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How To Set Up Your Xbox Series X|S – A console is a fantastic present for a family of gamers. Any occasion, including Christmas, a birthday, a graduation, or any number of other events, can benefit from the bonding power of multiplayer games and a common interest. However, there is some preparation to perform in advance if you want to gift an Xbox Series S or Series X that is ready to play.
It may seem intimidating to set up an Xbox Series X or S, but it really isn’t. You can get going rather quickly if you just adhere to a few straightforward steps. Continue reading for a simple, step-by-step guide.
These five items can be found in both consoles’ box contents. The consoles themselves, the controller’s colour, and the warranty and setup instructions will vary depending on the console. Although all Xbox Series X|S controllers work with either system, the Series S comes with a white controller and the Series X comes with a black controller to match the console.
The only requirements for setup are plugging in the power wire and connecting the HDMI connection from the console to your TV. In the quick setup guide, there are diagrams if you need them, but don’t worry—you can’t plug the wrong cords into the wrong places.
Understanding And Connecting The Controller
Take a moment to get acquainted with the controller before you begin, especially if you’ve never used one before. You may more quickly determine the buttons we are referring to in this instruction by using the graphic above, which contains numbered buttons.
The letters on the coloured buttons that read A, B, X, and Y are used to identify them. These are the buttons that, if you’ve used other controllers, may be the most perplexing because, on other controllers, buttons with the same functions are denoted by different letters or symbols.
After inspecting the controller, make sure to insert the batteries (which are included), after which you must link it with the console.
Simply click the pairing button on the controller (14) and the console to accomplish this. If the console is vertical with the Xbox logo button in the top left, the button may be located in the bottom right corner of both consoles, immediately above the USB-C connector.
All of the buttons are on the front of the Series X, whereas they are on the side of the Series S.
While in pairing mode, the Xbox logos will glow on each device. The controller should pair with the Xbox easily as long as both are flashing and you are within range. The Xbox will also provide an auditory confirmation through the TV.
Setting Up A Profile
To access the menu on your home screen’s left side, first touch the Xbox logo button. Here, a long, thin menu has six icons across the top. To go to the Profile and System area on the far right, use the trigger buttons (12 and 13).
If you already have a Microsoft account from a PC or an earlier Xbox, you can just log in with that and the Xbox will generate a new profile for you. Just keep in mind that if it uses two-factor authentication, Xbox will also be affected.
If you don’t already have one, just choose a username and password and create one by following the on-screen instructions.
A temporary solution is a guest account. Someone else will be able to play fast and effortlessly, say in local co-op. However, it merely creates an account with the same name as the user who is now logged in and a number after it right away. Use the add account option if you want a full account to preserve your progress and recover accomplishment information.
Progress and accomplishments are not saved for visitor accounts.
Check to see if the settings menu is on the main dashboard if you want to delete an account. If it has recently been used, it will be seen here. Otherwise, choose Settings first, then My Games and Apps from the main panel.
Once in settings, select account. This brings up a menu with the option to remove accounts in the lower right. This page will show all accounts that have ever utilised the system. Select the item to be deleted and then confirm.
Xbox system updates are set to install automatically by default but can also be downloaded manually. By doing the following, you can locate the settings:
Select Profile & System > Settings > System > Updates
Choose Keep my console up to date and/or Keep my games & appds up to date.
These options will lessen the impact on your gaming time by allowing the console to come out of standby, check for, and download updates while the console is not in use. Those can be disabled if you would rather update manually.
Select Profile & System > Settings > System > Updates
Options that indicate whether or not the console is current should be available. You can choose an update if one is necessary here. If you are trying to set up the console in advance, we advise you to check this menu for updates.
You may be requested to install an update before using the console online if it is neglected for a long time and becomes required.
How To Set Up Parental Controls And Security
You may access the Xbox parental controls through your Microsoft account. They therefore hold true for both Windows computers and Xbox gaming systems. Additionally, you may link family accounts together to make it simpler to manage all of your devices from one account and, if necessary, change settings for each child.
With Microsoft parental controls, you can quickly complete the following tasks:
Set screen time restrictions by deciding the days, hours, and maximum daily usage for the devices.
View Device Usage – You can configure the account to monitor device usage regardless of your screen time preferences.
