One of the neat things Microsoft has rolled out for Xbox is the Xbox Insiders Program, which lets console owners test features before they’re released to the public.
The latest feature being tested is one we’re sure will be appreciated by Xbox gamers, as it’ll make downloading games much faster.
Microsoft has detailed the change in the Xbox Insiders Program, and we should see it released as a new system update soon-ish.
Faster Xbox Download Speeds for Games Will Be Rolled Out to Everyone Soon
In the Xbox Update Preview release notes for July 22, 2026 with OS Version “XB_FLT_2608GE26100.9405.260719-2200,” Microsoft noted the following change regarding Installation: “Users will experience a new feature to optimize game install and update speeds by introducing a smart download client. Shortly after your game download begins, the client will check which content servers are available for the install or update. It will then test the connection speed to each server pool and select the fastest available connection for that install. The speed test will rerun periodically during the install or update to ensure that the client continues using the fastest available connection.”
Speaking of Installation, it’s also mentioned as a fix that the “issue where some updates for games/apps would not complete installation” is fixed with this update as well.
Even with this neat new feature, there’s more Microsoft is cooking up for Xbox. The Xbox Update Preview notes for July 24 also mention experience changes for games and apps.
Microsoft noted: “Users should now see badges for games to indicate if the title is grantedgame and add-ons,” as part of the new Xbox system update
Chances are, both features will be part of the same firmware update rollout, though there’s no date for that just yet, and given these features are being tested now, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be part of the next firmware update, though it’s highly likely they will be.
Outside of faster download speeds for games, Microsoft is also looking to introduce disc-to-digital game conversion soon, and this is a bigger thing that we want to see happen as soon as possible.
When it comes to software, the higher-ups at Xbox have said not to expect single-player games to always be console-exclusive, as this is something “not carved in stone.”
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Alex Co
Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.
