How to Download and Install a Game on the Xbox 360

Last Updated: May 14, 2024

The Xbox 360 provides access to a stunning array of downloadable content to enrich and expand your gaming and entertainment experience. Thousands of full games and game demos are available through the Xbox Live dashboard.

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If your Xbox does not automatically sign into Xbox Live, you can use our game controller arrow buttons to arrow over to the center block. Pressing A selects that box and will sign you into Xbox Live.

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Then arrow to the right until "Games" is highlighted. Arrow down twice to highlight "Games Marketplace" and press A . This will open the Games Marketplace and the main dashboard for accessing game content on Xbox Live.
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You can arrow through the different categories until you find a game or demo you want to download.
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By navigating back and forth through the alphabet and selecting letters (with A ), you can search for the game you're looking for. Each letter will further narrow down your search.
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This will open the download screen. Arrow to "Confirm Download" and select with A .
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Xbox will alert you when it's finished.
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Return to the Xbox 360 home screen (either by pressing the center Xbox "Guide" button and selecting Xbox Home or by pressing B repeatedly). Arrow back to the Games menu and select "My Games" - your new game will be waiting for you in that menu!

Community Q&A

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Question

I can't find Xbox marketplace on my 360. What can I do?

Community Answer

Make sure you are connected to the internet, and logged into a Microsoft account on your Xbox. Then, simply go to the games tab on your Xbox dashboard, and select browse games.

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Tips

If your download does not complete, turn off your Xbox and reboot your Internet connection and try again.

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You will need to make sure you have enough storage space on your hard drive for the new download. From the Xbox 360 Home screen you can navigate to "settings" > "system" > "storage" to review your available storage.

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You will need enough Microsoft Points for any downloads that aren't free. Your download screen will give you an option to "Add Points" and if you've saved a credit card to your Xbox Live account it can charge it automatically. Otherwise sign in to the Xbox Live website using your Xbox Live account information and follow their instructions.

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