This article is for people who use a screen reader program such as Windows Narrator, JAWS, or NVDA with Windows tools or features and Microsoft 365 products. This article is part of the Accessibility help & learning content set where you can find more accessibility information on our apps. For general help, visit Microsoft Support.

Note: To learn more about screen readers, go to How screen readers work with Microsoft 365.

Setting up a Windows device can be straightforward, whether you're working with a new device or revisiting the process through the Second Chance Out of Box Experience (SCOOBE). You can complete the setup with or without internet connectivity. During the process, you can sign in with a Microsoft account, configure privacy and device usage settings, and utilize tools such as the Get Started app for further customization. This guide explains how to complete the Windows setup process smoothly using a screen reader.

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Install Windows on a new device

Set up your device by installing Windows to get started with personalized settings, applications, and features. If you're setting up a new device, follow these steps to complete the installation process. You can complete this process with or without an internet connection.

Note: If your device already has Windows installed, you may not need to boot from a USB drive before setting up Windows or upgrading. If you are installing Windows for the first time or need to reinstall Windows, insert the bootable USB, restart the device, and follow any prompts to access the boot menu and select the USB as the first boot option. 

Follow these steps to boot from a USB drive: 

  1. Insert a bootable USB drive into your PC and restart it.

  2. During startup, press the key, such as F2, F12, or DEL, to access the BIOS.

  3. Use the arrow keys to set the USB drive as the first boot option in the boot menu. Your PC will restart and boot from the USB drive.

To know how to create installation media, refer to Create installation media for Windows.

Install Windows with the Internet and configure your device 

This process allows you to install or upgrade Windows on your device while connected to the internet. To install Windows, follow these steps: 

  1. When prompted, use the Tab key to navigate through the language, time, and currency format, and keyboard or input preferences. Then, select the Next button and press Enter.

  2. Use the Tab key to navigate to the Install now button, then press Enter to open the Activate Windows pane.

  3. Type the product key to activate Windows. If you don’t have a product key, use the arrow keys to select “I don’t have a product key” option, then press Enter.

  4. Use the Down arrow key to select the operating system you want to install, then select the Next button and press Enter.

  5. Press Tab to select the checkbox to agree to the Microsoft software license terms then press Spacebar to check it. Next, press Tab until you hear “Next button,” then press Enter.

  6. Use the Tab key to navigate to Custom option: Install Windows only (advanced) option for a fresh installation.

  7. To upgrade the previous set up, use the arrow keys to select Upgrade, then press Enter to proceed.

  8. Select the partition drive where you want to install Windows using the arrow keys, then navigate to the Next button and press Enter. Windows will begin the installation automatically.​​​​​​​

Set up Windows on your device

The instructions below will be helpful for PCs that come with Windows already installed. Use the Windows Out of Box Experience (OOBE) with either a personal Microsoft account or a Work or School account to configure and finish setting up your device. 

  1. To confirm the keyboard layout or input method, use the Down arrow key to navigate through the available options. Once you've selected your preferred layout, press the Tab key to move focus to the Yes button and press Enter to confirm.

  2. When prompted for a second keyboard layout, press Tab to navigate to the Skip button, then press Enter.

  3. Use the arrow keys to select your network, type the password, and press Enter to connect.

  4. Enter a device name in the edit box, use the Tab key to select the Next button, then press Enter.

  5. Follow these steps to select a setup type:

    1. Set up for personal use: Use the Tab key to navigate to this option, then press Enter to proceed.

    2. Set up for work or school: Use the Tab key to select this option, press Enter to select it, then follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your organization.

Note: These options might vary depending on your PC's configuration and the type of Microsoft account you are using. For work or school accounts, additional steps or permissions may be required, such as connecting to an organizational network or setting up device management.

Set up your PC with your Microsoft account

  1. Follow these steps to sign in with your personal Microsoft account:

    1. If you already have a Microsoft account, enter your email address, then press the Tab key until you hear "Next button," and press Enter.

    2. Type your password in the password field, then press the Tab key until you hear "Sign in button," and press Enter.

    3. If you don't have a Microsoft account, press the Tab key to select the Create one button, then press Enter. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new account, then log in using your credentials. ​​​​​​​For more information, go to How to create a new Microsoft account.

  2. To create a PIN, follow these steps:​​​​​​​

    1. Once the Create a PIN window opens, press the Tab key until you hear the "Create PIN button," and then press Enter.

    2. Type your desired PIN in the New PIN edit box, press the Tab key to navigate to the Confirm PIN edit box, and re-enter your PIN.

    3. Press the Tab key until you hear "OK button," then press Enter to confirm.

  3. Choose privacy settings for your device:​​​​​​​

    1. Press the Tab key until you hear the "Accept button," and press Enter to proceed.

  4. Customize your experience:​​​​​​​

    1. To skip this option, press the Tab key until you hear the "Skip button" and press Enter.

    2. If you want to add customizations, use the Tab key to navigate through the available options, then press the Spacebar to toggle it.

