Xbox One X Setup Guide

Here’s what you need to do to set up the Xbox One X and how you can get up and play faster using your existing Xbox One or Xbox One S plus an external hard drive. If you’re giving the Xbox One X as a gift, make sure you do it before Christmas morning, as you’ll have to download a major update and then wait for it to install before anyone can play it.

Expect to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes setting up the Xbox One X. Even if you prepared by downloading 4K updates for your Xbox One X Enhanced games prior to getting the Xbox One X, the majority of that time will be to download and install the updates. If you run into any issues, here’s how to fix Xbox One X problems.

The Xbox One X is slightly smaller than the Xbox One S and significantly smaller than the Xbox One. The ports are set up exactly the same as the Xbox One S, so you can swap cables, but you shouldn’t do that yet. You will want the old Xbox to be connected and online for the setup process.

Here’s what you need to do to set up the Xbox One X so you can start gaming faster.

1. Take it out of the box of the Xbox One X.
2. Plug the HDMI into the back of your Xbox One X.
3. If you’re using a 4K TV, plug the other end into your HDMI port.
4. If applicable, install External Hard Drive.
   
5. Insert Batteries into Controller.
6. Open the console.
7. Turn on the controller.
8. Pair them using the connect buttons on both.
9. Press A.
10. If available, choose to use your Settings on your External hard drive.
11. Connect via Ethernet or WiFi.
12. Download and install the update.
    
13. Enter your Xbox Live password.
14. Decide if you want to try GamePass free for 14 days.
15. Choose to see a guide or go directly to the control panel.
16. If you’re using a 4K TV, switch to 4K when prompted.
    
17. If you need to migrate things from your old console, go to:
    1. Settings, System, Backup and transfer, Network transfer.
    2. Select your old Xbox One.
    3. Select the items you want to transfer.
    4. Select Copy Selected.
    5. Choose whether you want to copy them to an Internal or External drive.
    6. Wait for the games to load. This will go pretty fast as it’s completely local.
18. You can go to My apps & games, Updates and use the dropdown filter in the top right to see updates for Xbox One X games.

The best Xbox One X accessories you can buy to elevate your experience while using the powerful new console. We also have a great list of Xbox One X headsets to elevate your gaming experience.