To set your Xbox to download while off, you must switch its power mode from the default "Shutdown (energy saving)" to "Instant-On" (also called "Sleep" mode). This keeps the console in a low-power standby state so it can finish downloading games and updates in the background, making them ready to play immediately when you turn it on, including titles you download free games to Xbox 360. Once you enable this, you can also queue up download full games on Xbox 360 from the web store and they will install automatically.
Why set your Xbox to download while off
The main benefit is convenience: instead of waiting for large game updates or new downloads to finish when you want to play, the console handles them overnight or while you're away. With the correct settings, your Xbox will automatically grab updates and queue up new purchases, so your gaming time is spent playing, not watching progress bars.
Step 1: Switch to the instant-on (sleep) power mode
This is the essential setting that keeps your console in a standby state capable of background downloads.
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the Guide.
- Navigate to "Profile & system" and select "Settings".
- From the Settings menu, select "General" and then "Power options".
- Under "Power mode," select "Instant-On" (or "Sleep").
Once selected, your Xbox will not fully shut down when you turn it off. Instead, it enters a low-power mode that maintains network connectivity and allows downloads to continue.
Step 2: Enable automatic updates for games and the system
These settings ensure downloads happen automatically without you needing to manually check for updates.
- Go to Settings > System > Updates.
- Ensure "Keep my console up to date" is checked. This allows automatic system updates.
- Ensure "Keep my games & apps up to date" is checked. This allows automatic game and application updates.
With both options enabled, your console will regularly check for updates and download them in the background, even while in standby.
Step 3: Adjust settings for external storage and remote downloads
If you use an external hard drive or want to start downloads from your phone, you need two additional settings.
External storage
- Go to Settings > General > Power options > Customize power options.
- Ensure the checkbox "When Xbox is off, turn off storage" is unchecked.
If this box remains checked, your console will cut power to external drives when it enters standby, preventing downloads from completing to that drive.
Remote downloads from the Xbox app
- Go to Settings > Devices & connections > Remote features.
- Ensure "Enable remote features" is checked.
With remote features enabled, you can use the Xbox mobile app to initiate downloads while you're away. If you find that your remote downloads fail, the most common cause is that Instant-On mode or remote features are not enabled. If you see a remote download stuck on queued status, first verify the console is in Instant-On mode and connected to the internet. Should the download to console button be missing in the Xbox app, confirm that your console is set as your home Xbox and that remote features are active on the console itself.
Troubleshooting downloads that won't start while your Xbox is off
If downloads are not starting in standby, check these common issues in order.
- Verify the power mode: Confirm the console is set to "Instant-On" and not "Shutdown (energy saving)". The energy-saving mode fully powers off the system and prevents all background downloads.
- Check your internet connection: An active internet connection is required for the Xbox to download content while in Instant-On mode. Test your connection in Settings > General > Network settings.
- Understand the power trade-off: Instant-On mode consumes approximately 10-15 watts of power while "off" (around 13W for Series X), compared to Shutdown (energy saving) mode which uses about 0.5 watts. If you are trying to make games download faster on an Xbox Series S, using Instant-On mode ensures downloads continue overnight rather than only when the console is fully powered on.
If downloads still won't start, perform a full power cycle: turn off the console, unplug the power cord for a few minutes, plug it back in, and restart. This resets the network adapter and power management systems without losing your settings.
For the wider topic, see remote download Xbox games.
