How to Update an Xbox 360

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Making sure your Xbox 360 is up-to-date allows you to play the latest games, enjoy all the features, and helps keep you safe online.

This guide will walk you through making sure your console has the latest version of the system software.

2. Online Update

1. Press the Guide Button on your controller.
   

1. Select Settings at the top.
2. Select System.
   

1. Select Network Settings.
   

1. Select your network connection.
2. Select Test Xbox Live Connection.
3. If an update is available, it will be offered. Select Yes.

3. Download Update

You will need a USB storage device and your Internet-connected computer or laptop to perform the update manually.

1. Open your preferred web browser.
   

1. In the address bar at the top, type in xbox.com/system-update-usb and press enter or return.
   

1. The download will start immediately.It's usually best to save this to your Downloads folder, with the default name of SystemUpdate_#####_USB.zip, where ##### are numbers, so it's easy to find when we need it in a moment.
2. Plug your USB drive into your computer.
   

1. We need to extract this ZIP file to your USB drive.

4. OS Choice

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Windows and macOS.

Windows

Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.

macOS

Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

5. Prepare USB Update

1. Open Windows Explorer.
   

1. Select Downloads on the left. Then, select the SystemUpdate ZIP file on the right.
   

1. You'll see the $SystemUpdate folder here. Scroll the view on the left till you can see your USB drive listed.
   

1. Drag the $SystemUpdate folder into the USB drive, and let go.
   

1. The files will copy over.
   

1. When it is done copying, eject the USB device from the USB menu in your System Tray.
   

6. Manual Update

1. Plug in the USB drive to your Xbox 360.
   

1. The USB ports are under the cover indicated.
2. Press the Guide Button on your controller.
   

1. Select Settings at the top.
2. Select Turn Off.
   

1. Wait for your console to turn off, then wait 10 seconds more.
2. Push the power button on your console to turn it back on.
   

1. The Update will apply automatically during the restart.
   

7. Prepare USB Update

1. Select Finder from your Dock.
   

1. Select the Go menu, then select Downloads.
   

1. You will see your Mac has already extracted the contents of the folder for you.
   

1. Now, open a new Finder window. Select File, then select New Finder Window.
   

1. Select your USB drive on the left.
   

1. Drag the $SystemUpdate folder into the USB drive window.
   

1. The files will copy over.
   

1. Once copied, eject the USB drive by dragging the icon on your Desktop to the Trash.