So, how much does the Out of Box Experience differ for Windows 11? Let’s have a look.
Windows 11’s OOBE: What’s New?
Primarily, not much. The Windows 11 OOBE takes you through very similar steps that the latest Windows 10 version does, just with a new look. Gone are the dull blues, and in are the bright, smoothed edges.
That isn’t to say the experience is entirely the same. A few new features pop up in the Windows 11 OOBE, as well as a few new restrictions. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from the Windows 11 Out of Box Experience.
Before we begin, it’s worth noting that the OOBE can change between Windows versions. Windows 10’s OOBE went through quite a few different iterations. If your options are in a different order, or missing entirely, this may be why. We’ll try our best to keep this guide updated to include any new additions to the Windows 11 OOBE.
Region, Keyboard Settings, and Internet Connectivity
You’ll be greeted by a familiar sight, although sporting a very new look. Windows 11 starts, much like 10 did, by getting you to configure your Region and Keyboard settings.
It’s fairly standard and not much has changed here. After checking for updates, a fairly big difference can be noticed for Windows 11 Home Users.
You’ll be required to connect to the Internet to proceed. This isn’t the case for other editions of Windows 11, and, thankfully, there are ways to bypass this step. Have a look at our guide on how to set up Windows 11 without an internet connection to learn more.
This change is relatively recent, and will soon apply to all versions of Windows 11.
Name Your PC and Set Up Your Device
The next step is naming your PC, and not much is different here, either. After naming your PC, Windows 11 will restart your system. You won’t have to start the experience over again, however. The OOBE will pick up exactly where you left off.
If you’re indecisive, you can skip this part, and name your PC later in Settings.
After the restart, users running non-Home versions of Windows 11 will have a chance to set their device up as either a work device, or a personal one. This process is largely the same as it was in Windows 10, as well.
Adding Microsoft Account, Setting a PIN, and Recovery Options
This is where Windows 11 begins to differ the most from Windows 10’s OOBE. Logging on to your Microsoft account is easy, and skipping it isn’t.
If you have a Microsoft account, you can log in at this point and move forward with the setup. If you’re interested in creating an offline account for this system, you may be out of luck depending on the exact version number of Windows 11 you’re installing.
You can click on Sign-In Options to see if you’re on a version that allows you to easily create an offline account. If you are, you’ll see Offline Account listed here. Otherwise, you’ll need to disconnect your system from the Internet and hit back in order to be given the option.
Another major difference is the option to recover previous system installs by OneDrive. If you have any recovery files available, Windows 11 will present you with that option now.
Privacy Settings, Customize Your Experience, and Back-Up Options
At this point, you’ll be given familiar privacy settings to toggle on and off. These are largely the same as they were on Windows 10, with the user being able to toggle options such as Location tracking, sending Diagnostic Data to Microsoft, and enabling Tailored Ads.
Many of these options require careful consideration, and should you disable all of them, the Out of Box Experience ends here. You’ll finalize the setup and move on.
If you leave some of these options enabled, you’ll be given some additional setup screens.
Customize Your Experience allows you to select some general categories to have apps and experiences recommended to you by Microsoft. The categories are Entertainment, Gaming, School, Creativity, Business, and Family. Enabling any of these options will allow you to explore additional options for your installation.
Like previous Windows 10 versions, the setup will prompt you to back up your files with One Drive. You can hit Only Save Files to this PC to skip this step.
Finally, Windows will offer you the ability to install the Office apps from Microsoft 365. This is an entirely optional step. If you have a subscription, or are planning on getting one, it might be a good idea to install it at this point. Otherwise, hit No, Thanks to move on.
A Cleaner Out of Box Experience
That’s it, you’re done with the OOBE. Your system should move on to the lock screen at this point.
All in all, it’s very similar to Windows 10, but cleaned up. The UI is generally more responsive and there is a wider range of customization options for those who use the included services.
However, it also comes with some inconvenient online-connectivity requirements, and perhaps one or two new steps too many.
Above all, it’s more user-friendly than past iterations and is sure to help the casual user get into Windows 11 faster.
