How To Update Xbox? [All Models]

By keeping your Xbox system up to date, you unlock many benefits, such as improved graphics, refined gameplay mechanics, bug fixes, and seamless compatibility with online multiplayer experiences. Embracing the significance of regular updates ensures that you remain at the forefront of the ever-expanding gaming sphere, fully immersing yourself in an elevated gaming journey.

Key Takeaways

• You can update your Xbox using the internet or a USB device by installing the Offline System Update File (OSU) from your computer.
• It takes about 30 to 60 minutes to update an Xbox completely. Make sure not to turn off the console during the software update process.
• I recommend you use an empty USB for the offline Xbox update to avoid losing critical data during the formatting.

What Does Updating Xbox Mean?

Updating your Xbox refers to upgrading the system software on your console to the latest OS Version. Newer updates account for a better user experience and will enhance your Xbox gameplay.

How To Update Xbox?

This section will discuss how to update all models of Xbox, such as Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. So, no matter which Xbox model you own, you will find the detailed steps to update its system software.

Xbox 360

Xbox 360 marked the entrance of Xbox into the world of gaming. Even though it was released in 2005, the company may roll out new updates to fix performance issues. I constantly update my console using the internet, but you can also update it using a USB device.

1. Online Update

1. Press the Guide button on your Xbox 360 controller.

   

2. Now, select “Settings > System“.
   

   

3. Pick “Network Settings” from the left column.

   

4. You will see two options on the next screen.
5. Choose “Wired Network” to update the software using your internet.

   

6. Select the second option on the left column, Test Xbox Live Connection.
   

   

7. Pick Yes from the pop-up box.

   

8. Wait for the scanning to complete.
9. Choose “Yes” from the following dialogue box.
10. The next screen will say, Downloading Update From Xbox Live. Let it finish.

    

11. The Downloading should start next.

    

2. Offline Update

If your Xbox fails to update its system software via the internet effectively, you can resort to this alternate method. Go through the steps below for a successful software update.

Format USB As NTFS

1. Connect a USB Drive to your laptop or PC.
2. Go to “This PC” from your Desktop.

   

3. Right-click on your USB’s Name from the left panel.
4. A Mini-Menu will appear. Pick Format.
   

   

5. Click on File System and choose NTFS. 
6. Next, go to Allocation Unit Size and select 4096 Bytes.
7. Press Start.
   

   

8. Select OK.
   

   

Install OU1 File

1. Go to https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/console/offline-system-update.
2. Open the Download The Offline System Update File (OSU1).
3. Click on OSU1 to download the file.

   

4. Once the installation is complete, Extract The ZIP File.
   

   

5. Now, open the Extracted Version Of The OSU1 File.
6. You will see a sub-file, System Update.

   

7. Copy the file and Paste it into your USB.

Update Xbox

1. Shut Down your console.
2. Simultaneously, hold the Bind+Eject buttons on the console. Do not let go of these buttons and press the Power button on the console.
3. Keep holding the former two buttons until you hear Two Beeps.
4. The Xbox Startup Troubleshooter will appear.
5. Insert the USB into the Xbox.
6. Select Offline System Update.
   

   

7. Wait for the Preparing Console screen to go away.

   

8. The Xbox 360 system software will begin Updating.
   

   

Xbox One/ Xbox Series X / Xbox Series S

The update process to these newer models is almost the same. Whether you perform an online Xbox update or through the USB Drive, I have helpful methods for both. Let’s get to them below.

1. Online Update

1. Launch the Xbox console and stay on the Home screen.
   

   

2. Press the Guide Button on your Xbox controller.
3. Select “Profile & system” > “Settings“.

   

4. Choose “System” > “Updates And Downloads“.
   

   

5. From the next screen, pick “Update Console“.
   

   

6. Choose “Start Update“.
   

   

2. Update Offline

The procedure for installing updates in newer Xbox models is the same as I showed above; let me repeat it once more:

Format USB To NTFS

1. Insert a USB into your PC.
2. Access This PC from the Desktop to view the connected USB.

   

3. Right-click on the USB Folder and select Format from the drop-down.

   

4. Set the File System to NTFS and Allocation Unit Size to 4096 Bytes.
5. Hit “Start” at the bottom panel.

   

6. Click “OK” to initiate the formatting.

   

Download OSU File

1. Head over to https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/console/offline-system-update.
2. Download the OSU1 File. Save the file to your computer. It will install as a ZIP File.
   