  5. Additional setup features:​​​​​​

    1. Use your phone from your PC: Press Tab key to navigate to this pane. To skip, press the Tab key until you hear the "Skip button" and press Enter.​​​​​​​

    2. Back up your phone's photos: Press Tab key to navigate to this pane. To skip, press the Tab key until you hear the "Skip button" and press Enter.

      Note: These features, such as using your phone from your PC or backing up your phone's photos, can also be configured later through the Settings app after completing the initial setup.

  6. Follow these steps to explore Microsoft 365 and PC Game Pass:​​​​​​​

    1. Microsoft 365 Benefits: To explore Microsoft 365 benefits, select the option and follow the on-screen instructions. To decline, press the Tab key until you hear "Decline button," then press Enter.

    2. Free Microsoft 365 Usage: To proceed with free usage, press the Tab key until you hear the "Next button," then press Enter.

    3. Join PC Game Pass: To set up PC Game Pass, select the option and follow the steps provided. To skip, press the Tab key until you hear "Skip for now button," then press Enter.​​​​​​​

Your installation is complete, and your device is now ready with the new Windows setup for personal use.

Note: These options might vary depending on your PC's configuration and the type of Microsoft account you are using. For work or school accounts, additional steps or permissions may be required, such as connecting to an organizational network or setting up device management.

Set up your PC with your organization or school account

  1. Follow these steps to sign in with your organization or school account:​​​​​​​

    1. Once you select the Set up for work or school option, press the Tab key until you hear the "Next button," then press Enter.

    2. Provide your organization or school account email address in the sign-in box, press the Tab key until you hear the "Next button," and press Enter.

    3. Type your password in the password box, press the Tab key until you hear the "Sign in button," then press Enter.

    4. Follow the on-screen instructions to approve the sign-in request using the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.

  2. To create a PIN, follow these steps:​​​​​​​

    1. Once the Create a PIN pane opens, press the Tab key until you hear the "Create PIN button," and press Enter.

    2. Type your desired PIN in the New PIN box, press the Tab key to navigate to the Confirm PIN box, and re-enter your PIN.

    3. Finally, press the Tab key to move focus to the "OK button" and press Enter to confirm.

  3. Choose privacy settings for your device:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    1. Press the Tab key until you hear "Accept button," then press Enter to proceed.

  4. Customize your experience:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    1. To skip this option, press the Tab key until you hear the "Skip button" and press Enter.​​​​​​​

    2. If you want to add customizations, use the Tab key to navigate to the desired option, then the press Spacebar to toggle it.

  5. Follow these steps for additional setup:​​​​​​​

    1. Use your phone from your PC: Press Tab key to navigate to this pane. To skip, press the Tab key until you hear the "Skip button" and press Enter.

    2. Back up your phone's photos: Press Tab key to navigate to this pane. To skip, press the Tab key until you hear the "Skip button" and press Enter.

  6. Follow these steps to explore Microsoft 365 and PC Game Pass:​​​​​​​

    1. Microsoft 365 Benefits: To explore Microsoft 365 benefits, select the option and follow the on-screen instructions. To decline, press the Tab key until you hear "Decline button," then press Enter.

    2. Free Microsoft 365 Usage:To proceed with free usage, press the Tab key until you hear the "Next button," then press Enter.

    3. Join PC Game Pass: To set up PC Game Pass, select the option and follow the steps provided. To skip, press the Tab key until you hear "Skip for now button," then press Enter.

After completing the installation, your device is now ready to connect to your organization's network with the new Windows setup.

Install Windows without the Internet and configure your device

  1. Select your country or region:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    1. Use the Down arrow key to choose your region, then press the Tab key to navigate to the Yes button and press Enter.

  2. Set up your keyboard layout:​​​​​​​

    1. Press the Tab key until you hear "Skip button," then press Enter.

  3. Accept the License Agreement:​​​​​​​

    1. Press the Tab key until you hear the "Accept button," then press Enter to proceed.

  4. Create a local user account:​​​​​​​

    1. Type your name in the provided box, press the Tab key to navigate to the Next button, and press Enter.

    2. Enter a password in the password box, press the Tab key to navigate to the Next button, and then press Enter.

    3. Re-enter your password in the confirmation box, press the Tab key to the Next button, and press Enter.

  5. Answer security questions:

    1. ​​​​​​​Press Enter to view the list of security questions, use the Down arrow key to select a question, and press the Spacebar to confirm.

    2. Press the Tab key to navigate to the answer box, type your answer, press the Tab key to the Next button, and press Enter.

    3. Repeat the process for the remaining questions.

  6. Configure or skip the optional features setup:

    1. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Press the Tab key until you hear "Skip for now button," then press Enter.

  7. Adjust privacy settings:

    1. ​​​​​​​Press the Tab key until you hear "Accept button" and press Enter.

