The Xbox Series S is the latest console offering from Microsoft, providing next-generation performance in a compact, affordable package. One of the most convenient features of modern consoles like the Xbox Series S is the ability to download games, apps, and updates even when the console is powered off or in sleep mode. This allows users to avoid having to wait for large downloads before playing. However, some Xbox Series S owners have reported that their consoles don’t seem to continue downloading when powered off. So what’s really going on here? Can the Xbox Series S actually download content while turned off?
Background on Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S, originally codenamed Project Lockhart, was released by Microsoft in November 2020 alongside the more powerful Xbox Series X. The Series S is designed to provide next-gen gaming performance in a smaller, cheaper package compared to past Xbox consoles.
Key specs and features of the Xbox Series S include:
- GPU with 4 TFLOPs of processing power, capable of up to 120fps gameplay.
- CPU: Custom Zen 2 CPU with 8 cores at 3.6GHz.
- Resolution Target: 1440p at 60fps, up to 120fps.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 RAM.
- Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD.
- All-digital console with no disc drive.
- Supports gaming in 1440p at 60-120 fps.
- Compatible with thousands of digital Xbox games across four generations.
- More compact form factor compared to past Xbox models.
- Retails for only $299 USD.
With its modern internal components, the Series S aims to provide faster load times, improved framerates, and support for new gaming capabilities compared to the aging Xbox One generation. The console also continues Microsoft’s push towards all-digital gaming, with no disc drive included.
Xbox Series S Downloading when Off
One of the conveniences of modern consoles is the ability to keep downloading game and app content even when the console is powered down or in sleep mode. This “offline downloading” is enabled through background processes that continue running even when the main console OS is shut down. It’s a great feature when downloading large game files, since you don’t have to wait for downloads to complete before turning off your console.
The Xbox Series S supports this offline downloading capability. When initiating a download, users have the option to “Turn Off Automatically” after starting the download process. The console will then continue downloading in the background while turned off.
However, some Xbox Series S owners have reported issues with downloads seeming to stop or pause when they turn off their console. There are a few potential reasons for this:
Temporary Network Issues
If the console loses connectivity to the internet while powered down, this can pause the download process. Any disruptions in the network connection may result in the download stopping until connectivity is restored.
Energy Saving Settings
The Xbox Series S energy saving settings have multiple options that may impact background downloads:
- If set to “Energy Saving”, the console will fully power down when off, instead of staying in a low-power mode. This will prevent any background downloads.
- The “When Xbox is off, turn off storage” option will spin down the internal SSD when powered down. Downloads require the SSD, so this will also disrupt offline downloading.
Users need to use “Instant On” energy mode and keep storage active when off to allow uninterrupted downloads in sleep mode.
Console Updates
Certain system updates or OS changes may reset the console’s ability to download content while powered off. Users may need to re-enable this in the system settings after some major console software updates.
Hard Reset or Power Outage
If the console undergoes a hard reset, gets unplugged, or experiences a power outage, this will interrupt background downloads. The download queue clears when the console fully loses power.
How to Confirm Xbox Series S Downloading When Off
To test and confirm if your Xbox Series S continues downloading games or apps when powered off, follow these steps:
- Initiate a large game or app download, at least 5GB or larger.
- After starting the download, select “Turn Off Automatically” to enable offline downloading.
- Turn off your Xbox Series S via the power options or by pressing the Xbox button on the console.
- Leave the console off for at least 30 minutes.
- Turn your Xbox Series S back on and check the download queue.
- If the download progress continued increasing significantly while you had the console off, then offline downloading is working properly.
- If the download progress barely changed, further troubleshooting is required.
Monitoring the download progress before and after powering down indicates whether the Xbox is actually continuing downloads when turned off.
Troubleshooting Xbox Series S Offline Downloading
If your downloads don’t seem to progress when the Xbox Series S is powered down, some troubleshooting steps include:
- Check your network connectivity and resolve any issues like router problems, bad cables, ISP outages, etc.
- Disable any “When Xbox is off, turn off storage” option in the power settings.
- Switch energy mode to “Instant On” instead of “Energy Saving”.
- Try moving your console closer to the wireless router if using WiFi.
- Restart your console and router and re-test the downloading.
- Check for any pending Xbox console updates and install them.
- Factory reset your Xbox Series S to clear any software issues.
Isolating any network problems is the key first troubleshooting step. If connection issues are ruled out, adjusting the console power and startup settings should enable background downloading in sleep mode. A console reset may also help clear any software bugs disrupting the feature.
How to Pause Xbox Series S Downloads When Off
While the Xbox Series S is designed to download content while turned off, you can stop this behaviour if desired. Reasons to pause downloads when off include:
- Avoid using data if on a metered internet connection
- Stop downloads from disrupting other internet usage in your home
- Prevent downloads from waking up or turning on your console accidentally
To disable offline downloading on an Xbox Series S when powered down:
- Go to Settings > General > Power mode & startup.
