UPDATE: Microsoft has removed its instructions for updating Xbox One without connecting it to the internet. The company issued Eurogamer a statement contradicting its earlier claim that the site could be used to manually update an Xbox One’s firmware. The files which users could download to do so have also been pulled.
Now that the Xbox One is upon us we are hearing about (shocker) a handful of different Xbox One launch issues. The main problem seems to be a disc drive fail, which we discussed early this morning. But another problem seems to be vexing gamers: Xbox One games won't install. And if your Xbox One games won't install then you can't PLAY Xbox One games and now you're looking at a $500 Netflix machine. Fortunately, there seems to be a fairly simple solution if your Xbox One games won't install.
OXM is reporting that the best solution for Xbox One games that don't install is to simply disconnect your Xbox One from the internet. A similar method has been discovered by Nerdacy. The logic behind it is pretty simple. There are a ton of people all trying to download the same updates from servers right now so when you put a disc in the Xbox One and it won't install it's likely just sitting in a queue trying to download an update first. If it can't get the update it will wait and wait and wait and, after six months of waiting for the console to arrive those first few minutes can be torturous. I know. I set up my Xbox One last night and every passing minute felt like an eternity.
Here's the step-by-step on what to do is you Xbox One games won't install.
Step One: Disconnect your console from the internet.
Step Two: Power down your console by holding the power button in for ten seconds.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT power down the console while it's trying to install/download an update. Use the home button to cancel out of the installation before powering down.
Step Three: Turn the console back on and retry the install offline.
Step Four: (Assuming the install works) Reconnect to the Internet and all is right with the world.
It's worth noting that a slightly more involved solution is being touted on Nerdacy. This involves relatively the same logic (getting offline for the game install) but recommends going to Settings and restoring the factory defaults first. You'll have to set up your profile and all that good stuff again, but if the above steps don't work you might want to give the factory default trick a shot before you try the offline install.
For comprehensive technical help with Xbox One, visit the Support page on Xbox.com
What does the update cost?
Nothing. The update is free from Microsoft, but you may incur data charges from your ISP depending on your service agreement.
How can I tell if my console software is up to date?
Do U Need Internet To Download Games On Xbox One
If your console is connected to Xbox Live, you should have the latest software. If you want to see the current OS version number, or what features were added or updated based on this system update, see Xbox One operating system versions and system updates.
Do I have to install the update?
No. However, if you want to play or communicate on Xbox Live, you must have the latest console software. New and Kinect games might also require the update before you play them.
Can I force my console to update before the update switches to mandatory?
Do You Need Internet To Download Game Updates Xbox One Pc
Yes. Once an update has been set as available, you can force your console to start immediately. There are two ways to perform this action, based on whether your console is online or offline.
Do You Need Internet To Download Games On Xbox One
- Online consoles: To force an update to a console while the release is in an available state, follow these steps:
- Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
- Select System >Settings >System >Updates & downloads.
- Select Console update available.
- Offline consoles: You can update a console without connecting it to the internet by using the Xbox One System Update Solution. This can be useful if your home Internet service has bandwidth constraints and you'd prefer to download the update somewhere else, and then bring it home to install it.
Note If you're updating your system for the first time, you'll still need to connect to the Xbox Live service at least once. While online, you'll be asked to enter your Microsoft account password for each profile on the console to complete sign-in. If you don't remember the password for your account, see the Lost Password Solution.
Can I go back to the old software version if I change my mind?
No. Once your console is updated, it will stay updated.
I can’t connect to Xbox Live. What should I do?
If you can’t connect to Xbox Live, see the Xbox One First-Time Connection Solution.
If you receive any error messages either during the system update process or after the system restarts, see the Xbox One System Update Solution.