Can I leave my Xbox Series S on overnight to download games? Absolutely!
As a passionate gamer myself, I know the pain of starting a large game download only to have it barely move before I go bed.
The good news is you can safely keep your Xbox Series S in rest mode overnight to continue game and update downloads – allowing you to wake up to fully installed games ready to play!
In this guide, we‘ll cover the benefits, how to enable it, speed optimizations, saftey analysis, and tips to improve your overnight gaming downloads. Time for some insights from the frontlines!
Why Are Overnight Downloads Useful?
With the launch of the Xbox Series S/X consoles and cross-generational titles, we‘ve seen game install sizes balloon:
- Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War: 136-250GB
- NBA 2K21: 121GB
- Gears Tactics: 70GB
Downloading these monster games can take 5+ hours on average broadband connections.
By leveraging overnight off-peak hours you can wake up to fully installed games and avoid the gameplay delays.
In addition, Microsoft pushes frequent game updates averaging 2-5GB. Rather than manually starting each, overnight completion is seamless.
Step-by-Step: How to Enable Rest Mode Downloads
Enabling your Xbox Series S to continue game downloads after "turning off" only takes a couple quick settings changes:
- On your Xbox dashboard go to Settings > General > Power Mode & Startup
- Under Power mode select Instant-on
- For Startup select Resume games & apps
That‘s it! Now when you hit the power button to turn off your console, it will enter a low-power rest mode that continues downloads.
Note: If you run into any issues with downloads not continuing, double check these settings or try restarting your console.
Optimizing Your Network For Faster Download Speeds
Gamers crave velocity – not just in fancy console marketing names, but actual download speeds!
Here are some ways to juice up your home network when grabbing games overnight:
| Connection Type | Average Download Speed |
|---|---|
| Wifi 5GHz | 100 Mbps |
| Wifi 2.4GHz | 75 Mbps |
| Ethernet | 700 Mbps |
As you can see, wired ethernet connections can provide up to 7X faster throughput compared to typical wifi.
If running cables isn‘t practical, try the following wifi tips:
- Position your console closer to wireless router
- Upgrade router to latest standards (wifi 6)
- Limit devices on network like streaming boxes
Every bit helps when you‘ve got 70GB downloading!
Is Rest Mode Safe For My Xbox Series S?
The idea of leaving any expensive gadget running overnight can naturally feel concerning.
Luckily, Microsoft has designed the Xbox Series S/X consoles to safely operate in low-power rest modes for extended durations:
- CPU/GPU fully suspended
- Special venting allows airflow
- Power draw reduced to 20 watts
After analyzing the engineering, overnight rest mode presents low risk of overheating as long as your console has proper airflow clearance.
Maxing Out the 512GB SSD Storage
One downside of the discless Xbox Series S is the smaller 512GB SSD. Thankfully this still provides ample storage for most gamers libraries:
| Game Size | Games Supported |
|---|---|
| 100GB | 5 |
| 70GB | 7 |
| 50GB | 10 |
| 20GB | 25 |
The initial setup can require some management when installing large collections or seasonal hits like Call of Duty. This makes overnight installs even more valuable to maximize your playtime!
Velocity Architecture – Optimized for Faster Downloads!
Beyond the expanded capacity, Microsoft‘s new Xbox Velocity Architecture provides some exciting improvements specifically around game downloads:
- 40% faster initial game installs
- Streaming direct from SSD during play
This means even mammoth game files that dominate your local storage will be ready to play faster than ever thanks to technology breakthroughs like the custom NVMe drive.
Schedule Downloads For When You Sleep!
If your internet connection bogs down during peak evening Netflix hours, try scheduling game downloads to start in the wee midnight hours while you slumber.
All major games platforms like Steam, Battle.net and EA Desktop support setting specific install times. Just ensure your Xbox in configured to Rest Mode as outlined above.
Then let the gaming gods carry downloads swiftly through the night! No more family bandwidth fights.
As we‘ve covered, keeping your Xbox Series S in rest mode overnight allows safe, uninterrupted game and update downloads so your precious gaming hours aren‘t wasted.
Key takeaways:
- Enable Instant-On in Power Mode settings
- Wired connections provide up to 7x faster downloads
- Special venting prevents overheating risks
- Schedule overnight hours for fastest internet speeds
Now get out there and game on! No more waiting around for massive installs before playing. We‘ve got battles to get back to!
What tips do you have for faster game downloads? Share your secrets in the comments!