On Xbox Live, you can set social restrictions that restrict the addition of friends without your permission. Select whether to communicate with everyone, no one, or just your buddies. Set content filters for the text, media, and web links you receive.
Apply age filters to choose the games your child is allowed to play. Anything ranked higher than this requires authorization.
Manage Individual Games – Microsoft games, like Minecraft, can be further customised. For instance, you can limit access to the Minecraft Realms.
Set Web Browser Content Filters – Doing so will enable SafeSearch with Bing and disable all other browsers on the devices you are using, with the exception of Edge. If you would like, you can further restrict particular websites.
Control how much money your child can spend on their Microsoft account by setting spending limits. You can decide whether to make all purchases subject to parental approval or to give your child full rein to spend any money you add to their account while keeping track of what they buy.
Additionally, the Xbox contains options for Xbox Live, such as those for voice chat, multiplayer gaming, and Xbox clubs. Our comprehensive guide to setting up parental controls can be found there, along with further information about what each choice does.
Which Accessories Should You Get?
Item
Use
Extra Controllers
Most multiplayer games will require one controller per person.
Headset
Any game with voice chat will require a headset with a microphone.
Rechargable Batteries
Regular batteries are provided as standard. Rechargables must be purchased seperately
External Hard Drive
Expand the storage space of your console with an external hard drive.
Microsoft sells branded goods under its own name. Among them are controllers, a headset, and a play-and-charge kit that let you to swap out the batteries for rechargeable ones and then recharge them using a USB-C connection that plugs into the console. The controller may be used while plugged in even if it is not charged thanks to this cord.
However, a lot of other companies sell complementary accessories. Just make sure to look for the phrase “compatible with Xbox Series S|X” on the packaging. This is due to the fact that console technology isn’t always compatible.
You cannot use your Xbox with wireless PlayStation headsets, controllers, or other devices.
One of the most necessary items, headsets might be challenging to set up. Utilize this concise guide to learn how to get yours up and running.
Utilizing XboxGame Pass, which allows unrestricted access to more than 100 games for a monthly price, is one of the main draws of an Xbox console. On the day of release, these include titles from Bethesda and Xbox Game Studios. It can be complicated because there are a number of Game Pass alternatives and an Xbox Live subscription. Basics are as follows:
If you also enjoy PC gaming, you may use the XboxGame Pass in conjunction with a PC Game Pass to gain access to PC games and online play on both consoles. You can read our comparison and setup guide for a complete breakdown of the differences and costs of all these services.
The bulk of popular subscription services, such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Video, Sling TV, Pandora, Crunchyroll, Now, Hulu, and Sky, are also available on the Xbox Series S|X.
The games you purchase will entirely depend on your personal interests, but Series S players in particular need to be aware of the variations in the consoles.
The Series S is an exclusively digital console. This means that disc-based gaming is not possible. You must buy digital copies or game codes.
Because the Series S is also less powerful than the Series X, it will perform high-end games less well in general.
The trade-off for the lower cost of the Series S is the absence of a disc drive and marginally decreased performance. As long as you are careful with your game purchases, you might not even notice a change for the vast majority of casual gamers.
Online retailers sell game codes, which must be labelled as digital copies. Some retailers now sell digital codes that, like gift cards, are typically packaged on credit cards that may be scratched off to expose the code. Make sure to always confirm the game is digital before buying it if you have a Series S.
This will largely depend on your needs and wants in terms of games. Popular Battle Royale games like Fortnite and Apex Legends are free to download and play if you have teenagers in your home. Just be prepared to be hounded for V-Bucks and other in-game cosmetics-related digital currency. Look at first-person shooters like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 or Deathloop if your players have a preference for them.
Games like Two Point Campus or Harvestella may be right for you if you love sim-style games that let you construct, manage, and just relax. Platforming and RPG enthusiasts might want to look into a game like Monster Sanctuary in the meanwhile.
The most important thing to know is what kind of games you want to play. We have some choices for kid’s games, along with age range and content details, if you’re just seeking for family amusement.
If you’ve decided to go ahead and purchase the XboxGame Pass, you might want to wait to make any major purchases until you’ve thoroughly investigated the subscription options. Having pleasure is more important than anything else.
Meet Shahnawaz, a lifelong gamer and avid news follower in the gaming And Entertainment industry. He brings fresh perspectives and in-depth analysis to the latest gaming news and releases. Follow him for all things gaming