- Select “Energy saving” for the Power mode.
- Toggle “When Xbox is off, turn off storage” to On.
- Restart your console for changes to take effect.
With these settings applied, your Xbox will fully power down when off, stopping any game or app downloads in progress. Just be aware you’ll lose the convenience of uninterrupted downloads when using this mode.
Factoring in Xbox Game Pass
The Xbox Series S is designed as an all-digital console, with a focus on downloading games rather than using discs. A major factor is Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass subscription, which provides access to hundreds of digital games.
Key considerations around Xbox Series S downloads and Game Pass:
- Game Pass encourages users to try many different large digital games. This results in frequent large downloads.
- Having active Game Pass subs increases need for uninterrupted downloads when Xbox is off.
- Game Pass app updates will also continue downloading in background when off.
- Suspending downloads can be inconvenient for Game Pass users trying new games regularly.
Overall, Game Pass provides more incentive to enable offline downloading on the Xbox Series S. Subscribers will likely want to keep downloads active even when powering down the console, given Game Pass’s revolving library and download-focused nature.
Impact on Internet Usage
Leaving an Xbox Series S downloading games and content while powered off can use a significant amount of internet data. Some aspects to consider:
- Large game downloads of 50GB+ will continue transferring data when offline.
- Multiple queued downloads will eat into data allowance when Xbox is off.
- May contribute to internet slowdowns or buffering if downloads max out bandwidth.
- Downloads paused when Xbox is off will reduce data usage.
- Can disable downloading overnight or during certain periods to manage internet usage.
Monitoring overall internet usage is recommended when leaving an Xbox offline downloading for extended periods. Pausing downloads or configuring active hours may help reduce background data demands.
Energy Use Considerations
While offline game downloads are convenient on the Xbox Series S, this functionality does require the console to remain partially powered on when “off”. What is the actual energy use impact?
Xbox Series S Power States
The Xbox Series S energy modes include:
- On: Full power, maximum energy usage.
- Standby: Low-power connected standby, for background tasks.
- Off: Powered down, no energy use.
Offline downloads utilize the Standby state, where the console remains on at a low power level.
Estimated Energy Use
Based on the Xbox Series S processor and memory:
- Full On power draw: ~50-80 watts
- Low-power Standby: ~15-20 watts
- Off: 0 watts
If left in Standby for offline downloads, the Xbox could use 300+ watt hours per full day. This equates to around $0.10 USD in energy costs daily.
Prolonged offline downloading may add up over weeks or months. However, convenience may outweigh minor energy costs for most users.
Best Practices
To maximize the benefits of offline downloading on the Xbox Series S while minimizing drawbacks, follow these best practices:
- Enable “Instant On” and disable “When Xbox is off, turn off storage” in energy settings.
- Manage your Xbox download queue to control bandwidth usage.
- Set console to fully power down during certain periods if needed.
- Close games and apps before turning off Xbox to allow best performance.
- Connect console via ethernet if possible for fastest and most reliable downloads.
- Periodically restart console to clear any software issues impacting downloads.
- Check Xbox server status before troubleshooting console problems.
Properly configuring settings, managing downloads queues, and restarting periodically will provide the best experience with offline downloading functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about offline downloading on the Xbox Series S:
Does the Xbox Series S download games while off?
Yes, the Xbox Series S has the ability to continue downloading games, apps, and updates even when powered down in Standby mode. This works through background processes that remain active when “off”.
Why did my Xbox Series S stop downloading when I turned it off?
If an Xbox Series S stops background downloads when powered down, it’s likely due to incorrect energy mode settings, network connectivity issues, or a required console software update.
How much energy does Xbox Series S use when downloading in Standby?
The Xbox Series S likely uses around 15-20 watts on average when downloading content in low-power Standby mode, compared to 50-80W when fully On.
Should I leave Xbox Series S in Instant On mode?
The “Instant On” energy mode is recommended for uninterrupted offline game downloading. But “Energy Saving” can be used optionally to completely power down the console when off.
Can I use Xbox Series S offline downloads on mobile internet?
Yes, the Xbox Series S can continue downloads over an internet connection from a mobile hotspot or smartphone tethering. But data usage should be monitored closely in this situation.
Conclusion
The Xbox Series S provides a next-gen gaming experience in a compact and affordable package, aimed at all-digital gameplay. One of its best features is the ability to keep downloading games and updates even while powered down, through background Standby processes. While some users have reported issues with this, offline downloading can be optimized through proper console setup and troubleshooting. Factoring in elements like internet data usage, energy costs, and connectivity is also key to maximizing this convenience capability. With the right settings and environment, Xbox Series S owners can take full advantage of uninterrupted downloads and quicker access to new games.