How to Fix Update Issues on a Xbox 360

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Keeping your Xbox 360 up-to-date is important, it allows you to play your games and keep your console safe when online. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting problems you may have with updates.

2. Verify Server Status

1. On your computer, smartphone, or tablet, visit https://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-live-status.
   

1. Under Services, make sure Xbox Live Core Services and Purchase and Content Usage show as Normal.
   

1. If you are having problem with a particular game or app, look under the Games and Apps section of the page, to be sure those parts of Xbox Live are not having problems.
   

3. Check Account Standing

1. On your computer, smartphone, or tablet, visit https://enforcement.xbox.com/Enforcement/ShowEnforcements.
2. Sign in with the same username (usually your e-mail address) and password you used on your Xbox.
   

1. Make sure no warnings or other messages appear.
   

4. Restart

Reboot with the controller

1. Press the Xbox Guide button on your controller.
   

1. Select Settings > Turn Off.
   

1. Select Yes to confirm.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Push the Power Button on the front of your console to turn it back on.

If this doesn't work, then continue with the next method.

Reboot with the console

1. Push and hold the Power Button on the front of your console for about 10 seconds.
   

1. The console will turn off.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Push the Power Button on the front of your console to turn it back on.

If this doesn't work, then continue with the next method.

System forced hard boot

1. Push the Eject button next to the drive tray, and wait for the tray to open fully.
   

1. Remove any discs from the Xbox.
2. Leave the drive tray open.
3. With the drive tray still open, unplug the power cable from the wall.
4. Gently, push the drive tray half-way back in.
5. Wait 30 seconds.
6. Plug the power cable back in.
7. Push the Power Button on the front of your console to turn it back on.

5. Test internet connection

1. Go to Settings and select System.
   

1. Select Network Settings.
   

1. Select your network from the list, it has a check mark in the corner.
   

1. Select Test Xbox LIVE Connection.
   

By testing your Xbox Live connection, your Xbox will automatically check for any system updates. If prompted, choose Yes to perform the update.

6. Check Free Space

1. Go to Settings and select System.
   

1. Select Storage.
   

1. This will show you what storage is currently available.
   

7. Clear System Cache

1. From the Xbox dashboard screen, choose Settings > System.
   

1. Choose Storage.
   

1. Highlight your Hard Drive or Memory Unit, then choose Device Options by pushing Y on your controller.
   

1. Select Clear System Cache.
   

1. Select Yes to perform maintenance.

8. Hard Drive Check

Some Xbox 360 consoles do not have a hard drive installed.

To check your Xbox for an installed hard drive:

1. From the Xbox dashboard screen, select Settings > System.
   

1. Select Storage.
   

1. Look for an item called "Hard Drive".
   

9. Re-seat Hard Drive

This step involves opening up parts of your Xbox 360. While safe, it is understandable if you are not comfortable with this. If you are not comfortable with opening up your console, you can safely skip this step.

There are 2 main versions of the Xbox 360; the original white version, and the newer black versions. Make sure you follow the instructions below for the version of the console you have.

Original Xbox 360 (white)

1. Make sure your console is turned off.
2. Push the release button at front of the 'hump' at the top of your console.
   

1. Lift from the front, then pull up.
2. Line the back of the drive up with the back of the drive bay.
   

1. Push down the front end of the hard drive till it clicks into place.
   

Xbox 360 S or E Models

1. Make sure your console is turned off.
2. Lay your console flat horizontally.
3. Slide the release on the hard drive door toward the front of the console, then pull forward.
   

1. Pull the tab to unseat the hard drive.
   

1. Push the drive back in.
2. Close the hard drive door.

10. Test internet connection

1. Go to Settings and select System.
   

1. Select Network Settings.
   

1. Select your network from the list, it has a check mark in the corner.
   

1. Select Test Xbox LIVE Connection.
   

By testing your Xbox Live connection, your Xbox will automatically check for any system updates. If prompted, choose Yes to perform the update.

11. USB Drive Availability Check

The next step requires that you use a computer to prepare a USB drive to download the update manually to apply it to your Xbox 360.

12. USB Update

1. On your computer, visit http://www.xbox.com/system-update-usb.
   

1. Save the file to your computer.
   

1. Open the file.
   

1. Copy the $SystemUpdate folder to your USB drive.
   

1. Safely eject the USB drive from your computer.
2. Turn off your Xbox 360 console.
3. Plug the USB drive into one of the USB ports on the front or back of your Xbox 360.
4. Turn on your Xbox 360 console.
5. The update will start automatically.

13. What's next?

14. Delete App

To uninstall apps or games:

1. Open the Settings menu then select System.
   

1. Open Storage.
   

1. Select the hard drive that the app or game is installed on.
   

1. Select Games and Apps.
   

1. Scroll up and down to choose. Select the app or game that you wish to remove.
2. App data or game files will be shown. Scroll down until you see the item that has an "Installed Xbox 360 App/Game" description.
   
3. Press A to open the operational commands, select Delete, then confirm.
   

1. The App or Game is now deleted.

15. Connect Your Xbox 360 to Your Home Network

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

16. What's next?

17. Try Again Later When Xbox Services Are Online

Try again later when the services are back up.