How to Setup Your Windows 8.1 Notebook, Tablet or Desktop

Even now, the Windows 8 operating system that Microsoft sells to hardware makers to put on their notebooks, desktops and tablets is recovering. With Windows 7, Microsoft had a well-received, well-loved offering on its hands. Windows 8 wasn’t as well received and even today, even knowing that a PC comes with Windows 8.1 installed is enough for some people to run the other way. That’s a shame; Windows 8 really is the best and most advanced version of Windows there is, and the Windows 8.1 update made it even better. Even the setup process is easier with Windows 8.1 than it was in previous versions of Windows.

If you’ve purchased a Windows 8.1 notebook, tablet or convertible, you’re likely looking to set it up. Here’s how to setup your Windows 8 device and what you need to know about the entire process.

Setting up your Windows 8.1 device is pretty simple. Microsoft streamlines most of the things you need. There is some leg work that you’ll want to take care of ahead of your setup. First, use an older computer or a smartphone to look up the username and password of your Microsoft Account if you don’t already have one. Microsoft Accounts are created whenever you setup an email account with Microsoft’s Outlook email service or setup an Xbox One or Xbox 360. OneDrive cloud storage and other Microsoft products also use Microsoft Accounts. If you don’t have one already, that’s fine. You can create a Microsoft Account during the set up process.

Second, if you’re replacing a Windows device already you’ll need to decide if you want this new Windows 8.1 device to have all of your apps and settings from that device. If you don’t already have a Windows 8.1 device you’re fine. You’ll also want the network name and password for your wireless internet, if you have it at home. 

Let’s begin.

First, plug in your Windows 8.1 device. You’ll want to make sure it has plenty of power so that it doesn’t die during the setup process. Press the power bottom on your Windows 8.1 device. Make sure that Wi-Fi and Microsoft Account credentials are nearby so that you can put those in quickly.

The first thing you’ll notice are setup options for region and language. It’s important to get these right. Select your country, preferred language and time zone. Then tap or click Next.

Now you’ll need to agree to the licensing terms for Windows 8.1. Tap I Accept if you agree. You won’t be able to setup your device if you don’t.

Tap on one of the colored squares to select a color scheme. Then tap on the empty field to name your PC. You can name your PC anything, but suggestions include things like “Family-PC” or “My-Laptop.” You want the PC name to be something unique so that you can identify it on your network if you ever have to.

Choose your wireless network. Then type in the wireless password for your network. Again, this could be located somewhere on your wireless router if your provider set it up.

Tap Use Express Settings to get updates installed automatically, and turn on other privacy settings.

Now use the Microsoft Account username and password you have on hand already. If you don’t have a Microsoft Account yet, create a new one by tapping or clicking on the new account text. Again, this could be the same account that you use to login into other Microsoft products like Xbox, Windows Phone or Outlook. It’s very important that you use the same Microsoft Account across the different devices you own, so be careful.

Now select whether you’d like to install the apps from your previous Windows 8.1 device or add a PC instead. If you’ve never had a Windows 8 PC than you want to tap or click on “Set this up as a new PC instead.”

That’s it. Windows will begin the setup processor for you and start installing apps and games. If you decided to sync over settings from another PC, this will happen over the next few minutes. New Windows 8 users will find a tutorial on how to use their Windows 8.1 device effectively. The tutorial changes based on whether you have a mouse and keyboard or a touchscreen.

Your Microsoft Account binds everything you do on your Windows 8.1 device. Apps are purchased with it and your settings are backed up automatically with it. If you ever have to setup another Windows 8.1 device, you’ll want to know you Microsoft Account credentials so that you can redownload any apps you pay for and stream any music or video you purchase.

Good luck with your new Windows 8.1 PC

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