Xbox system software#Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S software

Across all four generations of the Xbox platform, the user interface of the system software has been called the Xbox Dashboard. While its appearance and detailed functions have varied between console generations, the Dashboard has provided the user the means to start a game from the optical media loaded into the console or off the console's storage, launch audio and video players to play optical media discs, or start special applications for the Xbox such as streaming media services from third parties. The Dashboard also provides a menu of settings and configuration pages for the console that the user can adjust.

The Dashboard has supported integration with the Xbox Live service since November 2002. Xbox Live provides online functionality to the Xbox, including a friends list, game achievement tracking, matchmaking support for online games, in-game communications, and a digital game storefront. While some portions of the Xbox Live service are free, a subscription-tier Xbox Live Gold is generally required to play most multiplayer games on the console.

Starting with the Xbox 360 and continuing through its current consoles, Microsoft has offered a means for users to opt into a beta test version of the console's system software. When first launched for the Xbox 360 in September 2010, this was called the Xbox Live Preview Program, and initially required an invitation from Microsoft after applying for the program.{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/sign-up-now-for-the-new-xbox-live-preview-program-5645109 | title = Sign Up Now For The New Xbox Live Preview Program | first = Mike | last = Fahey | date = September 22, 2020 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | work = Kotaku }} On the release of the Xbox One in 2014, the program was renamed to Xbox Preview Program, and Microsoft made this program open to all rather than restricting through invitation.{{cite news|last1=Dent|first1=Steve|title=Microsoft gives the Xbox 360 its own preview program|url=https://www.engadget.com/2015-03-03-xbox-360-preview-program.html|access-date=13 April 2020|agency=AOL Inc.|publisher=Engadget|date=March 3, 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Hryb|first1=Larry|title=Xbox 360 Preview Program|url=https://majornelson.com/2015/03/02/xbox-360-preview-program/|access-date=31 March 2016|agency=Major Nelson blog/news|publisher=Major Nelson Via Microsoft Corporation|date=March 2, 2015}} Later in November 2016 rebranded to the Xbox Insider Program, corresponding to the similar Windows Insider program for those testing its computer operating system. With the Xbox Insider Program, testing not only included updates to the system software but upcoming game and application patches from both first and third-parties.{{cite magazine | url = https://www.wired.co.uk/article/xbox-insider-preview-program-how-to-join | title = Microsoft opens Xbox Preview Program to everyone. Here's how to become a tester | first= Matt | last = Kamen | date = November 8, 2016 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | magazine = Wired UK }}

Each iteration of the Xbox software has brought some form of backward compatibility to the newer console. On the Xbox 360, selected original Xbox games could be played through emulation after downloading an emulation profile to local storage.{{cite web|url=https://www.lifewire.com/play-xbox-games-on-xbox-360-3563179|title=Xbox 360 Backward Compatibility|author=Eric Qualls|work=Lifewire }} The Xbox One was not initially shipped with backward compatibility support, but was later added by January 2015 by another emulator to support selected Xbox 360 games, with hundreds of titles added over the following years.{{cite magazine|last=Dornbush|first=Jonathon|title=Play your old Xbox 360 games on Xbox One starting this holiday|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/06/15/xbox-one-backwards-compatible-xbox-360-e3/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=June 19, 2015|date=June 15, 2015|archive-date=February 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218015900/https://ew.com/article/2015/06/15/xbox-one-backwards-compatible-xbox-360-e3/|url-status=dead}} A similar emulator was developed and released in October 2017 for the Xbox One for a limited selection of original Xbox console games.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/23/16520304/original-xbox-backwards-compatibility-xbox-one-release-date | title = Original Xbox compatibility, and 13 games, arriving on Xbox One tomorrow | first = Christopher | last= Grant | date = October 23, 2017 | access-date = October 23, 2017 | work = Polygon }} Achieving Xbox One-backward compatibility on the Xbox Series X and Series S was a target goal for the newer consoles, and as such, these new consoles are fully backward compatible with all games in the Xbox One library with the exception of those requiring Kinect support. The supported list includes the Xbox and Xbox 360 games that were playable via emulation on the Xbox One.{{Cite web|last=Orland|first=Kyle|date=July 16, 2020|title=Xbox Series X won't support Kinect hardware, games|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/07/xbox-series-x-wont-support-kinect-hardware-games/|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us}}

