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

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Downloading the bytes and bits of an entire game over the internet takes a lot longer than downloading a wikiHow article. [1] 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."
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    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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    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]
    • The following steps detail how to enable low-power mode if you think it is turned off.
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    " You can do this from any screen.
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    From here you can change your power settings.
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    You can find it in the "Startup and Shutdown" section of settings. Now your downloads will be enabled.
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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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    • 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.
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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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 21
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 11
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-us/help/games-apps/troubleshooting/troubleshoot-slow-game-or-app-downloads-on-xbox-one
      2. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/power/learn-about-power-modes
      3. ↑ https://nerdburglars.net/hardwareguides/how-to-download-games-while-the-xbox-one-is-turned-off/
      4. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-us/help/xbox-360/games/troubleshooting/update-games
      5. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/settings-updates/whats-new-xbox-one-system-updates

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to download games in the background while your Xbox One is off, start by going to the home screen and clicking the Menu button on your controller. In the Settings menu, find the section called "Power & Startup" and select "Instant-On Power Mode." This will keep your Xbox One on standby so it can finish any downloads while it's turned off. Alternatively, if you have an Xbox 360, make sure it finishes any downloads that have already started, then hit the center X button to go to "Settings." From here, select "Console Settings" under "Systems Settings." Scroll until you reach the "Startup and Shutdown" section, and make sure that "Background Downloads" are enabled. For more advice, like how to download games in the background while your Xbox is off, keep reading!

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