What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Yes. An Xbox One can download a queued game or update while it appears to be off, provided the console remains plugged in, connected to the internet, and set to a power mode that allows background activity. The right setting depends on your console’s software: older guidance uses Instant-on, while newer Xbox One software can also download overnight in Shutdown (energy saving).
How to download a game while your Xbox One is off
- On the console, open Profile & system > Settings > General > Power options. On older software, the menu may instead be called Settings > Power & startup.
- Choose a power mode that supports background activity. If your console offers Instant-on, select it for the legacy connected-standby behavior. On newer software, Shutdown (energy saving) also supports overnight downloads.
- For Instant-on automatic updates, enable Keep my console up to date. Microsoft’s Xbox Support guidance says automatic updates while the console is off require Instant-on and this setting: Get Xbox One system updates.
- Queue the game or update, then turn off the console using the controller or console interface. Leave it plugged in and online while the download runs.
If the download does not continue, check the download queue, internet connection, available storage, and selected power mode. Background downloading depends on those conditions; it is not guaranteed to complete in every configuration.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Xbox One Console 500GB - Matte Black (Renewed) | $170.03 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Microsoft Xbox One (Renewed) | $172.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Microsoft Xbox One Special Edition inMatte Blackin 500GB (video game)(Renewed) | $161.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Xbox One 500GB Console (Renewed) | $151.91 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Xbox Series S | Digital Gaming Console | 512GB SSD | $498.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Which power mode should you use?
| Mode | Off-state downloads | Trade-off or context |
|---|---|---|
| Instant-on (older label) | Supports connected-standby behavior and automatic updates when the relevant update settings are enabled, according to Xbox Support. | Older Xbox One instructions use this label. Microsoft renamed the newer mode Sleep. |
| Sleep | Microsoft describes remote play and mobile game installs as available during configured active hours, rather than establishing that the console is fully shut down: Xbox April Update. | Boots quickly and supports features such as Remote Play during active hours. |
| Shutdown (energy saving) | Microsoft said Xbox One consoles in this mode can receive system, game, or app downloads overnight: Microsoft News Center, January 13, 2023. | Boots more slowly than Sleep. Availability depends on the console software and the mode shown in Power options. |
Microsoft renamed Standby to Sleep and Energy saver to Shutdown (energy saving) in October 2022. The current path is Profile & system > Settings > General > Power options; older Xbox One menus may retain earlier labels. See Xbox Wire’s power-mode naming update.
Queued installs are different from automatic updates
A game you have already queued is not the same as an automatic update for a game or app that is not currently in the queue. Microsoft’s older Xbox One material discusses remote purchases and downloads when automatic updates are enabled and the console uses Instant-on: Hundreds of New Features Delivered in Xbox One’s First Year. Treat remote purchasing as a related feature, not a guarantee that every new purchase will install immediately in every power configuration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BEST VALUE IN GAMING — Experience next-gen speed and performance in the smallest XBOX ever. The XBOX Series S delivers powerful all-digital gameplay in a sleek, compact design.
- UP TO 120 FPS GAMEPLAY — Enjoy smooth, responsive gaming with frame rates up to 120 FPS, powered by XBOX Velocity Architecture, a custom NVMe SSD, and DirectX Raytracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 512GB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 512GB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF DIGITAL GAMES — Play thousands of digital games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX with backward compatibility. Many titles are enhanced for better visuals and performance. Smart Delivery ensures you always get the best version for your console.
Rank #4
- Note: Kinect sensor sold seperately.Check the CD format and file type Supported formats include: CD-DA CD-ROM CD-ROM XA CD-R, CD-RW CD-Extra.
- Supported file types include: WMA MP3 JPEG
- This item includes the Xbox One console, 1 wireless controller, HDMI cable, and power supply . For more troubleshooting steps please check the manufacturer's webiste
- Play games like Titanfall and Halo on a network powered by over 300,000 servers for maximum performance.
- Troubleshooting Steps: If the Xbox does not play the game or It turns on but screen goes black : Please power cycle the unit by unplugging it from the wall, waiting 10 seconds and plugging it back in and power on the device.
Rank #3
- Color: Matte Black
- Storage: 500GB
- Model: XBox One Special Edition
- 90 day warranty
Rank #2
- Xbox One, 500GB HDD, 8GB RAM, HDMI, Blu-ray, Wireless Controller, Chat Headset
#1 Best Overall
- Experience the next generation in entertainment with the Microsoft Xbox One games console
- Powerful hardware provides stunning, true-to-life graphics
- Play with millions of other gamers across the web with Xbox Live
- Jump seamlessly between your favourite game, TV show or movie
- Includes a Wireless Controller
What to check if a download pauses
- Queue: Confirm that the game or update is still listed and has not been paused or canceled.
- Connection: Make sure the console remains connected to the internet.
- Storage: Check that enough space is available for the installation. An external USB drive is an optional way to add storage on Xbox One, not a requirement for background downloads; Xbox Wire lists external storage among the console’s features: Xbox One first-year feature list.
- Power mode: Verify that the selected mode supports the background activity you want, and use the label shown in your console’s settings.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

