How to Download Games and Updates While Your Xbox Series X is Off
The Xbox Series X is the most powerful game console currently available, featuring detailed graphics, fluid frame rates, and rapid load times. The device also sports a fantastic game library, with backwards compatibility going all the way back to the original Xbox.
download while xbox series x is off
But what if you want to download games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off? Maybe you want to save some electricity, avoid disturbing others with fan noise, or just keep your console out of sight. Or maybe you want to remotely manage your downloads from your phone or PC.
In this article, we will show you how to download games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off using different power options and modes. We will also show you how to use the Remote Play feature and the Xbox Family Settings app to control your downloads from anywhere.
Introduction
What is the Xbox Series X and what are its features?
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's flagship game console that launched in November 2020. It is part of the fourth generation of Xbox consoles, along with its smaller sibling, the Xbox Series S.
How to download games on Xbox Series X/S while its OFF[^1^]
Xbox Series X standby mode and energy saver explained[^3^]
How do I get my Xbox Series X to download games while its turned off[^2^]
Xbox Series X instant-on Sleep mode vs energy saver Shut-down mode
Can you download and install games while your Xbox One is off[^5^]
How To Make Xbox Games Download Faster (Does It Download Faster Off)[^4^]
Xbox Series X power and startup modes: Sleep or Shut-down
Xbox Series X automatic updates: how to enable or disable them
Xbox Series X download speed: how to improve it
Xbox Series X Quick Resume: how it works with downloads
Xbox Series X game installation: how long does it take
Xbox Series X storage options: how to expand or manage them
Xbox Series X remote features: how to use them with the mobile app
Xbox Series X background downloads: how to check or pause them
Xbox Series X download queue: how to manage or prioritize it
Xbox Series X game updates: how to check or install them
Xbox Series X download settings: how to customize them
Xbox Series X download problems: how to fix them
Xbox Series X download limit: how to avoid or increase it
Xbox Series X download region: how to change or optimize it
Xbox Series X download notifications: how to turn on or off
Xbox Series X download resume: how to continue after interruption
Xbox Series X download error codes: what they mean and how to solve them
Xbox Series X download time: how to estimate or reduce it
Xbox Series X download speed test: how to run or interpret it
Xbox Series X download data usage: how to monitor or control it
Xbox Series X download bandwidth: how to adjust or optimize it
Xbox Series X download mode: how to switch between Sleep and Shut-down
Xbox Series X download tips and tricks: how to get the most out of your console
Xbox Series X download guide: everything you need to know
The Xbox Series X boasts impressive specifications that make it capable of delivering true 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second (FPS), as well as supporting 8K resolution and Dolby Vision HDR. It also has a custom 1 TB SSD that reduces load times and enables Quick Resume, a feature that lets you switch between multiple games Additionally, the Xbox Series X has a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive that can play physical discs, as well as a wide range of digital games that can be downloaded from the Xbox Store or accessed through subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and EA Play.
Why would you want to download games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off?
Downloading games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off can have several benefits, such as:
Saving energy and money: By turning off your console when you are not using it, you can reduce its power consumption and lower your electricity bill. According to Microsoft, the Xbox Series X uses around 10-15 watts in standby mode, compared to 180-200 watts when playing games.
Reducing noise and heat: By turning off your console when you are not using it, you can also prevent it from generating fan noise and heat that might disturb you or others in your household. The Xbox Series X has a large fan and a vapor chamber cooling system that keep it from overheating, but they can also produce some audible sound when running at full speed.
Keeping your console updated and ready to play: By downloading games and updates while your console is off, you can ensure that your console and games are always up to date and ready to play whenever you want. You can avoid waiting for long downloads or installations when you turn on your console, and enjoy the latest features and bug fixes for your games.
Managing your downloads remotely: By downloading games and updates while your console is off, you can also control your downloads from anywhere using your mobile or Windows device. You can use the Xbox app or the Xbox Family Settings app to browse, buy, and download games and updates to your console over the internet, even when you are away from home.
What are the power options and modes on the Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series X has two main power options that affect how it behaves when it is turned off: Shutdown (Energy Saving) and Sleep (Instant-On). These options can be changed in the Settings > General > Power mode & startup menu on your console.