{{Infobox OS

| name = Xbox system software

| logo =

| logo caption =

| screenshot = Xbox_original_ui.jpg

| caption = The original Xbox UI in 2001, before the addition of Xbox Live in 2002

| developer = Microsoft

| released =

| language = Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish

| programmed_in = C, C++

| prog_language = C, C++

| working_state = Discontinued

| source_model = Closed source

| latest_release_version =

| latest_release_date =

| updatemodel = Direct Download
Game Disk

| supported_platforms = Xbox

| succeeded_by = Xbox 360 system software

}}

The original Xbox runs a custom operating system which is based on a heavily modified version of Windows 2000, an approach that Microsoft engineer Don Box called "fork and run".{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/21/21265995/xbox-source-code-leak-original-console-windows-3-5 |title=Xbox and Windows NT 3.5 source code leaks online |first=Tom |last=Warren |date=May 21, 2020}} It exports APIs similar to those found in Microsoft Windows, such as Direct3D.{{cite web |last1=Trinder |first1=Garry |title=The Xbox Operating System |url=https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/xboxteam/2006/02/17/the-xbox-operating-system/ |website=Xbox Engineering |date=February 17, 2006 |publisher=MSDN |access-date=31 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102200600/https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/xboxteam/2006/02/17/the-xbox-operating-system/ |archive-date=November 2, 2018 |url-status=live }} While Windows 2000 was built for multitasking of multiple applications including memory paging, the Xbox console was planned to only run one application at a time, and these features were removed for the Xbox software. When loading a game, the operating system would unload itself to give all of the console's resources to the game, and then when the player left the game, the operating system would load back up again.

Xbox Live support was not originally part of the system software as shipped in 2001, but added later in November 2002.{{cite web |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2002/11/15/xbox-live-arrives-in-stores-sparking-the-next-revolution-in-video-games/ |title=Xbox Live Arrives in Stores, Sparking the Next Revolution in Video Games |date=2002-11-15 |website=Stories |access-date=2019-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819080328/https://news.microsoft.com/2002/11/15/xbox-live-arrives-in-stores-sparking-the-next-revolution-in-video-games/ |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2002/11/22/xbox-live-starter-kits-virtually-sell-out-in-first-week-of-sales/ |title=Xbox Live Starter Kits Virtually Sell Out in First Week of Sales |date=2002-11-22 |website=Stories |access-date=2019-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819080326/https://news.microsoft.com/2002/11/22/xbox-live-starter-kits-virtually-sell-out-in-first-week-of-sales/ |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |url-status=live}} While the Xbox was still being supported by Microsoft, the Xbox Dashboard was updated via Live several times to reduce cheating and add features.{{cite web |url=https://www.onmsft.com/news/remember-the-original-xbox-dashboard-major-nelson-looks-back |title=Remember the original Xbox dashboard? Major Nelson looks back |date=2016-11-15 |website=OnMSFT.com |access-date=2019-08-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818215621/https://www.onmsft.com/news/remember-the-original-xbox-dashboard-major-nelson-looks-back |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |url-status=live}}

Microsoft released a dynamic background for its current Xbox Series X/S system software in May 2021 that is based on the original Xbox system software appearance.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2021/5/12/22432433/xbox-original-background-green-series-x-s-microsoft | title = The original Xbox background is here to haunt the Xbox Series X / S | first= Ian Carlos |last =Campbell | date = May 13, 2021 | accessdate = May 13, 2021 | work = The Verge }}

The original Xbox operating system source code was leaked in 2020.

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{{Infobox OS

| name = Xbox 360 system software

| logo =

| logo caption =

| screenshot = File:Xbox_360_uis.jpg

| caption = From top: the "Blades" user interface; the "New Xbox Experience (NXE)"; the "Metro" interface

| developer = Microsoft

| released = 2.0.1888.0 / {{Start date and age|2005|11|22}}{{cite news|last1=Dybwad|first1=Barb|title=Xbox 360 launch date is November 22|url=https://www.engadget.com/2005/09/15/xbox-360-launch-date-is-november-22/|access-date=31 March 2016|agency=AOL Inc.|publisher=Engadget|date=September 15, 2015}}

| language = {{flat list|

• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Danish
• Dutch
• English
• Finnish
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Norwegian
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Swedish
• Turkish}}

| website = {{URL|https://beta.support.xbox.com/help/xbox-360/console/system-update-operating-system}}

