How to Set Up a Xbox 360

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will take you step-by-step setting up your Xbox 360 gaming console, no matter which version you have.

Tools You'll Need:

• An Xbox 360
• A television or monitor
• A working internet connection if you want to connect your console to internet

Supplies You'll Need:

• Zip ties
• Any other consumable supplies
• Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

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Before You Begin:

• You must have access to a computer with iTunes installed.
• You must have that thing for the other thing so you can do the thing.

You must have this thing before you whatever.

• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Each individual prereq should have its own box like this. Not all will contain multiple links.
• Comment out prerequisites section if no prereqs are necessary

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2. Unbox / Placement

First, make sure you have all the pieces you need to setup properly.

Xbox 360 Console

A/V Cable

In many cases, you can use a regular HDMI cable instead

Power Supply & Power Cord

Wireless Controller

You will need 2 AA Batteries to power your controller

Next, choose a good place for your console.

• Stable and Safe
• Make sure your Xbox 360 won't tip over or have drinks spilled on it by accident.
• Well-ventilated
• The Xbox 360 gets quite warm while being played. This is normal, but if the console is buried under other things, it will overheat.

3. Connect Power

1. Connect the power supply to the console.
2. Connect the power cord to the power supply.
3. Plug the power cable into the wall outlet.

4. Connect TV

Most modern TVs have HDMI ports, making the connection extremely easy.

HDMI

1. Connect the HDMI cable to the back of your console.
   

1. Connect the other end of your HDMI cable to your TV or receiver.
   

Composite

1. Connect the composite adapter cable to the back of your console.
   

1. Connect the composite cables to your TV.
   

1. 
   
2. The video connection cable is Yellow, the connection on your TV is Yellow or Green.
3. The right audio is Red, the same as the back of your TV, but make sure it's labeled Audio.
4. The left audio is White, the same as the back of your TV.

Start Up Console

1. Push the Power Button on the front of your console to turn it on.
   

1. The ring around the power button should turn green, and you should see the XBox 360 startup on your TV.
   

5. Connect Controller

1. Put batteries into your Xbox controller.
2. Push the latch for the battery compartment.
   

1. Place the batteries into the compartment, making note of their polarity indicated by the picture on the battery holder.
   

1. Clip your battery compartment back in.
2. Press and Hold the center Xbox Guide button until the controller turns on.
   

1. Push the Connect Button on your console.
   

1. Push the Connect Button on your controller.
   

1. The ring around the power button will flash, then stop when your controller is connected.
   

6. Startup Check

If this screen comes up, your Xbox is already setup, and ready to use.

7. Factory Reset & Initiate Setup

This will remove any and all data and settings from your console, and you will need to re-setup the device, as if you first purchased it.

Format Hard Drive

This clears the data, and makes sure the hard drive in your Xbox 360 is in good health.

The format can take a very long time, depending on the size and speed of your drive, as well as the type of format you choose.

1. From the Xbox dashboard screen, choose Settings > System.
   

1. Choose Storage.
   

1. Highlight your Hard Drive or Memory Unit, then choose Device Options by pushing Y on your controller.
   

1. Choose Format.
   

1. You will receive a warning, reminding you that this erases all data on your device. Choose Yes.
   

1. Your Xbox 360 will reboot and format the hard drive.

Initial Setup

1. From the Xbox home screen, choose Settings > System.
   

1. Choose Initial Setup.
   

1. Choose Yes.
   

8. First Time Setup

1. When you first start your Xbox 360, you'll be prompted to push the A button on your controller. Push A on your controller to continue.
   

1. Select your language.
   

1. Select your country.
   

1. Content controls allow you to restrict access to certain games and media based on age and content ratings. Parents can restrict access to more mature content. Select yes or no based on your preference.
   

1. Your console will attempt to automatically detect and setup your network setup for you.
   

1. You will be prompted if you want to setup your network connection now.
   

If you do not want to setup your network connection now, choose Connect Later to complete setup.

9. Connect Your Xbox 360 to Your Home Network

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

10. Input

1. If you're having problems finding your device, try pushing the Input button on your remote.
   

1. A menu should come up, giving you options to choose a different input.
   

1. 
   
2. Use the Up and Down buttons on your remote, then push the central OK button to select one.

11. What's next?