The Shutdown (Energy Saving) option completely turns off your console when you press the power button or select Turn off console from the Guide menu. This option saves the most energy, but it also means that your console will not download games or updates while it is off, unless you enable automatic updates in the Settings > System > Updates & downloads menu. It also means that you will not be able to use Remote Play or Quick Resume features while your console is off.
The Sleep (Instant-On) option puts your console into a low-power state when you press the power button or select Turn off console from the Guide menu. This option consumes more energy, but it also allows your console to download games and updates while it is off, as well as enabling Remote Play and Quick Resume features. You can also turn on your console remotely using the Xbox app on your mobile or Windows device.
How to Download Games and Updates While Your Xbox Series X is Off
How to enable the Sleep (Instant-On) mode on your Xbox Series X
If you want to download games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off, you will need to enable the Sleep (Instant-On) mode on your console. To do this, follow these steps:
Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the Guide menu.
Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Power mode & startup.
Select Power mode and choose Sleep (Instant-On).
Select Apply changes to save your settings.
Now, whenever you turn off your console by pressing the power button or selecting Turn off console from the Guide menu, it will enter a low-power state that allows it to download games and updates while it is off.
How to enable the Remote Play feature on your Xbox Series X
If you want to download games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off using your mobile or Windows device, you will need to enable the Remote Play feature on your console. To do this, follow these steps:
Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the Guide menu.
Select Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Remote features.
Select Enable remote features and choose Allow remote play with this device.
Select Apply changes to save your settings.
Now, whenever you turn off your console by pressing the power button or selecting Turn off console from the Guide menu, it will enter a low-power state that allows it to stream games and updates to your compatible phone, tablet, or PC over the internet. You will need a Bluetooth-enabled Xbox Wireless Controller and a Microsoft account with an Xbox profile to use this feature.
How to use the Xbox app on your mobile or Windows device to download games and updates remotely
If you want to download games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off using the Xbox app on your mobile or Windows device, you will need to install the app on your device and sign in with your Microsoft account. To do this, follow these steps:
Download the Xbox app from the App Store or Google Play Store on your mobile device, or from the Microsoft Store on your Windows device.
Open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account that is linked to your Xbox profile.
Select My Library from the bottom menu on your mobile device, or from the left sidebar on your Windows device.
Select Consoles from the top menu and choose your Xbox Series X console from the list. Make sure your console is connected to the same network as your device, or that you have enabled Remote Play on your console.
Select Remote install from the top menu and browse, buy, and download games and updates to your console. You can also manage your storage space and queue from this menu.
Now, you can download games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off using the Xbox app on your mobile or Windows device. You can also turn on your console remotely and stream games to your device using Remote Play.
How to use the Xbox Family Settings app to manage your child's screen time and downloads
If you want to download games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off using the Xbox Family Settings app, you will need to install the app on your mobile device and create a family group with your child's Xbox account. To do this, follow these steps:
Download the Xbox Family Settings app from the App Store or Google Play Store on your mobile device.
Open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account that is linked to your Xbox profile.
Select Create a family group from the home screen and follow the instructions to add your child's Xbox account to your family group. You will need to have access to their email address and password, or send them an invitation link.
Select Screen time from the home screen and set play limits for your child's Xbox account. You can also set different limits for weekdays and weekends, as well as block specific hours of the day.
Select Content restrictions from the home screen and set age ratings for games, apps, movies, and TV shows that your child can access on their Xbox account. You can also block specific games or apps, as well as enable or disable online multiplayer and communication features.
Select Activity report from the home screen and monitor your child's screen time, game activity, and downloads on their Xbox account. You can also pause their screen time or extend it for a specific amount of time.
Now, you can download games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off using the Xbox Family Settings app on your mobile device. You can also manage your child's screen time and content restrictions from anywhere.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points and benefits of downloading games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off
In this article, we have shown you how to download games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off using different power options and modes. We have also shown you how to use the Remote Play feature and the Xbox Family Settings app to control your downloads from anywhere.
By downloading games and updates while your Xbox Series X is off, you can enjoy several benefits, such as saving energy and money, reducing noise and heat, keeping your console updated and ready to play, and managing your downloads remotely.
