How to Automatically Keep Xbox One Games Up-to-Date With New Updates

Key Takeaways

  • Ensure your Xbox One is set to automatically download game updates by enabling the “Keep my games & apps up to date” setting.
  • Close any running games or apps before updates to maximize download speeds.
  • Check for pending updates regularly by going to the “Updates” section in “My games & apps”.

As an experienced gaming writer and Xbox enthusiast, I understand the importance of keeping your games updated to the latest version. Game developers frequently release updates that introduce new content, fix bugs, and optimize performance. Staying up-to-date ensures you have the best possible gaming experience. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to automatically keep your Xbox One games updated with the latest releases.

Configure Automatic Updates

The first step is to ensure your Xbox One is set to automatically download game updates in the background. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
  2. Navigate to “Profile & system” > “Settings” > “System” > “Updates”.
  3. Under the “Games & apps” section, ensure the “Keep my games & apps up to date” option is checked.

With this setting enabled, your Xbox One will automatically download updates for games you’ve played recently, typically within the last 30 days. However, it’s important to note that this feature may not work for all games, as some developers choose to release updates manually.

Optimize Download Speeds

While your Xbox One can download updates in the background, there are a few steps you can take to optimize the download speeds:

  1. Close Running Games and Apps: Running games or apps can slow down your download speeds. Before initiating an update, close any open games or apps by pressing the Xbox button, highlighting the game/app, and selecting “Quit”.
  2. Use a Wired Connection: If possible, connect your Xbox One to your router using an Ethernet cable. Wired connections are generally faster and more stable than wireless connections.
  3. Pause Other Downloads: If you have other downloads running on your Xbox One or on other devices connected to your network, pause them temporarily to free up bandwidth for the game update.
  4. Restart Your Router: Restarting your router can sometimes resolve connectivity issues and improve download speeds.

Check for Pending Updates

Even with automatic updates enabled, it’s a good practice to manually check for pending updates regularly. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
  2. Navigate to “My games & apps” > “See all”.
  3. Scroll down and select “Manage” > “Queue”.
  4. Under the “Updates” section, you’ll see a list of pending updates for your games.
  5. Select “Update all” to initiate the download process for all pending updates.

Alternatively, you can check for updates on a per-game basis by following these steps:

  1. Highlight the game tile on your Xbox One home screen.
  2. Press the menu button (the button with three horizontal lines) on your controller.
  3. Select “Manage game & add-ons”.
  4. Navigate to the “Updates” section to see if any updates are available for that specific game.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re experiencing issues with automatic updates or slow download speeds, here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • Power Cycle Your Xbox One: Sometimes, a simple power cycle (restarting your console) can resolve update issues. To power cycle, hold down the power button on your console for 10 seconds until it turns off, then turn it back on.
  • Clear Persistent Storage: Clearing persistent storage can help resolve update issues caused by corrupted data. Go to “Settings” > “Disc & Blu-ray” > “Persistent Storage” and select “Clear Persistent Storage”.
  • Check Your Network Connection: Ensure your Xbox One is connected to a stable internet connection. You can test your network connection by going to “Settings” > “Network” > “Test network connection”.
  • Update Your Router Firmware: Outdated router firmware can sometimes cause connectivity issues. Check with your router manufacturer for any available firmware updates.
  • Contact Xbox Support: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues, don’t hesitate to contact Xbox Support for further assistance.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your Xbox One games are always up-to-date, providing you with the best possible gaming experience. Remember to check for updates regularly, optimize your download speeds, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.