| programmed_in = C, C++ and HTML for settings

| working_state = Discontinued

| source_model = Closed source

| latest_release_version = 2.0.17559.0

| latest_release_date = {{Start date and age|2019|11|12}}{{cite news|title=Xbox 360 Operating System Versions and System Updates|url=https://beta.support.xbox.com/help/xbox-360/console/system-update-operating-system|access-date=13 April 2020|website=beta.support.xbox.com|publisher=Microsoft Corporation.}}

| latest_preview_version = 2.0.17511.0

| latest_preview_date = {{Start date and age|2016|11|10}}

| updatemodel = Direct Download
USB Recovery
Game Disc
Optical Disc Recovery{{cite web|title=How to Update Xbox 360 without Internet or Xbox Live|url=https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/update-xbox-360-without-internet-or-xbox-live/|website=helpdeskgeek.com|date=January 12, 2010|publisher=Help Desk Geek|access-date=13 April 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://beta.support.xbox.com/help/xbox-360/console/system-updates-info|title=How to get a new Xbox 360 update|publisher=Microsoft Corporation|access-date=2020-04-13}}

| supported_platforms = Xbox 360

| preceded_by = Original Xbox system software

| succeeded_by = Xbox System Software

}}

The Xbox 360 system software was again based on a modified version of Windows 2000, though expanded beyond the original Xbox console's operating system. This would prove troublesome for Microsoft from multiple directions. For the Xbox division, it made it difficult to bring in other Microsoft applications like Internet Explorer and Silverlight which had to be modified to work on the Xbox software. For Microsoft, the separate fork of these apps for the Xbox 360 and for the versions they were developing for the mobile-based Windows CE environment became difficult to maintain. These complexities led Microsoft towards its "Windows Everywhere" approach {{circa|2010}}, reviewing all the dependencies within the desktop, Xbox, and mobile versions of Windows atop the MinWin process and creating a CoreSystem that contained the basic functionality of Windows that could be ported to other systems.{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/05/onecore-to-rule-them-all-how-windows-everywhere-finally-happened/2/ | title = OneCore to rule them all: How Windows Everywhere finally happened | date = May 20, 2016 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | work = Ars Technica }}

Microsoft released the Xbox 360 console on November 22, 2005, a year earlier than both the Sony PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. Having the advantage of the lead, Microsoft was able to experiment with various customization options for the consumer's individual consoles. The ability to customize the way the console looked with various themes to fit the front and sides of it was something very different for home console users. In system, the Xbox 360 Dashboard had the ability to have multiple profiles with password on the same console with each user being able to customize the dashboard to exactly fit their own unique style. There were premium themes available for purchase on the Xbox Live Marketplace apart from the default styles. Originally there were four (later five, after the introduction of the "Marketplace" blade in late 2006) tabs or sections known as the "blades" for the Xbox 360 menu, namely Xbox Live, Games, Media and System. In scrolling from left to right, each section would have a different-colored background signifying its own unique area but users also had the option to change all sections to one background color as well.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/26/21152674/xbox-design-history-360-one-series-x-console-dashboard | title= A visual history of the many Xbox dashboards | first = Cameron | last = Faulkener | date = February 26, 2020 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | work = The Verge }}

At E3 2008, Microsoft announced that all Xbox 360 owners would receive a new dashboard update, called the "New Xbox Experience" (NXE), on November 19, 2008, that added several new features.{{cite web |author=Ryan Geddes |url=http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/918/918113p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013094826/http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/918/918113p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 13, 2008 |title=IGN: Avatars Required |publisher=Xboxlive.ign.com |date=October 9, 2008 |access-date=August 29, 2011 }} A major new feature was the ability to install an entire game disc onto the Xbox 360's hard drive, which decreases loading times, and significantly reduces noise due to the game being read from the hard drive and not the louder disc drive. For most games this feature also reduces the amount of time spent reading the disc, thereby helping to extend the life-span of the optical drive mechanism.{{cite web|url=http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/39914/Install-Entire-Games-Onto-Xbox-360-Hard-Drive-Purchase-Content-On-PCs |title=Install Entire games onto Xbox 360 Hard Drive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718041915/http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/39914/Install-Entire-Games-Onto-Xbox-360-Hard-Drive-Purchase-Content-On-PCs |archive-date=July 18, 2008 }}

