Xbox System Error E203 [SOLVED]

You just updated your Xbox device with the latest software updates and are eager to take on the new experience. However, as soon as you try to launch the system, trouble arises on the screen, saying, Xbox System Error E203. It can happen to anybody and fret not; because we will discuss all the possible fixes to get your Xbox free of this error.

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Key Takeaways

• The Xbox error E203 is specified as a failed system update. An unexpected hindrance during the installation of new software can cause this error.
• You can fix the error by updating your Xbox One offline, restarting the console, performing a factory reset, and more.
• Xbox allows you to restore the console to its default factory settings without losing your games and apps.

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What Is Xbox System Error E203?

The error E203 or E203 0000080F 80073CF6 happens when there is a problem during the update, and the software does not install completely. There may be glitches during the software update, leading to the system malfunction.

However, you can efficiently resolve the issue with the solutions discussed in the next section. Before moving on, we want you to read our guides on error CE-10002-3 and CE-10005-6 if you are an avid PlayStation user.

How To Fix Xbox System Error E203?

Our team personally tried all these methods to fix error E203 on Xbox consoles. The error went away with one fix or the other from the ones mentioned below.

Check Xbox Server Status

Xbox users may encounter errors when the Xbox servers are down due to glitches or maintenance. In that case, there is no solution but to wait for the servers to go back live. Hence, you can use these steps to get an update on the current server status.

1. Search “Xbox Server Status” on your browser.
2. Click on the first link (Xbox Status).

   

3. Use the “Status Keys” to assess the situation for different Xbox services.

Restart Your Xbox Console

Restarting the console can fix the issue quickly. You can always restart the Xbox One to resolve various Xbox error codes, such as 0X87DD000F, 0X87E105DC, 0X89231906, and more.

Via Console

1. Hold the “Xbox” button on the console.
2. Navigate to “System.”
3. Select “Settings.”
4. Choose “Restart Console” and hit the “Restart” option.

Via Controller

1. Press the “Xbox” button on your controller.

   

2. From the “Homescreen,” go to “Settings.”
   

   

3. From the side menu, go to “Power.”

   

4. Click on “Power Mode and Startup” from the “Settings” page.

   

5. Select “Restart Now” to initiate the process.

Perform An Offline Xbox One Update

It is one of the solutions you can try to solve the issue. Use a USB containing offline system update files for your Xbox model. We used a 5GB empty USB flash drive formatted as NTFS for this solution. Therefore, you should also have at least 4GB of free storage on your USB to finish the offline update.

In addition, you would need to connect this USB to a PC or a laptop. So keep one at hand when you want to update your Xbox One offline. Use the steps below to get the process right.

Format the USB to NTFS

1. Insert the empty USB drive into one of the USB slots on your PC/laptop.

   

2. Click on “This PC” from the “Desktop” screen.

   

3. Once your USB appears in the right column, right-click on it.
4. Choose “Format” from the drop-down menu.

   

5. Pick “NTFS” from the “File System” box.
6. Keep “Allocation Unit Size” to “4096 bytes.”
7. Hit “Start.”

   

8. Press “OK.”
9. Wait for the formatting to complete.

Installing OU1 file

1. Go to the support Xbox page by searching “Offline Update Xbox” on your browser.

   

2. Scroll down to view the “Download the Offline System Update File  (OSU1)” section.
3. Select it to open the steps.

   

4. Click on the hyperlinked “OSU1” in the second step of this section.
5. Install the “Offline System Update File (OSU1)” on your PC.
6. Once the download is finished, save it to your computer.
7. Now, extract the ZIP file. Right-click on the file and choose “Extract All.”
8. It will open a dialog box. Press “Browse” to save the file in your desired folder.

   

9. After extracting, open and copy the “System Update” file.
10. Paste it into your USB flash drive and disconnect the USB.

Offline Update Xbox

1. Next, turn off the Xbox console.
2. Long-press the “Bind+Eject’ buttons together on the console. (The “Bind” button is on the left side of the original Xbox One console and beneath the “Power” button for Xbox One S.)
3. Simultaneously, press the “Power” button on your console.

   

4. Let go of the buttons on the second “Beep” sound.
5. It will open the “Xbox Startup Troubleshooter” screen.
6. Connect the USB drive to the Xbox console.
7. Choose the “Offline System Update” option by pressing the “A” button on the controller.

   

8. Wait for the process to finish.
9. Your Xbox will restart after the update. Check if the error is gone.

Reset Xbox To Factory Settings

Resetting the Xbox console to its factory settings can help resolve this problem. However, Xbox allows you to keep your games and data intact even after the reset; thus, you will not lose your important files. On the other hand, we recommend you keep a backup just in case something goes wrong.

Here’s how you can perform a factory reset.

1. Turn off your Xbox console.
2. Unplug the device from the power socket.
3. Wait for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Plug the console back.
5. Hold the “Bind + Eject” buttons on your console together. (The “Bind” button is on the left side for the original Xbox One console. For Xbox One S, it is below the “Power” button.)
6. Hit the “Xbox” button on the console.
7. Let go of the buttons once you hear two “Beep” sounds.

   

8. You will see the “Xbox Startup Troubleshoot” screen.
9. Click “Reset this Xbox.”

   

10. Choose “Keep Games and Apps.”
11. The reset process will now begin. Your Xbox will restart once the resetting is finished.

Contact Xbox Support

Contacting Xbox support is another option that can help you send away the error. If you have tried various fixes but the error E203 persists, you can get in touch with the technical team. Tell them about your problems with the console and what you have tried to resolve the error.

The team will check your account details and guide you on what to do next. Besides, you can contact them via chat, phone call, or talk to a virtual agent. Follow the steps below.

1. Search “Xbox Support” on your browser.
2. Click on “Contact Us” in the sub-links of the first search result.

   

3. Hit “Contact Us” or “Ask a Question,” depending on who you want to connect with.
4. Explain the error and get solutions.

How Long Does It Take To Perform An Offline Update On Xbox?

The offline update can take up to 20 to 30 minutes. It also depends on your internet speed and how long it takes for the OSU1 file to download completely on your computer. If the internet is slow, then it may take longer. Therefore, you should keep aside almost an hour to finish the process from scratch.

Final Words

It is a wrap on our guide to the Xbox system error E203. We have discussed step-by-step processes for each fix so that you can resolve the trouble and get back to uninterrupted gaming.