   

3. After extracting, open the OSU folder.

   

4. There should be a System Update file within it. Transfer it to your USB Drive.

   

Update Xbox One

1. Power Off your Xbox One.
2. Long-press the Pair+Eject buttons on the console, then press the Power Button.
3. Release the Pair and Eject buttons after you hear Two Beep sounds from the console.
4. You will see the “Offline System Update” option. Select it.

   

5. The Xbox will start preparing for the update.

   

6. Next, the Applying Update screen will appear.

   

How To Update Original Xbox One Offline?

Updating the Original Xbox One offline is slightly different from the other models. So, I recommend following these steps correctly if you own an Original Xbox One.

1. Check The OS Version

Firstly, I suggest you check the current OS Version of your System to proceed with the specific update process. The OSU files differ for some versions; hence, you must know the Xbox OS Version to download the suitable files.

1. Select “Settings” > “System” > “Console Info”.
   

   

2. Note the build under the OS Version heading.
   

   

2. Match The OS Version

You can get the OSU1, OSU2, and OSU3 update files from https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/console/offline-system-update. You must update your console once with the OSU1 File for the following OS versions.

• 6.2.11791.0 (xb_rel_1411.141114-2300) fre
• 6.2.12521.0 (xb_rel_1503.150305-1449) fre
• 6.2.12998.0 (xb_rel_1506.150601-2200) fre
• 6.2.13326.0 (xb_rel_1508.150810-2029) fre
• 6.2.13332.0 (xb_rel_1508.150903-2141) fre
• 10.0.10586.1006 (th2_xbox_rel_1510.151107-2322) fre
• 10.0.10586.1016 (th2_xbox_rel_1510.151118-2147) fre
• 10.0.10586.1024 (th2_xbox_rel_1510.151203-1909) fre
• 10.0.10586.1026 (th2_xbox_rel_1510.151217-1035) fre
• 10.0.10586.1100 (th2_xbox_rel_1602.160210-2122) fre
• 10.0.10586.1194 (th2_xbox_rel_1603.160317-1900) fre

Download the OSU3 File if your Xbox has the build 6.2.9781.0. On the other hand, you should use the OSU2 File for any other OS Version apart from the ones I have listed.

Offline Update Original Xbox One

An important point to note is that you need to perform three updates in the case of the OSU3 file. Similarly, the Xbox needs to be updated twice in the case of the OSU2 File. I advise you to use Steps 1 to Step 7 for OSU3 and Steps 4 to Step 7 for OSU2. Remember to follow the correct sequence, as I’ve mentioned below.

1. Install the OSU3 File on your computer with the steps mentioned in the sections above and copy it to your USB.
2. Connect the USB to your console and perform an Offline Update.
3. Once Update 1 is completed, delete the OSU3 from the USB
4. Install the OSU2 File on your computer and transfer it to the USB.
5. Likewise, perform Update 2 on your Xbox with this file.
6. Delete OSU2 from the USB after the second update is finished.
7. Lastly, update the Xbox using the OSU1 File using the same procedure.

When Should You Update Xbox?

It would be best to periodically look for a new Xbox system update to keep your console up-to-date with the latest changes. In addition, performing an Xbox software update on certain occasions helps fix ongoing console troubles. To make things easier, update your device when;

• Your chosen Xbox dashboard themes do not appear.
• You lose your Xbox avatars.
• The games and apps are not running correctly on the console.
• The console lags or takes too long to load games and other apps.
• You encounter errors and bugs in your System or the installed applications.
• The Xbox fails to detect the Kinect sensor even after multiple restarts.

What Are The Benefits Of Updating Your Xbox?

Updating the system software on your Xbox console brings a ton of benefits; for example, it can;

• Fix residing bugs and glitches in the System’s files to remove errors.
• Improve the performance and speed of your Xbox model.
• Enhance the overall security of your device.
• Make the console compatible with newer games and apps.
• Bring new themes, features, and display settings to the console.
• Give you access to the latest Xbox Live features and services.

Does Updating Xbox Solve Errors?

I fixed I Am Fish Not Working On Xbox and  Xbox System Error E203 by updating my Xbox, so I can guarantee that it does fix most general issues. Any issue that still occurs after your console is up-to-date is likely due to another recurring problem, such as Connectivity Issues or Hard Drive Malfunctioning, and you can search for the specific error code on this website to learn how to fix it.

If this helped, also read guides on how to fix:

• Xbox Error Code 80151012
• Xbox Error Code 0X87E00013
• Xbox Error Code 0x8027025a