When Xbox Is Off Turn Off Storage (Explained Here)

Microsoft has swept the gaming industry with its series of Xbox gaming consoles. As if that’s not enough, they have continued to provide incredible features, from live games to using your phone as a controller and many more.

Another amazing feature of the Xbox is its ability to download updates when the console is off. Yes, you heard me right. Have you heard of ‘when Xbox is Off, turn off storage?’ If not, don’t worry; you’ve come to the right place. This feature is handy for users who don’t mind getting every update released.

Here, we give you more insight into what “when Xbox is OFF, turn off storage” means, followed by essential information and explanation that we think might make your Xbox gaming experience more enjoyable. Stay with us.

Key Notes:

• When Xbox is off, turn off storage is a feature that blocks your Xbox from automatically downloading and updating its software, games, and applications.
• If you turn off your Xbox completely, it will not install updates. This feature works when your console is on standby mode and connected to the internet.
• Turning off Xbox storage is ideal for users who have limited internet connection.
• The Xbox console automatically downloads updates in the background by default. To stop this, you need to enable the when Xbox is off, turn off storage.

When Xbox is OFF, Turn off Storage – What is it?

While when Xbox is off, turn off storage might sound confusing; if you’re a long-time Xbox user, you probably understand it. It often appears on the initial startup screen; or it can be found in the system settings of your console.

The when Xbox is Off turn off storage feature refers to an optional setting that prevents your console from automatically downloading and storing updates and apps when it is off. This feature is usually disabled by default; therefore, leave the checkbox unticked if you plan to download updates when your console is off.

What Does Turning Off Xbox Storage Do?

If you’ve had your Xbox for quite some time, you may have noticed that your downloads run in the background. This superb feature lets you enjoy your games while keeping your System updated. Some users do not find this interesting, so they opt to turn off Xbox storage.

Turning off Xbox storage blocks automatic downloads and updates when the console is switched off. As the name suggests, your Xbox storage will be turned off, preventing the Xbox from downloading anything. You might be wondering, how does Xbox Series X install while off? Your Xbox system can access internal storage when the console is on standby mode, making it possible to download and install updates or games.

Why Should You Turn Off Xbox Storage?

To prevent unsupervised downloads.

Having downloads/updates running without your knowledge can be disadvantageous sometimes. Some updates may not be necessary or may change your game settings. With unsupervised downloads, your System may download pointless updates that could corrupt your game files or damage your console.

To prevent data loss or corruption.

Console manufacturers have frequently advised gamers against shutting down their consoles when updating. Not following this advice could result in loss of data or corrupt files. This also applies to when your console runs downloads when off. If there’s a power failure, you may lose all your data.

Although there are different testimonies concerning this feature, keep in mind that it has been carefully tested by Microsoft and proven secure. Disabling this feature has plenty of benefits, such as:

• Faster downloads – You get faster downloads when your Xbox is not in use as opposed to when you are actively playing games. It’s more likely for your console to slow down internet speeds when gaming while downloading or updating.

• Convenience of use – Some games have large files and can take too long to download, thus, causing a lot of inconveniences. However, when you have a prior game download or update, you go straight into the game the next time you turn on your console—no need to waste time waiting for downloads to complete.

• Reduced gaming downtime – Since the game has already been downloaded or updated, your game performance will not be affected due to an active download. You’ll have a seamless gaming experience, unlike when you’re playing and downloading simultaneously.

How To Enable Turn Off Storage Option When Xbox Is Off?

By default, Microsoft has designed Xbox consoles to automatically download and update its software version, games, and other apps even when the console is turned off. Some users find this feature time-saving, especially when downloading large game files, while others find it unnecessary. Luckily, you can enable or disable depending on your preference.

If you find it annoying or unnecessary for your Xbox to automatically download and update games and applications, follow these simple steps to enable the when Xbox is off, turn off storage:

• Step 1: Turn on your Xbox.
• Step 2: Press the [Xbox] button to open the setup menu.
• Step 3: Navigate to [Settings] using the arrow keys or analog button.
• Step 4: Press [X] to select.
• Step 5: Go to the [System] option. Select the [Power and Startup] option.
• Step 6: Find the checkbox labeled [When Xbox is off, Turn off Storage] and use the [X] button to tick this option.
• Step 7: Press [OK] and go back. Enabling this feature will work instantly.

It’s important to note that this feature only appears when you select the ‘Instant ON’ power option from the Startup Menu. So, when Xbox is off, turn off storage not working even after checking the select box; you should check your Xbox power settings.

When Xbox is Off, Turn Off Storage: How to Cancel This Feature

At this point, you must have seen the importance of this feature as it lets you download and update your games and apps with so much ease. Here is how to cancel when Xbox is off, turn off storage:

• Step 1: Turn on your Xbox.
• Step 2: Press the [Xbox] button to open the setup menu.
• Step 3: Navigate to [Settings] using the arrow keys or analog button.
• Step 4: Press [X] to select.
• Step 5: Go to the [System] option. Select the [Power and Startup] option.
• Step 6: Find the checkbox labeled [When Xbox is off, Turn off Storage] and use the [X] button to untick this option.
• Step 7: Press [OK] and go back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave Xbox One on all night?

Yes. While you can leave your Xbox one console on all night, you risk damaging it. When your console runs, over time, it produces heat; when switched off, it cools down. So, leaving it on all night after a day of play leaves no chance but overheating, which is not good for internal components.

Can You Turn The Xbox Off When It’s Updating?

1. Never turn off your Xbox console when it’s updating. Why? It may end up bricking permanently. Bricking means it displays a black screen of death; it becomes inaccessible. It would be best to leave it on until the update process is complete.

Does the Xbox One have sleep mode?

The answer is YES! The Xbox Series X instant ON and Standby mode on Xbox one is the sleep mode equivalent. They literally perform the same function. Standby mode makes your console go to sleep mode when you turn it off using the controller or press the power button. At this state, your console boots instantly and also downloads and updates games and apps.

Which Xbox mode is better?

Generally, Xbox has two modes; standby and energy saver modes. The standby mode is better and ideal for running things in the background without necessarily powering it on fully. Furthermore, it is essential to boot your console almost instantly. Standby mode gives you greater control over the startup process of your console and what it can do when not in use.

Can I clear the persistent storage of my Xbox?

Yes. Here is how to clear the persistent storage on an Xbox console.

• Step 1: Press the [Xbox] button to open the setup menu.
• Step 2: Navigate to [Settings], then select [System].
• Step 3: Go to [Storage].
• Step 4: Select [Manage Storage] and choose your storage media.
• Step 5: Select [Clear Persistent Storage].
• Step 6: Confirm your selection and exit the settings window.

Conclusion

There you have it, ‘when Xbox is off, turn off storage’ is an excellent feature for users who want to prevent automatic downloads. By enabling this feature, you prevent your System from adding unnecessary files to your storage. Also, it is suitable for those who have a metered internet connection.

On the other hand, if you want faster downloads and convenience from your console, you should consider disabling it or leaving it on default settings. Let us know in the comment section which option works well for you and why you chose it. Happy gaming!