How to Factory Reset an Xbox 360

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Factory Resetting an Xbox 360

Factory resetting your Xbox 360 can help resolve software issues, remove personal data before selling or giving away the console, or simply give it a fresh start. The process is straightforward but requires a few steps to ensure everything is properly reset. Follow this guide to factory reset your Xbox 360 safely.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Back Up Your Data:
    • Before resetting, ensure you back up any important data, such as game saves, to a USB drive or Xbox cloud storage.
  2. Access System Settings:
    • On the Xbox 360 dashboard, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ and select ‘Console Settings.’
  3. Go to ‘System Info’:
    • Select ‘System Info’ to display the console's information and status.
  4. Reset the Console:
    • Enter the following button combination on your controller: LT, RT, X, Y, LB, RB, and then select ‘Yes’ when prompted to reset to factory defaults.
  5. Wait for the Reset Process to Complete:
    • The console will restart, and the factory reset process will begin. Wait until the process is complete and the console restarts again.
  6. Reconfigure Your Xbox 360:
    • Once reset, you will need to go through the initial setup process again, including setting up your network and signing in to your Xbox Live account.
By following these steps, you can perform a factory reset on your Xbox 360, clearing all data and returning it to its original state. Make sure to back up any important data beforehand, as the reset process will erase everything on the console.

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1. Introduction

If your Xbox 360 gaming console is not working as intended and you've exhausted all other possible repair steps or you want to give it to someone else, you can reset it to factory defaults. This guide will help you with that process.

Xbox 360 console.
Factory resetting your Xbox 360 can help resolve software issues, remove personal data before selling or giving away the console, or simply give it a fresh start.

2. Factory Reset

This will remove any and all data and settings from your console, and you will need to re-setup the device, as if you first purchased it.

Format Hard Drive

This clears the data, and makes sure the hard drive in your Xbox 360 is in good health.

The format can take a very long time, depending on the size and speed of your drive, as well as the type of format you choose.

  1. From the Xbox dashboard screen, choose Settings > System.
Xbox 360 Settings menu, highlighting the System icon.
  1. Choose Storage.
Xbox 360 System Settings menu highlighting the storage option.
  1. Highlight your Hard Drive or Memory Unit, then choose Device Options by pushing Y on your controller.
Xbox 360 Storage Devices screen, displaying the available storage mediums on your Xbox.
  1. Choose Format.
Xbox 360 Device Options menu, highlighting the Format option.
  1. You will receive a warning, reminding you that this erases all data on your device. Choose Yes.
Xbox 360 Format Device warning prompt, highlighting the yes option.
  1. Your Xbox 360 will reboot and format the hard drive.