One of the most annoying Xbox Series X problems has now been solved

No more waiting around

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A new Xbox Series X update is on the way that addresses one of the console’s most annoying problems: games not launching properly when they require an update.

Xbox Alpha and Alpha Skip Ahead Insiders will now be prompted immediately when anXbox Series Xgame needs an update, which means you shouldn’t encounter the all-too-common issue that rudely boots you back to the dashboard, or have to launch a game multiple times before the update prompt appears.

That’s a huge improvement over the current situation as it can take up to 15 seconds for the Xbox to show a user that an update is ready and needs to install. The problem, it seems, was that the notification wouldn’t show up until the console had determined the size of the update, hence the delay. Now, though, users will be notified that a game needs an update right away, and the file size will follow along shortly.

Xbox Alpha and Alpha Skip Ahead Insiders, remember when this would take fifteen seconds of head scratching while you wonder why the game closed on launch? Not anymore. You should now get a “needs an update” dialog immediately with a size calculation filled in a few seconds later. pic.twitter.com/EaLccfFf5dMay 3, 2022

This isn’t the firstXbox Series X update that improves the way the console handles game updates. The console now scans your game library quicker for updates when in ‘My Games & Apps’, meaning titles should appear sooner.

Want the latest Xbox updates right now?

Want the latest Xbox updates right now?

If you’re interested in becoming anXbox Insider, it’s easy to get involved. Simply download theXbox Insider Hub app, which is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Better still, you don’t need to opt-in for each preview going, you can choose which ones you’re interested in.

Some previews aren’t available to all Insiders, either, as there are five “rings” by which Insiders are classified: Alpha Skip-Ahead, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omega. You’ll also likely encounter bugs and issues as part of being an Insider, as you’re testing beta features, after all. You can find out more on theofficial FAQ.

One of the best things about modern-day consoles and gaming hardware, in general, is that manufacturers continue to improve a product after launch via system updates. ThePS5 has recently received VRR supportandNintendo Switch got an update that fans have waited five years to see.

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The Xbox Series X|S have both continued to receive notable improvements, too, such as support forDolby Vision gamingandpleasing audio upgrades.

Adam was formerly TRG’s Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.

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