The Xbox Guide was redesigned. If a user has installed any game onto their Xbox 360 hard drive, they are able to immediately start the game from the guide, whether they are in a game or in the dashboard.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/microsoft-announces-new-xbox-live-interface|title=Microsoft unveils new Xbox Live interface|date=July 14, 2008 |access-date=September 25, 2008}} The update gives players the ability to create Avatars,{{cite web|url=http://www.virtualworldsnews.com/2008/07/microsoft-annou.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528113229/http://www.virtualworldsnews.com/2008/07/microsoft-annou.html|archive-date=May 28, 2010|title=Microsoft Announces Avatars for the Xbox 360|access-date=September 25, 2008|url-status=dead}} which were required by Xbox Live. They also announced that the update supports 16:10 on VGA or HDMI, expanding the choice of resolutions.{{cite web|url=http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/14/xbox-360-fall-08-dashboard-update-adds-16x10-widescreen-expand/ |title=Xbox 360 Fall '08 Dashboard update adds 16x10 widescreen, expanded resolutions |access-date=September 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913022408/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/14/xbox-360-fall-08-dashboard-update-adds-16x10-widescreen-expand/ |archive-date=September 13, 2008 }}

On September 22, 2010, Microsoft announced that the Xbox Live dashboard would be updated again. The new design, nicknamed the "Kinect" dashboard, would incorporate the Metro interface used in other Microsoft products, such as Zune HD and Windows Phone. As well as a new color scheme and other minor tweaks to the overall layout, the update would also include a "Kinect hub", designed specifically for the Kinect sensor for easier dashboard navigation.{{cite web|url=http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/09/22/xbox-live-update-preview-program.aspx|title=Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program|date=October 4, 2010|first=Larry|last=Hryb|publisher=Major Nelson|access-date=October 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101004181537/http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/09/22/xbox-live-update-preview-program.aspx|archive-date=October 4, 2010|url-status=dead}} The update was released on November 1, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/new-xbox-experience/3015-2426/|title=New Xbox Experience|work=giantbomb.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/10/09/xbox-360-dashboard-update-release-date-and-details/|title=Xbox 360 Dashboard Update: Release Date and Details|date=October 9, 2010|first=Justin|last=Chubb|publisher=Product Reviews|access-date=May 2, 2023|archive-date=July 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703210450/http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/10/09/xbox-360-dashboard-update-release-date-and-details/|url-status=dead}}

At E3 2011, it was announced that the dashboard would be updated once again to have the interface look even more like the Metro design in Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, and to include the Bing search engine. Kinect would also be updated allowing users to navigate the dashboard and Bing using their voice. Other updates would include cloud storage, YouTube access, and live television streaming.{{cite web|last=Mitchell |first=Richard |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/new-kinect-hub-adds-new-voice-features-coming-fall-2012/ |title=Xbox getting Kinect-powered dashboard update, coming Fall 2011 |publisher=Joystiq |date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=August 29, 2011}} The new dashboard, nicknamed the "Metro" dashboard, officially went live on December 6, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://majornelson.com/2011/11/22/xbox-360-dashboard-update-coming-december-6th/#0_undefined,0_ |title=Xbox Live's Major Nelson » Xbox 360 Dashboard update coming December 6th |publisher=Majornelson.com |date=November 22, 2011 |access-date=March 31, 2012}}

On July 29, 2024, along with the discontinuation of the console's Xbox Games Store, the dashboard received an online-only update to remove most tabs, narrowing down its options to only show the remaining functionality of Xbox Live and the console's built-in features.{{Cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/xbox-360-dashboard-change-store/|title=A Big Change Has Been Made to Xbox 360 Dashboard|first=Miguel Luis|last=Llado|date=August 2, 2024|website=Game Rant}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2024/07/xbox-360-store-completely-removed-from-console-dashboard-after-shutdown|title=Xbox 360 Store Completely Removed From Console Dashboard After Shutdown|first=Pure|last=Xbox|date=July 30, 2024|website=Pure Xbox}} The Microsoft Movies and TV app was also discontinued on this date. While the store cannot process new purchases from the console, some of its functionality is available in a read-only state and can be accessed by users using various dashboard actions that were not removed after the discontinuation of the store. However, backwards-compatible Xbox 360 content that is purchased from the Microsoft Store after the Games Store's closure can be downloaded on the console, as well as any content purchased before the discontinuation of the storefront.

