How to Set Up a Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing your Surface Pro! This guide will walk you through setting up your new tablet.

2. Connect Your Keyboard

If you purchased a Surface Book go ahead and connect the Clipboard.

A surface pro being connected to the clipboard

If you purchased the Typing Cover go ahead and connect it.

A surface pro connecting to the typing cover

3. Connect Power

  1. Plug in the power cord to the electrical outlet.
  2. Connect the power connector to the charging port. The charging port is often on the side of the Surface.
Surface pro showing the power connector

4. Power On

  1. Press and release the power button on your Surface.
A surface pro showing the power button


A surface pro showing the pwoer button


  1. The Surface will power on and Windows will start.

5. First Time Setup

  1. When your Surface Pro boots for the first time you will see this screen:
Surface pro initial start up screen

  1.  
  2. On this screen you will need to choose:
  3. Your home country.
  4. Your language.
  5. Your keyboard layout.
  6. Your time zone.
  7. The next screen will ask you to Accept the EULA. This is not optional. You will have to Accept to continue.
  8. You'll then be able to choose your Surface name and Start Menu color.
Surface pro personalization screen

6. Pairing your Surface Pen

Windows will prompt you to pair your pen during your Surface setup.

  1. Press and hold the top (eraser) button for 5 seconds to enter pairing mode.
Surface pro pen setup


  1. When connected you will see Pairing was successfulon the screen, as well as some tips on how to use your pen.
Surface pro pairing pen successful

7. First Time Wi-Fi Connection

  1. The first time you turn on your Surface Pro it will ask you to set up Wi-Fi.
  2. A list of Networks will be shown.
Surface pro let's get connected page with list of networks

  1.  
  2. If your network is unlisted, you can type in your Network Name (SSID).
Surface pro let's get connected page showing the network name field

  1.  
  2. You will be asked for your password.
  3. You should be connected at this point. If you are having issues, you can click Skip this step and we'll revisit this later.

8. Customization Options

Get Going Fast!

You can either choose to use the express settings or customize the settings yourself.

Surface pro get going fast page for using expression settings

If you choose to customize the settings yourself you will be brought to this screen to select your various settings.

Surface pro customize settings page

9. Microsoft Account and PIN

If you already have a Microsoft Account, you'll enter your credentials here.

Microsoft Account log in fields

If you do not have a Microsoft Account you can make one!

Microsoft Account creation page

You'll use this account to log into your Surface Pro unless you choose to use a PIN.
The next screen will ask you if you wish to use a PIN.

Microsoft PIN creation

 

10. OneDrive

Once you're signed into your Microsoft Account, the Surface Pro will ask you if you want to setup a OneDrive account.

Surface pro one drive question

If you already have a OneDrive account the above screen will be shown. Tap Yes or No.

If you do not have a OneDrive account, you can easily create one.

Surface pro one drive account creation

11. Cortana

Cortana is Microsoft's Intelligent Personal Assistant. It can be used to search, open apps, and personalize your experience with your Surface Pro.

To enable Cortana, simply tap Yes.

Surface pro cortana setup

12. First Time Desktop Setup

Welcome to your Surface Pro Windows 10 Desktop!

Your Surface probably started in Tablet Mode.

  1. To change this, tap the Notifications icon in the bottom right.
Windows 10 notification icon


  1. Tap the Tablet Mode icon to disable Tablet Mode.
Windows 10 tablet mode icon

 Next, we'll want to double check your network.

  1. Tap or click the Wi-Fi icon on the bottom right.
Windows 10 wi-fi icon and a list of networks


  1. A list of networks will appear.
  2. If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, it will say Connected beneath the network.
Windows 10 connected to a network

  1.  
  2. If not, it will ask you to connect. Tap Connect to input your password and connect to the network.
Windows 10 connecting to a network

13. Go to Connecting your Windows 10 computer to Wi-Fi

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