This new feature will download game updates on Xbox before they are live

If you are an avid Xbox user or simply a gamer, there are times when you are about to play a game, but it starts installing updates instead. It’s frustrating, right? That’s why the revolutionary Xbox’s Update Pre-Download feature is getting all the attention!

Introduced in the Xbox Update Preview via update 2406.240509-2000 to insiders, the feature, when enabled, will pre-install game updates for supported titles before they are available for manual installation.

The update’s release notes describe the new feature as,

Games that enable support for update pre-download will allow updates to be downloaded days before they are scheduled to release, so you can jump in and start playing right when the update goes live!

The feature is especially helpful to users on a slow Internet connection or when a big update is released. So, from now on, an update screen can’t stop you from playing your favourite titles!

Xbox has confirmed that the first game to support the Update Pre-Download feature is Sea of Thieves. To discover more, go to My games & apps > Manage > Updates right away.

Remember, the feature is still in the preview testing mode. Based on the initial feedback, Xbox may make some modifications before releasing it in the stable builds.

While the developers haven’t shared a timeline, based on our assessment, it could take a few months for the Update Pre-Download feature to be available on your console.

Given the wide application and usability of the feature, we hope similar changes will soon be implemented across consoles and gaming platforms, including PlayStation, Nintendo, and Steam.

Since we are on the subject, do not forget to discover our top tips to boost the download speed in the Xbox app.

Have you tried the Xbox’s Update Pre-Download feature? If so, share your experience with our readers in the comments section.