What to Know

• Turn on Mac, followSetup Assistantprompts, select country>keyboard layout > Wi-Fi network.
• Enable Location Services > Create New Apple ID/Apple Accountor sign in >Create Computer Account> setupiCloud.
• Ensure Mac is plugged in, able to join your home network, and a mouse and keyboard are connected.

This article explains how to set up a new Mac desktop or MacBook laptop, as well as create your own user account.

How to Set up Your New Mac

Follow these steps to set up your new Mac and create your user account.

1. Turn on the power for the Mac.

   You may need to press the power button to turn on the computer.Some Mac notebooks turn on automatically when connected to power.

2. The MacSetup Assistantlaunches, presenting you with a series of questions and prompts to follow.

3. The first prompt displays a world map.Selecta country to set your time zone and language.SelectContinuewhen you're done.

4. Choose a keyboard layout.SelectShow Allto see other options.When you've made your selection, selectContinue.

   When you select the U.S.as your country, you'll see only the U.S.keyboard as an option.

5. Connect to your Wi-Fi network. Choose your network name (SSID), enter the password, and selectContinue. It may take a few minutes to connect.

   To connect to a wired connection, selectOther Network Optionsin the lower-right corner of the screen and follow the prompts.

6. Opt to transfer data from another Mac, a Time Machine backup, a startup disk, or a Windows PC. Choose an option and selectContinue.

   SelectDon't transfer any information nowif you want to transfer data later or if you're starting fresh.

7. Check theEnable Location Services on this Maccheck box for use with Siri, Apple Maps, and more. SelectContinue.

   Don't check this box if you prefer that Apple didn't have access to your location.

8. Sign in with your Apple Account. If you don't have an Apple Account, selectCreate New Apple Accountand follow the prompts. Once done, selectContinue.

   This is the same Apple Account you use with your iPhone, Apple TV, and other Macs.

9. SelectAgreeto agree to the various terms and conditions, then selectAgree againto confirm.

   Select Moreto read the terms and conditions in detail.

10. In theCreate a Computer Accountdialog box, enter your full name, an account name, create a password, and then choose a password hint.

    Your name fills in automatically when you sign in with an Apple Account.

11. Optionally, select theAllow my Apple Account to reset this passwordcheck box. This is helpful if you forget your user account password.

12. Select theSet time zone based on current locationcheck box. This option is helpful when you're traveling.

    You'll need to enable Location Services to use this option.

13. When you're done with theCreate a Computer Accountoptions, selectContinue.

    This may take a few minutes while iCloud syncs.

14. You'll see options related toFileVault disk encryption. These options relate to the encryption of files on your hard drive.

15. Select theAllow my iCloud account to unlock my diskcheck box, and then selectContinue.

16. Select theStore files from Documents and Desktop in iCloud check box if you have enough iCloud storage space, and then selectContinue.

17. Select theEnable Siri on this Mac check boxso you can use the Apple digital assistant. SelectContinue.

18. The Mac finalizes its settings, which may take a while. When it's finished, you'll likely see pop-ups about signing in to various accounts, which you can allow or opt to do later.

19. Enjoy your new Mac. Visit the Mac App Store to find useful and popular free and paid services, including Microsoft Office for Mac, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more.

Take advantage of the Mac Accessibility options during and after setup to optimize your Mac for vision, hearing, mobility, and learning issues.

Make Sure You Have the Basics

Before you set up your Mac, take care of a few initial steps:

• Plug in the Mac.
• Make sure your internet connection is stable and reliable.
• Have your network password ready.
• Connect the mouse, keyboard, and monitor, if necessary. Leave all other peripheral devices unattached.

When you've taken care of these preparations, it's time to set up your Mac.