Xbox update brings faster downloads while playing games on Series X|S

Microsoft has made some “network optimizations” with the latest Xbox Insider update that will make it faster to download games and updates in the background while you’re playing.

On Xbox consoles, there is a handy feature that allows you to download and install games in the background while playing another title for uninterrupted gaming. While this is certainly nice to have, the process is much slower when compared to downloading a title or an update when a game isn’t running. Thankfully, it appears Microsoft is making improvements in that area.

In the latest Xbox Insider update for those in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring, Microsoft says it has “made additional network optimizations to improve content downloads while games are running” on Xbox Series X|S consoles. After installing the update, download speeds should be a bit faster. Twitter user Idle Sloth says he’s tested the update and seen some improvements:

While this update is only currently available for Alpha Skip-Ahead Insiders, it shouldn’t take long for it to filter into other Insider rings and out to the public. A previous Insider update saw the return of a helpful quality-of-life feature for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.