What does downloading a game on xbox do

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Xbox has a new feature that allows you to download and install any game, even if you don't own it.

For example if you have ordered a version of the game you will be able to preload the game before your arrives. Meaning you can play the game the moment you insert the.

Here's proof that I didn't preorder Valhalla, but I can install it through the new Xbox preload functionality. For now, you need Xbox beta Android app to initiate the download.

Now I can either purchase a version or the digital one. Either way, the game will be ready. The quality-of-life implications here should be obvious: Every game on the Xbox One and, one assumes, the next console series must be installed to the hard drive, in full, whether the player has its disc or not.

For disc buyers, this means you can play your new game as soon as you pop the disc in -- rather than waiting hours for it to download, install and patch. It's happened to all of us: A shiny new game comes out. You're excited to play it. You finish work, go on out into the world and buy yourself a copy. You insert it into your Xbox One -- but by the time you've finished downloading, installing and patching, you're ready to go to sleep.

A new feature on Microsoft's Xbox operating system circumvents this problem. Microsoft will soon let you download and install games before you buy them. At least, that's a feature found in the new Xbox app for Android, which is currently in beta.

An iOS app is on the way too. The feature, which was discovered by users on the Reset Era forum , lets you download a game to your console without you actually having to buy the game. Check in the Microsoft Store. Skip back over to the Microsoft Store. Add-ons and downloadable game content. For game add-ons and other DLC, the first place to check is in your library. Select the game in the upper-right corner of the screen, and then choose Manage installation on [drive name].

This displays a list of items, including the base game and any available add-ons or game features. Select the checkbox for each item that you want to install or uncheck to uninstall , and then select Save changes. Some add-ons are accessed in the game rather than installed separately. Some add-ons are found only while playing the game itself.

This can be true for items such as V-Bucks or clothing. In Sea of Thieves, for example, you must start a quest, board your ship, and either visit the in-game store or open inventory chests. Accessing add-ons might require you to progress to a certain point in a game. For example, Destiny 2: Forsaken uses game levels to gate the use of certain expansion packs. In Forza Horizon 3, you must drive to a specific location to start using the Hot Wheels expansion pack.

Troubleshooting add-ons. Not seeing your add-on in the Manage game and add-ons item list?