Set up your Surface

Get the most from your new Surface. When you power on your Surface for the first time, you’ll be guided through a few quick steps to get set up and ready to go.

To ensure a smooth setup:

• Plug in your device to keep it charged during the process.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.

You’ll have the option to:

• Sign in with or create a Microsoft account
• Restore or transfer files from another PC
• Set up Windows Hello for secure sign-in
• Turn on Find my device
• Check for the latest Windows updates
• Learn about Microsoft Protection Plans for your Surface

Set up your Surface device

Set up a Microsoft account if you don't already have one

Get free online storage, an online password reset for your Surface, and more with a Microsoft account. All you need to get started is an email address.

When your Microsoft account is set up, you can back up any Windows device you used before. Then, on your new Surface device, restore the backup so you can quickly have your familiar files and more.

Restore or transfer files to your new Surface device

If you're switching from a Windows PC to a new Surface, Windows Backup makes the transition easier than ever.

Restoring from a backup:

If you already have a backup, you can restore it to your new Surface and pick up right where you left off. For more information, see Back up and restore with Windows Backup.

Transferring files:

If you don’t have a backup, you can still move your important files, settings, and preferences from your previous PC to your new Surface. For more information, see Transfer your files and settings to a new Windows PC.

Set up Windows Hello

Get instant access to your Surface with Facial recognition (Windows Hello) or Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello). Here's how to set it up:

1. Go to Start  > Settings  > Accounts , and under Account settings, select Sign-in options .
2. Select Facial recognition (Windows Hello) or Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), then select Set up.

For more information, go to Configure Windows Hello

Turn on Find my device

When you set up a new device, you can decide to enable the Find my device feature. If you didn't initially turn it on or want to confirm it is enabled, make sure your Surface is connected to the internet, has enough battery power so it can send its location, and that you're signed in with your Microsoft account.

On the device that you want to check, select Start   > Settings   > Privacy & security   > Find my device.

For more information, go to Find and lock a lost Windows device

Confirm you're up to date

You can quickly check the health of your Surface drivers and firmware using the Surface app.

1. In the Surface app, expand Help & support to check the update status.

2. If there are updates available, select the Check for updates button to open Windows Update and install the available updates.

   Note

   If you don't have the Surface app installed, you can download the Surface app from the Microsoft Store. When it has downloaded, select Start, search for Surface, then select the app from the list of results.

Learn about Microsoft Protection Plans

Stay covered, for longer. Protect your device purchase with options for extended hardware and accidental damage coverage. Available in select markets only.

If something goes wrong, you’ll get expert support from the people who know Microsoft products best. Simple as that.

For more information, go to Stay covered longer with a Microsoft Protection Plan.

Maintain your Surface device

Stay protected with Windows Security

Windows Security is included on your device and provides the latest antivirus protection. Your device will be actively protected from the moment you set it up. It continually scans for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats. Updates are downloaded automatically to help keep your device safe and protect it from threats.

To open the  Windows Security app  , search for it in the Start menu, or use the following shortcut:

For more information, go to Stay protected with Windows Security.

Get to know your Surface

Select your Surface to learn more about what it can do.

• Surface devices
• Surface Pen
• Surface accessories

Related topics

• Which edition of Windows comes with your Surface device?
• Windows help and learning
• Microsoft 365 help & learning

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