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How to Factory Reset Your Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S Using a USB Drive

If you’re planning to sell your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, or if you’re experiencing technical issues, a factory reset might be the solution. This process will erase all data, including your accounts, saved games, settings, and home Xbox associations. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Xbox One console

by Louis-Philippe Poitras on Unsplash

What You’ll Need

  • A USB flash drive with a minimum 4 GB of space formatted as NTFS
  • A PC with Internet access
  • Your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S console

Step 1: Download the Xbox System Update

  1. On your PC, go to the Xbox System Update page.
  2. Click on the link to download the Offline System Update file (OSU1).
  3. Save the .zip file to your PC.

Step 2: Prepare Your USB Drive

  1. Plug your USB flash drive into a USB port on your PC.
  2. Format the USB drive as NTFS.
  3. Extract the contents of the .zip file to the root directory of your flash drive.

Step 3: Install the Update

  1. Unplug the network cable if you’re using a wired network connection.
  2. Power off your console, and then unplug the power cord to ensure that the console is completely powered off.
  3. Wait 10 seconds.
  4. Plug the power cord back in.
  5. Plug the flash drive into a USB port on your Xbox console.
  6. Press and hold the BIND button and the EJECT button, and then press the Xbox button.
  7. Continue holding the BIND and EJECT buttons for 10-15 seconds.
  8. Listen for two “power-up” tones a couple of seconds apart. If you’re using an Xbox Series X/S, which doesn’t have an EJECT button, use the PAIR button instead
  9. Release the BIND and EJECT buttons after the second power-up tone.
  10. The console should power up and take you directly to the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter.

Step 4: Reset Your Console

  1. In the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter, use the D-pad and ‘A’ button on your controller to select “Reset this Xbox”.
  2. When prompted, select “Remove everything”.
  3. The console will then go through the factory reset process and restart.

Remember, a factory reset will erase all accounts, saved games, settings, and home Xbox associations. Make sure to back up anything you want to save before you begin.

I hope this guide helps! If you have any questions or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to ask.

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