The Xbox is a very complete console, with very complete software too. In the settings hide many features to go further.
The Xbox is a fantastic console with great software. And it has even greater potential. Xbox indeed has many hidden features and settings that are not enabled by default. Just dive into the settings to significantly improve the experience.
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Reduce energy consumption
The Xbox has a great power saving mode that isn’t necessarily enabled by default. To activate it, turn on the console and press the Xbox button on the controller, then open Profile & System. Then, in Settings, go to the General > Power Options section. Select Power off (power saving) and go to the two Power off after options to change the amount of time of inactivity before a complete shutdown.
Turning the console off completely will save you a lot of power, but it will take longer to wake up and won’t update itself when you’re not using it.
Fix Notifications
Your Xbox loves notifications, and that can be a problem. Notifications can prevent you from accessing a game element or appear when you shouldn’t. Personalize it. To do this, go to Xbox Settings > Preferences > Notifications. Correct the positioning of alerts by going to Default position of notifications. The lower right corner is usually the least obtrusive.
Return to the previous page and go to Xbox Notifications. Disable anything you don’t need. This page also allows you to completely disable notifications, which is perfect if you are not playing online.
Enable Best Accessibility Settings
Xbox has a whole bunch of hidden features in the accessibility page. You can try Night Mode to reduce your eye strain, remap controller buttons, and turn off controller vibration, among other things.
Optimize screen resolution
You should make sure your Xbox gets the most out of your TV. In Xbox Settings > General > TV & Display Options, take the time to go through all the settings. The Video Modes options allow for example to act on the refresh rate and other aspects, while the Calibrate the TV option allows you to be sure that the Xbox is able to display the colors correctly.
Download essential apps
Most users enjoy their Xbox as a gaming console, but it’s also a great device for streaming. However, you have to download apps to take full advantage of it. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple Music, Spotify, all are available on the Microsoft Store. Just like “Audio CD Player” and “Blu-Ray Player”, to enjoy your collection as it should.
Check HDMI-CEC options
HDMI-CEC is a convenient feature that reduces the number of remote controls. Configured correctly, it turns the TV on or off when you turn the console on or off.
To set it up, go to Xbox Settings > General > TV & Display Options > Device Control. Enable HDMI-CEC and the options you want. The most useful are “The console turns on other devices”, “The console turns off other devices” and “Change the TV input with the controller”. The latter is useful if you have several devices connected to your TV. Pressing the Xbox button on the controller will immediately switch the TV to Xbox.
Show reminders to take a break
It’s easy to dive into a video game and forget about everything else. You can use the dedicated feature to have your Xbox remind you to take a break. Go to Xbox Settings > Preferences > Break Reminder.
