How to get a new Xbox 360 update

The easiest way to update your console software is to connect to Xbox LIVE. To update your console by using Xbox LIVE, all you need is an Internet connection.

Connect your Xbox 360 console to the Internet. To learn how, please see Wireless connection or Wired connection.

1. Press the Guide button on your controller, go to Settings, and then select System Settings.
2. Select Network Settings.
3. Select Wired Network or the name of your wireless network, if you are prompted to do so.
4. Select Test Xbox LIVE Connection.

5. Select Yes if you are prompted to update the console software.

If you receive a connection error, try using the Xbox LIVE Connect Solution.

Console update did not install successfully?

If you haven't connected to Xbox LIVE in a while, your console software might need updating. If a game disc includes a newer version of the console software than you currently have, the game disc will prompt you to install the update when you start the game.

Note If you choose to not update your console software, you will be prompted to update the next time you start the game. Some Kinect games require a console software update to work properly.

If you cannot connect your Xbox 360 console to the Internet, you can copy the console update from your computer to a USB flash drive and then install it on the console.

Note The USB flash drive must use the FAT32 file system.

1. Plug your USB flash drive into a USB port on your computer.
2. Download the update file.
3. Click Save to save the console update .zip file on your computer.
4. Unzip the file. If you are using Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, double-click the .zip file to unzip it.
5. Copy the contents of the .zip file to the root directory of your flash drive.
6. Unplug the USB flash drive from your computer.
7. Plug the flash drive into a USB port on your Xbox 360 console.
8. Restart the console.
9. When the console restarts, the installation program starts automatically. Select Yes when you are prompted to update the new console software.

You can update your Xbox 360 console software by downloading the update to your computer from Xbox.com, burning the update to a CD or DVD, and then installing the update on your console. Here's how:

1. On your computer, download the update file.
2. Click Save to save the console update .zip file on your computer.
3. Unzip the file. If you are using Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, double-click the .zip file to unzip it.
• If you are using Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, double-click the .zip file to unzip it.
• If you are using an earlier version of Windows, you need to use a special software program to unzip the file (for example, WinZip).
4. Insert a blank, writeable CD or DVD into your computer.
5. Copy the contents of the .zip file to the root directory on your CD or DVD, and choose to write (burn) the files to the disc.
6. Once the files have been burned to disc, remove that disc from your computer and insert it into the disc drive on your Xbox 360 console.
7. Restart the console.
8. When the console restarts, the installation program starts automatically. Select Yes when you are prompted to update the new console software.

What does the update cost?
Nothing. It's free.

How can I tell if my console software is up to date?
If your console is connected to Xbox LIVE, you have the latest console software. When you connect to Xbox LIVE, you are automatically prompted to update your software if an update is available.

Do I have to install the update?
No. However, if you want to play or communicate on Xbox LIVE, you must have the latest console software. New games might also require the update before you play them.

Kinect games might not play properly if your console software is not up to date.

Can I go back to the old software version if I change my mind?
No. Once your console is updated, it will stay updated.

I can’t connect to Xbox LIVE? What should I do?
If you can’t connect to Xbox LIVE, try using the Xbox LIVE Connect Solution.