Microsoft Tests Xbox Shutdown Change That Could Cut Console Power Use by Up to 20 Times

Microsoft is testing a new Xbox power change that automatically moves consoles from Sleep mode to the more efficient Shutdown mode, promising power savings of up to 20 times without affecting gameplay, performance, or overnight updates. The feature is rolling out first to select Xbox Insiders before a wider release.

The update applies to Xbox One and Xbox Series X and S consoles. Microsoft says the change is designed to reduce energy use while still allowing consoles to receive system, game, and app updates overnight. The main tradeoff is startup time, which could take up to 45 seconds when the console turns back on.

This is not a brand new power option. Microsoft introduced the more energy efficient Shutdown setting in 2023, but this new Insider update changes how consoles behave when they are currently set to Sleep mode. Instead of staying in the higher power state, supported consoles will shift to Shutdown automatically.

Xbox consoles are getting a smarter default power behavior

The biggest part of the update is simple. Microsoft wants more consoles to use the lower power Shutdown mode without forcing players to give up key background features.

Sleep mode has traditionally been useful because it lets consoles wake faster and keep background tasks running. However, it also uses more power. Shutdown mode is more efficient, but it has a longer startup time. Microsoft is now trying to make Shutdown the better default for most players by keeping updates working in the background.

Players who do not want the change can still adjust the power option from console settings. That gives Microsoft a way to push energy savings while leaving control in the hands of players who prefer faster wake times.

The update also adds mutual friends and easier wishlisting

The power change is only one part of the latest Xbox Insider release. Microsoft is also testing a mutual friends feature that appears when viewing another player’s profile. If privacy settings allow it, players can see shared connections, which may help them understand how they know someone.

This works for existing friends and people outside your friends list. It is a small social feature, but it could make Xbox profiles more useful, especially for players who join large multiplayer groups or communities.

Microsoft is also improving wishlisting. When players open the store page for an unreleased game, they will be able to add it to their wishlist directly from the game card. That should make it easier to track upcoming titles without digging through extra menus.

Xbox Home and Games & Apps are getting more personalization options

The update also includes new interface customization options. Microsoft is testing a poster style layout for the Home and Games & Apps sections, giving players a more visual library experience.

The company is also separating personalization settings for Home and My Games & Apps into different sections. That should make customization easier to understand. New shortcuts are being added across menus too, so players can jump directly into personalization options.

This continues Microsoft’s recent work on Xbox UI customization. The company has been testing more console personalization features across the Insider program, including Home screen changes, pins, and visual tweaks.

Microsoft is using Insider builds to refine the Xbox experience

This update shows Microsoft focusing on smaller quality of life changes rather than one major feature. Power efficiency, profile discovery, store wishlisting, and UI customization are all practical improvements that can make the console feel cleaner and easier to manage.

The power saving change is the most important because it affects every console owner who uses Sleep mode. If Microsoft can reduce standby power use without breaking updates or background downloads, the change could have a meaningful impact across millions of consoles.

The longer startup time may bother some players, especially those used to instant resume behavior. But for many households, a 45 second startup delay may be a reasonable tradeoff for lower power use.

The update is available now to select Xbox Insiders. Microsoft usually expands these features gradually before releasing them to all Xbox owners, so the broader rollout may take time.

For now, Xbox Insiders are getting an early look at a console update that makes the system more efficient, more personal, and easier to navigate. The Shutdown change is the headline feature, but the mutual friends, wishlisting, and UI tweaks all point to Microsoft continuing to polish the Xbox dashboard experience.