The Xbox Series X has plenty of options designed to make your gaming life as easy as possible. Games with Gold offers a selection of free games every month, while Game Pass gives you access to hundreds of titles to play any time.

Microsoft has now added the ability to download games to your console before you’ve even purchased them. It’s ideal for pre-orders and adds a layer of convenience that we haven't explored in previous console generations.

This post will explain exactly how to do it.

Enable Remote Downloads on Your Xbox Series X

For this feature to work, enable remote installations on your Xbox Series X console. Here’s what to do:

  1. Press the Xbox button to open the Guide. Head to Profile and System > Settings.
  2. Go to General > Power Mode & startup.
  3. Head to Power Mode and select Instant-on.
Xbox Series X Power Settings

Selecting Instant-on means your console will start up much faster than it would in Energy-saving mode. Once you've done this, you’ll be ready to pre-download games with your phone.

Install the Xbox App

There’s no way to pre-install games with your console or through a browser, so you can use the Xbox app to do it instead.

The Xbox app has plenty of functionality to make it worth your while. It's a fantastic companion to your Series X, allowing you to see your messages, what friends have been playing, and search the store.

Any screenshots and videos you take are also automatically backed up to the Xbox app. You can easily share your captured screenshots and videos on Xbox Series X.

Once you’ve downloaded the app and logged in to your Xbox account, follow these steps to install a game:

  1. Select the Search option (the magnifying glass).
  2. Enter the name of the game you want to download.
  3. Select Games from the three options near the top.
  4. Choose your game.
  5. Press Download to Console.
  6. Choose which console to install your game on.
Watch Dogs Downloading

Once confirmed, the game should automatically download to your Xbox Series X, as long as you have the space available on your HDD.

Download: Xbox App for Android|iOS

Why Would You Download a Game Before Purchase?

Downloading a game you haven’t bought yet is perfect for disc-based pre-orders. You don’t have to spend hours waiting to download Day One patches and Series X upgrades after taking a game out of the shrink wrap. Just pop the disc in and you can play straight away.

Xbox Series X Dashboard

This doesn’t just apply to pre-orders either. If you’ve bought a game that’s already available and are just waiting for delivery, you can download it and play as soon as it arrives.

If you prefer to go down the all-digital route, you can also head into the store and purchase the game after it’s downloaded. Doing this is a great way to remind you of any titles you’re waiting for sales on.

Things to Know Before Pre-Downloading

There are a couple of things you need to know before downloading a game you haven’t purchased yet.

Xbox Series X Screen With No Purchase

First, there’s no way to play the game you’ve downloaded without purchasing. If you do attempt to play, your Xbox will present you with a pop-up that will prompt you to buy it from the Microsoft store or insert the disc.

You can also use this feature to download the games you’ve already bought, along with any Game Pass titles, directly to your console.

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with the choice available, it might be worth checking out the best games available on Game Pass to help you decide where to start.

Related: The Best Games Available on Xbox Game Pass

Enabling Instant-on through your console’s power mode options means your Xbox Series X doesn’t completely switch off when you’re done playing; it just goes into standby. This also uses more electricity than the energy-saving mode, so it may have an impact on your energy costs.

You’re Ready to Download Games You Haven’t Purchased Yet

Microsoft’s Xbox Series X has been built from the ground up to be open and easy to use for everyone. The Xbox App helps with this in many ways, from replying to messages to simply checking what your friends are playing.

The ability to download games from your phone means you can spend less time waiting around for patches and more time having fun with your purchases.