• Set Up Your System
• Family Settings (Xbox LIVE)
• Connectivity Video
• Join Xbox LIVE

Join Xbox Live at Initial Setup

The following steps will help you create your Xbox Live® membership from the Xbox Dashboard.

If you are creating an Xbox Live membership for your child, see Join Xbox Live: Child Membership.

To join Xbox Live:

1. Make sure your Xbox 360 console is connected to Xbox Live.
   
   For information about connecting to Xbox Live, see Connect to Xbox Live.
2. To simplify the process, collect the details of your Microsoft Passport Network account before you create your Xbox Live membership. You already have a Microsoft Passport account if you have any of the following:
   • A Hotmail account.
   • An MSN account.
   • An Xbox.com account.
   
   
   If you don't have a Microsoft Passport account, visit www.passport.net to set one up, or you can create one in the process of joining Xbox Live.
3. Turn on your Xbox 360 console with no disc in the tray.
4. From the initial setup Gamer Profile screen, select I want to join Xbox Live and follow the on-screen instructions.
   
   
   
   Here you will enter your gamertag (and choose a new one if your desired gamertag is not available) and supply information like the e-mail address and password associated with your Microsoft Passport Network account, your country/region, your language, your name, and your phone number.

   Tip

   You can enter information using either a USB PC keyboard plugged into a controller port or your Xbox 360 controller and the on-screen virtual keyboard.

   
   
   If you do not have a Microsoft Passport Network account you will have the opportunity to create one, which requires supplying a valid e-mail address and choosing a unique password.
5. When prompted, select your desired membership type from the list of options.
   
   
   
   Xbox Live Gold memberships are paid memberships that require you to supply valid credit-card information. For more information about Xbox Live memberships, see www.xbox.com/live.
6. Follow the remaining steps: enter a contact address, choose a gamer picture and Xbox Live Gamer Zone, set your communication preferences for Xbox 360 promotions, and select a time zone and daylight-saving option.
   
   This completes your initial setup.

Upon completion of initial setup you'll have the option to:

• Select Family Settings to configure your Xbox 360 Family Settings.
• Select High Definition Settings to configure your video output for a high-definition or HD-ready TV.
• Select Xbox Dashboard to view the range of options available from the Xbox Dashboard.
• Select Open Tray and load a disc to start playing a game now.