How to Get Download Games in the Background (While Xbox Is Off)

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Last Updated: November 21, 2023 Fact Checked

Downloading the bytes and bits of an entire game over the internet takes a lot longer than downloading a wikiHow article.^{[1]
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Research source} Naturally, your Xbox needs some time to get the game, but this could slow your connection during a crucial moment in Call of Duty. To avoid this issue, you can learn to set your Xbox to download games after you turn it off.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Xbox One

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This is the main menu for the Xbox, and what you see when it first powers on. To get there, hit the center X button on your controller and select "Go Home."
It is the small center-right button.

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Click on "Settings" → "Power and Startup." This is where you can set the Xbox to use stand-by mode when you turn it off. It will automatically search for and finish downloads and updates.^{[2]
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This will keep the Xbox One on standby so it will finish your downloads when the Xbox is off.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Xbox 360

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1
Finish any downloads that you've already started before shutdown with "Low-Power" mode. The 360 can only finish downloads you start when the system is on. It is automatically enabled, so if you start a download then shut off the Xbox, the game will download later.^{[4]
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- The following steps detail how to enable low-power mode if you think it is turned off.
" You can do this from any screen.
From here you can change your power settings.
You can find it in the "Startup and Shutdown" section of settings. Now your downloads will be enabled.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Xbox

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Do this by selecting "Home" from the upper right corner.^{[5]
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This will show you the options for when you turn off your Xbox and allow you to enable downloads.
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Turn off your Xbox when you're done playing.
- The Xbox will not fully shut off and the power button will flash.
- The game will download at a 1/4 of the speed as when the Xbox is on.

Community Q&A

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Question

How much time is needed to download a 42.85 GB game at 10 Mbps speed?

Community Answer

The time needed in this situation would be around 4-5 hours, depending on the strength of your WiFi connection.

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Question

Is the download free or does it cost money?

Community Answer

Some games cost money, others are free. There is no charge from Xbox itself just for downloading.

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Question

How do I know when the download is complete?

Community Answer

You just have to keep checking it. If you have a good internet connection it shouldn't take longer than a couple of hours. If you keep it turned off it will download faster.

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