firstrun

firstrun, often written as first run or first-run, refers to the initial use of a software application or hardware device following installation or purchase. It encompasses the setup process, onboarding, and initial configuration that prepares the product for daily use. The term is commonly used interchangeably with first-run experience (FRE) or setup wizard, and is a common pattern in desktop and mobile software as well as embedded devices.

A typical firstrun sequence guides the user through tasks such as selecting language, agreeing to licenses, creating or signing into an account, choosing privacy and telemetry settings, connecting to the internet, and configuring essential features. It may include a guided tour of major capabilities and an option to enable or disable updates and data collection.

Design considerations include minimizing friction to avoid user abandonment, supporting accessibility and localization, and using progressive disclosure to avoid overwhelming new users. Some implementations offer opt-in or opt-out telemetry, while others skip data collection entirely; results depend on product goals and regulatory constraints (eg., GDPR). Performance, reliability, and clear fallback paths for errors are important.

Variations exist across platforms, with terms like out-of-box experience (OOBE) and setup assistant commonly used. Examples include Windows OOBE, Android device setup, macOS setup assistant, and various Linux installer processes. In software development, firstrun workflows can also occur when new features are introduced via updates, prompting users to review changes.

Overall, firstrun aims to reduce user friction, establish essential configurations, and showcase capabilities, while balancing privacy, speed, and user autonomy.