How to Set Up a Windows Phone

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Microsoft is known for making all of its devices, smartphones included, similar in design when it comes to operating system. Whether you're a seasoned user or new to Windows, this guide will help you get started with your Microsoft smartphone.

2. Initial Setup

When you turn your phone on for the first time, it will take you through a series of steps to help you set up your phone.

1. To turn on your phone, press the power button until your phone vibrates.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Press the power key again and swipe up to unlock your phone.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Choose your language and tap Next.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap Next.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap Accept to accept the terms of use.
   

3. First Time Wi-Fi Connection

When first setting up your phone, you will be asked if you would like to connect to Wi-Fi.

1. Tap your desired Wi-Fi connection from the list of available connections and then tap Add.
   

1. 
   
   
2. You may be asked to type in a password. If so, type it in. Your phone is now connected.

4. Account Sign-In

If you already have an Xbox Live, Hotmail, or Outlook account (services all operated by Microsoft), use those credentials to sign-in to your Microsoft account on your phone.

1. From the home screen, tap the Settings icon.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap email+accounts.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap add an account.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap Microsoft account.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Sign in with your existing account username and password. Then, tap Next.
   

5. Setup OneDrive

OneDrive is a storage platform that offers storage to anyone who has a Microsoft account. When you sign into your account, your phone automatically connects to a OneDrive account.

1. If you've never had a Microsoft phone before, move on to step two. If you have had a Microsoft phone before, your phone will ask if you would like to restore your old phone. Choose the option best for you, and then tap Next.
   

1. 
   
   
2. After signing in or creating a new account, your phone will ask if you want to back up your data to OneDrive. Tap Next.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap yes if you would like your photos, text messages, and settings saved to OneDrive.
   

6. Transfer Data over Bluetooth

If you have had a Microsoft phone before, import your data like contacts or calendar events by signing into your Microsoft account on your new phone where the backed up information is automatically upload. If that's the case, skip these steps.

Not all phones may be compatible with this data transfer feature.

1. Swipe left on your home screen to navigate to the Transfer my Data app.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap the Transfer my Data app.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Turn on Bluetooth in your old phone. Bluetooth can usually be found in Settings.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap Continue.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap the name of your old phone.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Check the data that you would like transferred over and tap Start.
   

1. 
   
   
2. After a few minutes, your data has been successfully transferred.
   

7. Setup Cortana

Cortana is Microsoft's voice assistant. Cortana can help you schedule a meeting, send an email, tell you what the weather is going to be like or do things like search the web.

1. From the home screen, tap Settings.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Swipe left to view applications.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap Cortana.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Swipe the slider to On.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap Accept.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap the microphone and say what you want to do.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Cortana will respond to your voice.

8. Setup Password

Setting a PIN helps keeps your data safe from intruders by locking your phone. Only those who know the PIN can access the data on your phone.

1. Tap the Settings icon.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap lock screen.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Slide Password to On.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Type in a password and tap done.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Steps may vary on different Microsoft devices but will be very similar to those listed here.

9. Create Account

1. From the home screen, tap the Settings icon.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap email + accounts.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap Create One.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Fill in your account information and then tap next.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Your account has been added.
   Keep these login credentials handy. You will need them if you ever wish to reset your phone.