How to Upgrade Xbox Series X/S Storage [Ultimate Guide]

Updated by

Sherly 

Written by

Linda 

Updated on April 22, 2024

When it comes to gaming, storage is crucial, and unlike PC setups, consoles come with limited storage capacity. As you continually download new games, storage space becomes a concern. Updates consume room, and the same goes for the newer generation games that provide the highest quality. Fortunately, with the Xbox Series X/S, storage can be upgraded. Microsoft has enabled users to enhance or replace the hard drives with higher-capacity ones. In this article, we will provide step-by-step guidance and expert recommendations to streamline the process.

How to Upgrade Xbox Series X/S Storage

In this section, you'll learn how to upgrade the Xbox Series X/S storage by either enhancing the Xbox Series X/S SSD or adding an Xbox Expansion Card or external storage device. Be sure to choose the appropriate storage size based on your needs.

We will present a comparison table to provide you with comprehensive information about the two upgrade methods.

Of course, I'd be more than happy to help you. Just provide me with the text you want translated.

Way 1: Upgrade the Xbox Series X/S SSD

The most cost-effective and permanent solution to expand your Xbox's storage is to replace its hard drive with a larger capacity SSD. For this, we recommend utilizing the tool Partition Master, which streamlines the cloning process with its "Disk Clone" feature.

Upgrade storage by cloning to a more advanced SSD that can accommodate every bit of data, allowing for instant booting and easy insertion into another system. When swapping out the existing storage of an Xbox console with a new one, you can clone the content and immediately resume gaming.

Before proceeding, consult the guide below to install and initialize the additional external hard drive:

?Read More: How to Install and Upgrade Xbox Hard Drive

Here's how you can clone the used storage of your Xbox to a larger device using Partition Master: 1. Download and install tools Partition Master on your computer. 2. Connect your current Xbox storage device to your PC via a USB adapter or an external dock, ensuring it's recognized by the computer. 3. Connect the new, larger storage device to your PC as well. 4. Launch Partition Master. 5. In the main interface, locate the partition representing your Xbox storage. It should be displayed under "Unallocated" or "Healthy" if it's not currently formatted. 6. Right-click on the Xbox storage partition and select "Copy." 7. In the next window, choose the larger storage device as the destination and click "Next." 8. Review the cloning settings and ensure everything is correct. If needed, adjust the partition size on the new drive to utilize the full capacity. 9. Click "Finish" and then "Apply" to initiate the cloning process. This may take some time depending on the amount of data. 10. Once the cloning is complete, safely disconnect both devices from your PC. 11. Reconnect the new, cloned storage device to your Xbox and follow your console's instructions to set it as your primary storage. Remember to backup any important data before proceeding with these steps, as errors during the process could result in data loss.

**Step 1. Select the source disk.**

• Navigate to the "Clone" tab, click on "Clone OS Disk" or "Clone Data Disk," and then press "Next" to proceed.
• Choose the source disk that you wish to copy or clone, and then select "Next."

Step 2. Select the target disk.

Select the desired HDD/SSD as your destination and click "Next" to proceed.

Check the warning message, and then click "Yes" to confirm.

Step 3. Select clone mode.

You can choose "Autofit the disk" or "Clone as the source" to customize your disk layout.

Step 4. Click "Start" to begin the cloning process.

Upon cloning, you should install the new SSD into the Xbox, download the offline update file from Microsoft onto a USB drive, and then insert it into the console to perform an offline system update. You can refer to the official guide from Xbox Support for guidance.

Noble Features:

Aside from SSD cloning, Partition Master offers features such as partitioning, formatting, and merging data on your SSD.

• It can perform SSD performance tests and optimize SSD settings for better performance.
• Check SSD for errors: detect and locate bad sectors that affect the drive's speed.
• SSD Maintenance: Partition Master provides various tools to support performance maintenance and extend the SSD's lifespan.

We highly recommend giving this tool a try.

Way 2: Use an Additional Storage Option

Another option is to increase storage capacity by using an additional storage device. There are three main devices you can use to upgrade your Xbox Series X/S storage: an Xbox Expansion Card, an External Hard Drive (SSD/HDD), and a USB Flash Drive.

Add an Xbox Expansion Card:

The Storage Expansion Card for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S is a Microsoft-authorized storage solution designed specifically for these consoles. It matches the speed of the console's internal storage, allowing you to easily transfer games to the card. The console also features a dedicated slot for the expansion card.

It's the easiest method to add storage to your Xbox. The console features a dedicated storage expansion port. Once you insert the card, it will immediately be recognized by the console. You can use a card or a compatible SSD, which should function as intended.

Add an External Hard Drive or USB

When selecting an external hard drive or USB, ensure that its read-write speed is compatible with the internal storage or at least comparable. Ideally, choose an SSD (Solid State Drive) rather than any other option.