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FAQs
Q: How much power does the Sleep (Instant-On) mode consume?
A: According to Microsoft, the Sleep (Instant-On) mode consumes around 10-15 watts while in standby, compared to 0.5 watts for the Shutdown (Energy Saving) mode. However, the Sleep (Instant-On) mode also offers more convenience and functionality, such as downloading games and updates while your console is off, using Remote Play and Quick Resume features, and turning on your console remotely.
Q: Can I use Remote Play to play games from my console on my mobile or Windows device?
A: Yes, you can use Remote Play to stream games from your console to your compatible phone, tablet, or PC over the internet. You will need a Bluetooth-enabled Xbox Wireless Controller and a Microsoft account with an Xbox profile. You will also need to enable the Remote Play feature on your console and install the Xbox app on your device. To use Remote Play, follow these steps:
Open the Xbox app on your device and sign in with your Microsoft account.
Select My Library from the bottom menu on your mobile device, or from the left sidebar on your Windows device.
Select Consoles from the top menu and choose your Xbox Series X console from the list. Make sure your console is connected to the same network as your device, or that you have enabled Remote Play on your console.
Select Remote play on this device from the top menu and wait for the connection to be established.
Use your controller to navigate and play games on your console as if you were in front of it.
You can also adjust the streaming quality and settings from the Xbox app menu. To end Remote Play, press the Xbox button on your controller and select Disconnect.
Q: Can I download games and updates while my Xbox Series X is in Shutdown (Energy Saving) mode?
A: Yes, you can still download games and updates while your console is in Shutdown (Energy Saving) mode, but it may not be as reliable or consistent as in Sleep (Instant-On) mode. You will also need to enable automatic updates in your console settings. To do this, follow these steps:
Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the Guide menu.
Select Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates & downloads.
Select Keep my console up to date and Keep my games & apps up to date to enable automatic updates for your console and games.
Select Apply changes to save your settings.
Now, whenever you turn off your console by pressing the power button or selecting Turn off console from the Guide menu, it will enter a shutdown state that allows it to download games and updates while it is off. However, this may depend on factors such as network availability, server status, and download size. You may also need to manually check for updates when you turn on your console.
Q: What are the benefits of using the Xbox Family Settings app?
A: The Xbox Family Settings app allows you to set play limits, age restrictions, and friend requests for your child's Xbox account. You can also monitor their screen time, game activity, and downloads from your phone or tablet. Some of the benefits of using the Xbox Family Settings app are:
You can protect your child from inappropriate content and online interactions by setting age ratings for games, apps, movies, and TV shows that they can access on their Xbox account. You can also block specific games or apps, as well as enable or disable online multiplayer and communication features.
You can balance your child's screen time and gaming habits by setting play limits for their Xbox account. You can also set different limits for weekdays and weekends, as well as block specific hours of the day. You can also pause their screen time or extend it for a specific amount of time.
You can keep track of your child's gaming activity and downloads by viewing their activity report on their Xbox account. You can see how much time they spend playing games, what games they play, and what games they download. You can also manage their storage space and queue from the app.
You can approve or decline friend requests for your child's Xbox account by enabling Ask a parent feature on their account. You can also view their friends list and remove any unwanted contacts from the app.
Q: What are some of the best games to download on the Xbox Series X?
A: The Xbox Series X has a great library of games that showcase its powerful features, such as 4K resolution, 120 FPS, ray tracing, and Dolby Vision. Some of the best games to download on the Xbox Series X are:
Halo Infinite: The latest installment in the iconic sci-fi shooter series that features a massive open-world campaign, a free-to-play multiplayer mode, and stunning visuals powered by the Slipspace Engine.
Forza of the legendary shooter series that features intense action, brutal combat, and epic environments.
Destiny 2: The Witch Queen: The upcoming expansion for the online multiplayer shooter that features a new campaign, a new destination, a new enemy race, and a new weapon type.
These are just some of the best games to download on the Xbox Series X, but there are many more to choose from. You can browse the Xbox Store or check out the Xbox Game Pass and EA Play catalogs for more options. 44f88ac181