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Whether you’re troubleshooting a stubborn issue, preparing your console for resale, or simply want a clean slate, performing a factory reset on your Xbox can make a significant difference.
Resetting your Xbox restores the console to its default state, erasing all personal data, settings, and installed games.
This process helps resolve system errors, sluggish performance, and persistent bugs that simple restarts cannot fix.
Xbox lagging frequently? A common problem that millions of gamers face. Console gaming’s popularity has earned Xbox a massive player base. With the increasing player base, the troubles have also increased. Frequent issues, such as Xbox lagging, freezing in the middle of a game, or acting strangely after a system update, have surfaced in the last few months.
Don’t panic if you have been facing a similar thing. Sometimes, your console just needs a cleanup to perform like it did before. Therefore, a factory reset is all that is required. A factory reset can resolve numerous stubborn issues in minutes, including glitches, corrupted data, and more.
Whether you own an Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S, resetting the console is simpler than you think. This article provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to reset your console safely.
There are multiple reasons behind trying to reset the Xbox. Here are the most prominent ways to reset your Microsoft gaming console:
Performance Issues: Performance issues, such as console freezing, lagging, or crashing, are the most common reasons for a reset. Resetting the console clears corrupted files and restores stability.
Before Selling or Gifting: If you are planning to buy a new console and want to give your old Xbox to someone, reset the device. Resetting will remove all the personal accounts, payment details, and other stored data.
Software Errors or Update Problems: Updates can’t solve all the system errors. Some errors persist even after that. Therefore, a reset will fix these issues.
Customization Reset: If you’ve modified your console settings and want to start over, a factory reset offers a clean start.
Before starting the reset process, there are certain things to keep in mind:
Backup games, primarily offline titles.
Ensure your account is synced with Xbox Live or your Microsoft account.
Decide which game and app you want to keep.
Also Read: Why GTA 6 Will Have Limited Support of Xbox Game Pass & PS Plus
If you are ready to reset your Xbox, below are the steps you should follow:
Turn on your Xbox and sign in to your account.
Select Settings
Press Profile & System
Click on Settings,
Select System
Then find Console Info from there.
Once there, choose Reset Console to begin the process. Now, you will have options to keep your files and games. If you go for this, only the OS will reset. However, if you choose to reset and remove everything, it will delete all games, apps, and accounts. This will make your console return to its original state.
The resetting process takes some time. Once you confirm the choice, wait for a short time, depending on the amount of data stored on it.
After the process completes, follow the on-screen setup to reconnect to Wi-Fi, sign in to your account, and adjust preferences.
Also Read: Xbox Handheld Compatibility Explained: What it Means for Gamers
It’s essential to ensure your Xbox is functioning correctly. As long as you back up all your saved data, resetting your console won’t delete any important information. Your saved games, files, and other essential data will be safely restored after the factory reset is complete. Most importantly, Microsoft often mentions it as the most effective fix for persistent issues.
In scenarios like selling your console, always choose Reset and Remove Everything. It will wipe out everything that is saved, including personal accounts and transaction histories. For general solutions, opt for the 'Keep My Games & Apps' option to save hours of reinstallation time while resolving system bugs.
Will resetting my Xbox delete my saved games?
Ans: No, nothing happens to the saved files. If you choose to back up and reset, the game will automatically restore after sign-in. Nothing will be lost.
How long does a factory reset take?
Ans: It doesn't take much time. Once the process starts, it typically takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the amount of data you have saved on your console.
Can I reset my Xbox without a controller?
Ans: Absolutely. You can use the USB reset method mentioned previously or attach a wired keyboard to use with any setup screens.
Will resetting fix startup or freezing issues?
Ans: That's the basic purpose of a factory reset. A factory reset will remove corrupt data or improperly configured data that is causing instability in the system.
What happens after the reset?
Ans: You will need to go through the setup process again. Connect to WiFi, sign into your Microsoft account, and restore any saved games or data.
