (recommended if you have internet & storage).

    • Only save files to this device (local storage only).

🔹 Step 11: Additional Services

  • Microsoft 365 trial → You can skip.

  • Xbox Game Pass → Optional.

🔹 Step 12: Finalizing Setup

  • Windows will now apply your settings.

  • The screen may say: “This might take a few minutes”.

  • Don’t turn off your PC.

🔹 Step 13: First Login

  • Once setup is complete, you’ll see the Windows 11 desktop.

  • Congratulations 🎉, your PC is ready!

🔑 Final Tips After Setup

  • Update Windows: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

  • Install drivers (GPU, Wi-Fi, chipset).

  • Install an antivirus or enable Windows Security.

  • Customize desktop (wallpaper, dark/light mode).

✅ Now your Windows 11 is fully set up and ready for use.