Getting Started with Windows 11 on Mesa Pro

13 Jul 2022

Further to the printed guide, this article gives instructions on how to set up Windows 11 on your Mesa Pro. For information about the initial hardware setup, see the Quick Start Guide for Mesa Pro.

When your unit is ready, follow the instructions below to complete the setup. If your unit has a cellular modem and you have inserted a SIM card, see the Cellular Modem Firmware Load Process.

Log in with a Microsoft Account or a Local Offline Account

When you use your device for the first time, you will navigate through a series of setup prompts. During this process, you can choose to set up the unit for your personal use or for the use of an organization. 

A Microsoft account gives you access to Microsoft services and security features like Find My Device. It also remembers your account settings, allowing personalized settings to follow you from device to device. It is possible to log in without a Microsoft account if desired.

Set Up for Work or School

Note: If you are using Windows 11 Pro, you must have a Microsoft account and an internet connection to log in.

To set up with a Microsoft account,

  1. Select “Set up for work or school.”

  2. Tap Next.

  3. Log in with your work or school Microsoft account.

If your unit has Windows 11 IoT Enterprise (21H2), you can set up without a Microsoft account by following the steps below:

  1. Select “Set up for work or school.”

  2. Tap Next.

  3. Tap Sign-in options below the login field.

  4. Select Domain join instead.

  5. Type your name, then tap Next.

  6. Create a password, then tap Next.

Set Up for Personal Use

To set up with a Microsoft account,

  1. Select “Set up for personal use.”

  2. Tap Next.

  3. Log in with your Microsoft account.

If your unit has Windows 11 IoT Enterprise (21H2), you can set up without a Microsoft account by following the steps below:

  1. Select “Set up for personal use.”

  2. Tap Next.

  3. Tap Sign-in options below the login field.

  4. Select Offline account.

  5. On the “What is a Microsoft account?” page, tap Skip for now.

  6. Enter your name, then tap Next.

  7. Create a password, then tap Next.

If your unit has Windows 11 Pro (22H2), you can set up without a Microsoft account by following the steps below:

  1. Ensure you do not have a SIM card installed in your Mesa Pro.

  2. Turn on the Mesa Pro and follow the prompts on the screen until you reach the screen with the question "Is this the right keyboard layout or input method?"

  3. Press Shift + F10 to open a command line.

  4. Tap in the command line and type "oobe\bypassnro."

  5. Press Enter. The unit will reboot.

  6. Follow the prompts on the screen until you reach the "Let's connect you to a network" screen.

  7. Instead of choosing a Wi-Fi network, select I don't have internet.

  8. Select Continue with limited setup.

  9. Tap Accept.

  10. Enter your name, then tap Next.

  11. Create a password, then tap Next.

Clean Up the Taskbar

The Windows 11 taskbar comes preloaded with several items. The left side of the taskbar can pin applications and comes preloaded with the Microsoft Edge browser, File Explorer, and the Microsoft Store. The right side of the taskbar pins quick settings such as Wi-Fi and airplane mode.

Add Applications to Taskbar

To add applications to the left side of the taskbar,

  1. Open the application.

  2. When the icon appears in the taskbar, select it with a two-second hold.

  3. When the pop-up menu appears, select Pin to taskbar.

To add applications to the right side of the taskbar,

  1. Select the Wi-Fi, volume, or battery icon.

  2. When the pop-up menu appears, click anywhere inside it with a two-second hold.

  3. Select Edit quick settings.

  4. Tap Add. Choose the desired application. 

          

Remove Applications from Taskbar

To remove applications from the left side of the taskbar,

  1. Select an application in the taskbar with a two-second hold.

  2. When the pop-up menu appears, select Unpin from taskbar.

To remove applications from the right side of the taskbar,

  1. Select the Wi-Fi, volume, or battery icon.

  2. When the pop-up menu appears, click anywhere inside it with a two-second hold.

  3. Select Edit quick settings.

  4. Tap the unpin icon in the corner of the application. Tap Done.

          

Windows 11 Updates

Automatic updates are the default setting on Windows 11, but it is possible to turn them off.

Pause Automatic Updates

To pause updates,

  1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Updates.

  2. Under More options, use the Pause updates drop-down to pause the automatic updates until the desired date.

Control Updates

Charge and restart the Mesa Pro each night to give the tablet time to install updates.

If you want to assign specific times for the unit to update,

  1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Updates > Advanced options.

  2. Next to “Active hours,” tap the down arrow.

  3. Next to Adjust active hours use the drop-down menu to select Manually.

  4. Select a range of hours when you actively use the device.

During the hours selected, Windows won’t automatically restart the device, nor will it restart the Mesa 3 without asking if you’re using it.

 

 

Approved 11Oct22: JM