How To Reset Xbox? [360, One & Series X]

Resetting an Xbox can be the last troubleshooting method for fixing errors and other technical troubles within your system. The ways to reset Xbox are similar across different models, such as using the “Reset” option in the “System Settings.”

Key Takeaways

• Resetting an Xbox will restore the system to its factory default state, erasing all the user data on the hard drive.
• You can reset your Xbox via the “System Settings” in the “Console Info” menu.
• The benefits of resetting Xbox include better system performance, increased free storage, and fixing Xbox errors. 

Are Resetting And Restarting Different?

Resetting the Xbox means wiping out all the data on its hard disk, including saved game data, photos, personal files, and more. The system will go back to the factory settings, and you will lose the installed apps and games.

Also Read: How To Connect Matricom Controller To PC?

Meanwhile, restarting your Xbox is a simple troubleshooting step which means turning off the console and then turning it back on again after a few minutes. It does not delete any data on your Xbox nor affect the installed games.

How To Reset Xbox?

Resetting an Xbox may take a few hours, and you must not turn off your system till the process is finished, as it may result in the console’s malfunction. Moreover, create a backup of essential files and data to an external storage device or the cloud storage of your Xbox Live profile. 

Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is the oldest Xbox model, so the resetting menu differs entirely from the newer models. You need to format the hard drive for a factory reset to be successful. On the other hand, read this guide to learn how to check PS4 controller’s battery on your PC.

1. Come to the “Dashboard” screen.
2. Scroll to the “System Settings” tile and select it.

   

3. Choose the first option, “Console Settings.”

   

4. Head to “System Info.”
5. Note the serial number displayed on your screen because you will need it in the later steps.

   

6. Pick “Memory.”
7. Go to the “Hard Drive.”

   

8. Select “Format.”

   

9. Choose “Yes” from the dialog box.

   

10. Enter the serial number you previously noted in Step 5. Hit “Done” once entered.

    

11. Hit “Start,” and the formatting should begin.

Xbox One

Xbox One’s reset option is located in the “Console Info” section, which can be accessed on the “Settings” page. Before proceeding, learn how to use two controllers on a PC for multiplayer gaming.

1. Press your controller’s “Xbox” button to come to the “Dashboard.”
2. Go to “Settings.”

   

3. Select “Console Info” in the “System” tab on the left panel.

   

4. Pick “Reset Console.”

   

5. You can either choose to keep your games or wipe out everything. We recommend selecting “Reset And Remove Everything” if you are selling your console or facing hardcore errors.

   

6. The process will start once you make your pick.

Xbox Series X And Xbox Series S

Like Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S can be factory reset from the “System Settings.” You can pick a complete reset or keep your games and data intact. Also, check out our fixes when the PS5 controller is not working on PC.

1. Head to the “Settings” menu from the “Dashboard” screen.

   

2. Highlight “System” on the left bar and choose “Console Info” on the right.

   

3. Proceed with “Reset Console.”

   

4. Again, you can completely erase the hard disk or keep your apps and games. We prefer going with “Reset And Remove Everything.”

   

When Should You Reset Your Xbox?

Many situations may demand you to reset your console. Starting with the prominent one, when you are selling or giving away your device and want to ensure the new user cannot access your profiles and data.

Apart from this, you should consider resetting to factory default when faced with persistent system or in-game errors that do not go away despite several fixes. Furthermore, console glitches, screen freezes, and abrupt crashes call for a hard reset.

In addition, reset the Xbox when there is low disk space, hindering the installation of new games and apps. Buffering and slow performance may also require you to go through with the reset.

Also Read: How to Build a Gaming PC In 2023: The Definitive Guide

What Are The Advantages Of Resetting Your Xbox?

You will notice numerous benefits after resetting your console to the default configurations. Listing the prominent ones, the process;

• Resolves ongoing errors, glitches, and other technical issues.
• Clears the storage of unused data to increase available space.
• Boosts the console’s speed and performance.
• Deletes corrupt data and missing files containing bugs or glitches.
• Starts the operating system afresh with default settings.

Final Words

These are all the methods we have on how to reset Xbox, be it any model. We recommended that you only resort to this process as a last option since it completely wipes out all the data on the hard disk with no chance of recovery.