An out-of-box experience (OOBE (/ˈuːbiː/ OO-bee)) is the experience an end-user has when taking a product after unboxing, or for digital distribution, runs the installer, and is preparing to first use it, as opposed to the point-of-sale experience or the interaction experience of an expert user. In computing, this includes the initial configuration of a piece of hardware or software on a computer. The out-of-box experience is typically the first impression a product creates, such as the ease with which a buyer can begin using the product. For hardware products, a positive OOBE can be created with logical easy-to-follow instructions and good quality of manufacturing.^[1][2][3]

Microsoft uses this term, particuarly, to refer to the user experience that takes place after software installation, and immediately following the first launch of a software product.^[4][5]

Out-of-box failure

An out-of-box failure (OBF or OOBF) refers to the perceived failure of a product that occurs immediately upon first usage.^[6] In relations to computing, an out-of-box failure can refer to the immediate failure mode when installing or performing initial configuration on a piece of computer hardware or software, or a physical defect involving the installation media which requires a return and acquisition of a non-defective product. Causes for out-of-box failures include poor quality control, wrong configuration of the product, and bugs/glitches if the failure is software-related. It can be highly detrimental to the value of the brand, retailer, or OEM, especially when customer expectations for the product are high.^[6]