    2. To customize settings, press the Tab key to navigate to the desired option, use the Spacebar to toggle it on or off, then proceed.

Set up a device that has Windows installed

If you partially configured your device but need to finish by connecting it to a network, use the Second Chance Out-of-Box Experience (SCOOBE) process to complete the setup. 

Note: These options are also available in the Settings app after logging into Windows. The Second Chance Out-of-Box Experience (SCOOBE) typically occurs automatically if you didn't complete the original setup process or can be triggered manually to connect your device to the network and finalize the setup.

  1. Launch the SCOOBE process:​​​​​​​

    1. Press Windows logo key+R to open the Run dialog.

    2. Type ms-cxh-full://scoobe in the combo edit, then press the Tab key to select the OK button and press Enter to run the command.

  2. Let's finish setting up your PC:​​​​​​​

    1. Use the Tab key to navigate to the Submit button and press Enter.

  3. Customize your experience:

    1. ​​​​​​​To skip this step, press the Tab key until you hear "Skip button," then press Enter.

    2. If you want to add any customizations, press the Tab key to navigate through the available options and press the Spacebar to select it.

  4. Configure or skip optional features:

    1. ​​​​​​​Use your phone from your PC: Press the Tab key until you hear the "Skip button," then press Enter.

    2. Free trial of Microsoft 365 Family: Press the Tab key until you hear the "Decline button," then press Enter.

    3. Get more cloud storage with Microsoft 365 Basic: Press the Tab key until you hear the "Decline button," then press Enter.

    4. Did you know you can use Microsoft 365 for free: Press the Tab key until you hear the "Next button," then press Enter.

  5. Complete the setup:

    1. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​When the "You're all set!" pane appears, press the Enter key to close it.

Join your device to a work or school network

  1. Press Windows logo key+I to open the Settings app.

  2. Use the Down arrow key to navigate to Accounts section, then press Enter.

  3. Press the Tab key to focus on Your info, then use the Down arrow key to navigate to the Access work or school option, and press Enter.

  4. Use the Tab key until you hear the "Connect button," then press Enter.​​​​​​​

    Note: Some networks may require a password or additional steps to complete the connection. Follow any prompts or dialogs that appear to finish connecting your device to the chosen organization.

You have now fully configured your device and connected it to your network.

Customize your Windows experience with the Get Started app

The Get Started app in Windows provides users with various features to enhance their experience, including secure browsing, smarter work, safe file management, and PC gaming. You can customize these options during Windows installation. Follow the steps below to set up these features:

  1. Customize your experience during setup:

    1. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​As the installation process progresses, the "Let's customize your experience" screen will appear, offering a range of options along with a toggle switch for personalization.

    2. Use the Tab key to navigate through the available choices. Press the Spacebar to toggle it.

  2. Choose the options you wish to activate:

    1. ​​​​​​​The Get Started app offers several features based on your interests:

      1. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Gaming: This option offers an Xbox Game Pass trial and app suggestions for popular games.

      2. Family: This option allows you to set up your Microsoft family group for device and activity management.

      3. Creativity: This option offers suggestions for creative tools, apps, and websites related to your creative work.

      4. School: This option allows you to receive recommendations for storing school files in OneDrive and other related features.

      5. Entertainment: This option lets you explore app suggestions for entertainment, streaming services, and online content.

      6. Business: Your chosen option provides a Microsoft 365 Business trial to enhance your work productivity.

      7. Development: This option lets you use Dev Home for development-related tasks on your PC.

  3. After choosing the desired options, press the Tab key until you reach the Accept button, then press Enter to confirm your choices.

By setting up the Get Started app, you're able to fully customize your Windows experience to align with your needs.

Customize your Windows experience with the Device usage settings

Device usage settings in Windows allow you to personalize your experience by selecting how you plan to use your device. Based on your selections, Windows provides personalized tips, app suggestions, and recommendations to enhance productivity, creativity, entertainment, and more.

Note: The same options for customizing your Windows experience, such as enabling features or selecting preferences, are available during the initial setup and through the Get Started app. For detailed instructions, refer to the Customize Your Windows Experience with the Get Started App section above.

These preferences can also influence how Microsoft features and ads are presented. You can enable or update these preferences anytime through the Settings app.

  1. Press Windows logo key+I to open the Settings app.

  2. Press the Tab key until you hear "System," then use the Down arrow key to navigate to the Personalization section and press Enter.

  3. Press the Tab key until you hear "Background," then use the Down arrow key to select Device usage and press Enter.

  4. Press the Tab key to navigate to the toggle switch for each option. Use the Spacebar to turn the desired option On or Off.

See also

Phone Link requirements and setup

Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Settings in Windows

Use a screen reader to check and run Windows updates

Use a screen reader to navigate Windows support tools

Technical support for customers with disabilities

Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.

If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk.

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