How to install Xbox Series X games

Xbox Series X dashboard and game tiles — (Image credit: Xbox)

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Install digital Xbox Series X games
Install disc Xbox Series X games

To install Xbox Series X games, you can either download digital games from the Microsoft store console app or insert physical game discs. Both methods are very simple but with games these days generally being pretty massive, you'll likely have to wait a while for the install, and you need to ensure you've got enough storage space on your Xbox Series X. There are also some major differences between buying physical and digital games that you shold bear in mind when expanding your library, so we've laid out everything you need to know about installing games on your Xbox Series X or S.

How to install digital Xbox Series X games

Xbox Series X microsoft store app cyberpunk 2077 page with "install you own this" button highlighted — (Image credit: Xbox)

It couldn't be easier to install Xbox games from the Microsoft store app on your Xbox Series X or S, though you must be connected to the internet for this method to work. Here's what you do:

First, navigate to the store from the Xbox Series X dashboard and search for the game you want to buy, install, and play.
Purchase the game and that's it. Once you've paid for a game, it should automatically start installing (if not, check the store page again and you should be able to begin the install from there), and you can check the download progress under the My Games and Apps menu - if you're using Xbox Series X Sleep mode you should also be able to turn your console off and continue the download.
Once the game has become 'ready to play' or has fully downloaded and installed, you can start playing.

If you're trying to download and install something that you already own, you could do that from the Microsoft Store app, but it's easier to navigate to My Games and Apps (either from the dashboard or the Guide), scroll down to the 'Full Library' option and from there you'll be able to see all the games you own – which can be organized by genre, number of players, and console types, if you hit the filter button in the top right – as well as all of the games you have redeemed via Games with Gold, and those available through Xbox Game Pass.

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From there, the process is the same. Click the game tile and proceed to press A on the 'Install All' option to download and install the entire game. If you're looking to save space on that SSD, you can also manage the install by clicking the menu button on your controller (that's button with three horizontal lines) while looking at the game you want to install, and then selecting the 'Manage game and add-ons' option – some games will let you segment the game file to just download campaign, multiplayer, and manage DLC and any pre-order bonuses.

Of course, there is one more option for returning Xbox players with an external storage drive to hand, and you'll want to direct your attention to our how to transfer games to Xbox Series X external transfer page for more guidance on that one.

Regardless of how you install your games, many newer titles should work with Xbox Quick Resume, letting you pick up exactly where you left off between gaming sessions.

How to install physical disc Xbox Series X games

Xbox Series X UI — (Image credit: Future)

By now, you probably know which discs work in an Xbox Series X so you're wondering how to install Xbox Series X disc games to the console:

Pop the game disc into the console.
The install will start automatically and it'll be added to the queue in My Games and Apps.

Easy! If the console requires additional space, it will flag that the internal SSD is full, and if the game requires an update, you'll have the option of installing that automatically as well. While you can install disc games without connecting your Xbox Series X to the internet, you will need to get it online to download updates and patches for any games that have them, even if they're on a disc. Do note that while the game installs to your console's storage, you will still need the disc in your console to play too - learn how to eject an Xbox Series X disc here!

Importantly, this method is only available on Xbox Series X consoles with a disc drive - the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X Digital Edition do not have disc drives!