If you have never owned a Windows 11 PC or are just setting up the operating system on a new Windows 11 PC for the first time, you may not be used to the new setup process Microsoft has created to log into or create a Microsoft account. Don't worry though! Today we will walk you through it step-by-step.
Let's begin!
First, when you start up your PC or your Windows 11 install for the first time, we will select the country or region the computer is being used in. Select the proper region or country, then click on Yes.
Next, you'll verify the correct keyboard layout/input method and click on Yes.
You can add a secondary keyboard layout by clicking on "Add layout", which you can also do later once the computer is set up. Otherwise, click on Skip.
After this, we’ll need to connect the computer to a network, which will vary slightly depending on which connection type you’d be using.
Option 1: If you have an Ethernet cable connected to your PC from your modem or router, Windows should automatically detect your connection and you can click on Next.
Option 2: If you're using Wi-Fi, then you will need to select your network from the list of options presented and enter the password.
NOTE: If you're on a desktop and using Wi-Fi, if the computer is compatible out of the box for wireless, ensure the included antennas have been connected to the ports on the back of the PC for this!
Once you see your network listed, click on Connect.
Enter your network security key if prompted, and then click on Next.
Once you are connected to Wi-Fi, it will show as such under your network name. Once this is done, click on Next.
Now the computer will check for updates to verify it is on the latest available version of Windows 11. This step may take some time to complete.
If necessary, your computer may restart automatically to apply updates.
Once restarted, we can continue the setup of the PC! Review the license agreement for Microsoft, and then click on Accept to continue.
Here we can name the device. This will be the name that shows up on the login screen of your computer and will be the name of the user profile on the computer, once entered, click on Next.
The computer will restart again after naming the device automatically.
Once restarted, select to set up the device for personal use, or set up for work or school. Click the option that best works for you, then you will be able to click on Next.
Next, you'll need to log in or create a Microsoft account. If you already have an account with Microsoft, enter your email or phone number registered with them directly, then you will be able to enter your password for your pre-existing account with Microsoft.
If you do not have an account, click on "No account? Create one!"
Here you will be able to enter an existing email address to register with Microsoft, such as a @gmail.com address for example. Otherwise, we will go ahead and select "Get a new email address" to register a new address with Microsoft directly.
Enter a username for your new email address, and then click on Next.
Now we will need to enter a password for your new email and then click on Next.
Fill in your details on the next couple of windows, as well as a way to reset your account via an alternate email or phone number.
Your new Microsoft account information will then be verified; this may take a minute or so to complete.
Up next, we will need to create a PIN for the computer for sign-in. It is a 4-digit number you can enter in the top box and then confirm the same PIN in the bottom box. Once entered, click on OK.
Next, review the privacy settings for your device. You can click Next if you'd like to use the default settings or click on the slider bars next to each option to turn off any privacy settings described here.
After that, you can set up customization for Windows 11 by checking the boxes that best describe what the device will be used for. If you are not interested in customizing this, you may click on Skip to proceed with Windows 11 defaults.
Then you will be able to set up purchases for a few Microsoft products, you can review the information listed here for any possible purchases, or select Decline on each window to continue through setup.
Once through the selection of Microsoft product offers, your computer will check for updates again.
Good news! This is the final step before getting into Windows. Any updates it needs to install before getting you into your Windows 11 can be completed now by clicking Next.
Finally, you will be brought to a screen that looks like this:
Just wait for Windows to finish setting up your PC and you are good to go. It will take you to the computer's desktop screen with your icons and start menu once completed!