These devices can also be included, though you'll need to format them and decide how you plan to use the console.

Step 1. Power on your console and controller.

Step 2. Connect the SSD or USB drive to one of the console's USB ports.

Step 3. An option should appear on the console asking how you want to use it—either for media or Games and apps.

Step 4. Click on the Format button to format the drive for storing games. The console will then format the drive and incorporate it into the system.

Step 5. You can also select it as the default storage location for saving games.

However, some OEMs or game developers might not permit moving games to external drives. They can only be played via the expansion card or internal storage.

Both of these methods can significantly enhance your Xbox Series X/S storage capacity, and you can share this helpful information on your social media platforms:

Why Should I Upgrade Xbox Series X/S Storage? There are several reasons to consider upgrading the storage on your Xbox Series X/S console: 1. Larger Game Sizes: Next-generation games often come with larger file sizes due to enhanced graphics and improved gameplay features, which can quickly fill up the console's built-in storage. 2. Faster Load Times: The Xbox Series X/S utilizes a custom SSD for faster game loading times. Upgrading to an official Microsoft expansion card or a compatible NVMe SSD can maintain these speeds, providing a seamless gaming experience. 3. More Game Titles: Having more storage allows you to keep a larger library of games installed, reducing the need to frequently delete and reinstall titles to free up space. 4. Backward Compatibility: With the ability to play Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games, upgrading storage ensures you have room for a diverse collection of titles from different generations. 5. Future-Proofing: As game sizes continue to grow, upgrading now will ensure you have sufficient space for upcoming releases without needing further upgrades in the near future. In summary, upgrading your Xbox Series X/S storage can significantly enhance your gaming experience by allowing for more games, faster load times, and better overall performance.

So, why should you consider upgrading your Xbox Series X/S storage? The answer is straightforward: more storage translates to more games and a smoother gaming experience.

Larger Game Installations: As video games' graphical quality and complexity grow, so does their storage requirement. Contemporary games frequently occupy tens of gigabytes, with some AAA titles surpassing 100GB. The Xbox Series X, equipped with a 1TB SSD, and the Series S, with a 512GB SSD, can only accommodate a limited number of these massive games. Enhancing your storage capacity enables you to install more games and be prepared to play at any moment.

Optimized Performance: The Xbox Series X/S consoles are engineered to leverage Microsoft's Xbox Velocity Architecture, a technology that dramatically improves game loading times, asset streaming, and game switching. However, for these benefits to be realized, games must be installed on the internal SSD or a proprietary expansion card. Utilizing a compatible storage device to expand your capacity ensures that all your games take advantage of this advanced technology.

Save Management: Upgrading your storage provides more flexibility with game save data and installations. You won't have to constantly switch games, uninstalling and reinstalling based on what you're currently playing.

Next-Gen Games: Games designed specifically for Xbox Series X/S utilize the consoles' SSD technology for enhanced performance. Playing these games on an external HDD will not provide the same level of performance.

Media Storage: If you use your Xbox Series X/S as a media center for downloading movies, music, and other media, extra storage will enable you to store more media files.

Conclusion

The Xbox Series X/S gaming consoles were launched with a significant upgrade in storage technology compared to their predecessors. These gaming systems feature custom-made PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs), marking a significant shift away from the slower hard disk drives (HDDs) found in previous gaming consoles. The Xbox Series X comes equipped with a 1TB SSD, whereas the Xbox Series S has a 512GB SSD.

Upgrading your Xbox Series X/S is less complex than it might appear. Whether you opt for additional storage or enhance your SSD, you can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Moreover, tools such as Partition Master streamline the process, making it easier and worthwhile to attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upgrading Xbox Series X/S Storage

You might still have queries about upgrading your Xbox Series X/S storage. Here are responses to some frequently asked questions:

**1. Can you upgrade the Xbox One storage?**

Yes, it is possible to upgrade in various ways. You can enhance the Xbox One storage capacity by either connecting an external hard drive or replacing the internal HDD. You can utilize the official Seagate storage device or any other option that provides faster read and write speeds. Additionally, you can regularly test the Xbox One SSD performance to ensure optimal high-speed operation.

**2. How do I add more storage to my Xbox?**

You can increase your Xbox's storage capacity by connecting a compatible external hard drive, SSD (solid-state drive), USB device, or an Xbox Expansion Card. However, to move games, it's only possible using the expansion card or the internal storage.

3. What is the best storage option for the Xbox Series S?

The ideal storage solution for the Xbox Series S is a high-speed SSD or the official Xbox Expansion Card for optimal performance. You can expand your storage capacity by up to 2 TB with an expansion card, and using an officially approved one by Microsoft guarantees the best performance. However, for less demanding storage needs, an external HDD can also be utilized.