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{{Infobox OS

| name = Xbox System Software (2013–present)

| logo =

| screenshot = Xbox One interface.jpg

| caption = Home screen in March 2020 update, based on the Fluent Design System

| developer = Microsoft Gaming

| family = Hyper-V and Windows NT based Xbox OS{{cite web|url=http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/156467-xbox-one-hardware-and-software-specs-detailed-and-analyzed|title=Xbox One: Hardware and software specs detailed and analyzed|date=May 23, 2013|first=Sebastian|last=Anthony|website=ExtremeTech|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=December 1, 2013}}

| released = 6.2.9781.0 {{small|(xb_rel_flash1307.130829-1800)}} / {{Start date and age|2013|11|22}}{{cite web|website=Xbox Official Site|url=https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/settings-updates/whats-new-xbox-one-system-updates|title=What's new: Xbox One system updates|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=August 5, 2022}}

| language count = 33

| language footnote = {{cite web|website=Xbox Official Site|url=http://support.xbox.com/xbox-one/console/set-up-new-system-solution|title=Set up your Xbox One console|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=September 2, 2014}}

| language = {{flat list|

• Arabic (~19 MB)
• Chinese (Simplified, China) (~104 MB)
• Chinese (Simplified, Singapore) (~104 MB)
• Chinese (Traditional, Hong Kong) (~104 MB)
• Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan) (~104 MB)
• Czech (~29 MB)
• Danish (~28 MB)
• Dutch (~29 MB)
• English (Australia) (~26 MB)
• English (Canada) (~26 MB)
• English (United Kingdom) (~26 MB)
• English (United States)
• Finnish (~28 MB)
• French (Canada) (~36 MB)
• French (France) (~36 MB)
• German (~32 MB)
• Greek (~29 MB)
• Hebrew (~18 MB)
• Hungarian (~29 MB)
• Italian (~33 MB)
• Japanese (~45 MB)
• Korean (~27 MB)
• Norwegian Bokmål (~28 MB)
• Polish (~29 MB)
• Portuguese (Brazil) (~44 MB)
• Portuguese (Portugal) (~44 MB)
• Russian (~31 MB)
• Slovak (~19 MB)
• Spanish (Mexico) (~36 MB)
• Spanish (Spain) (~36 MB)
• Swedish (~28 MB)
• Turkish (~28 MB)
• Ukrainian}}

| programmed in = C, C++ (back-end), C#, JavaScript, XML, Ajax (UI) and Assembly language

| website = {{Official URL}}

| working_state = Current

| source_model = Closed source

| latest_release_version = 10.0.26100.4026 {{small|(xb_flt_2504ge.250423-1700)}}

| latest_release_date = {{Start date and age|2025|4|28}}

| updatemodel = {{Ubl|Direct Download|USB Recovery{{cite web|website=Xbox Official Site|url=http://support.xbox.com/xbox-one/console/offline-system-update-diagnostic-tool|title=How to use the Offline System Update Diagnostic Tool on Xbox One|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=November 30, 2013}}

}}

| supported_platforms = {{ubl|Xbox One (original)|Xbox One S|Xbox One X|Xbox One S All-Digital Edition|Xbox Series X|Xbox Series S}}

| kernel_type = Microkernel (Windows and Xbox Game OS running on top of Hyper-V)

| userland =

| ui =

| license =

| preceded_by = Xbox 360 system software

}}

The Xbox System Software contains a heavily modified Hyper-V hypervisor (known as NanoVisor) as its host OS and two partitions. One of the partitions, the "Exclusive" partition is a custom virtual machine (VM) for games; the other partition, the "Shared" partition is a custom VM for running multiple apps including the OS.

As part of its ongoing "Windows Everywhere" approach, Microsoft revamped the operating system on Xbox to be closer to its current Microsoft Windows products to provide greater compatibility between personal computers and the Xbox line. The OS was based on Windows 8 Core at the Xbox One launch in 2013. The UI maintained the same "Metro" design that had been used in the last Xbox 360 update, and which resembled the desktop Windows 8 interface.

In November 2015, Microsoft released the "New Xbox One Experience" which replaced the base system with Windows 10 Core, allowing Universal Windows Platform apps to be available on Xbox One.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-ones-new-update-possibly-most-significant-in-/1100-6432202/|title=Xbox One's New Update Possibly Most Significant in Console History, Microsoft Says}} According to the current head of Microsoft's Gaming division, Phil Spencer, "The importance of entertainment and games to the Windows ecosystem has become really prevalent to the company".{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/8/10/9126899/phil-spencer-obliterating-distinction-between-xbox-pc-gamescom-interview-2015|title=Phil Spencer is obliterating the distinction between Xbox and PC, and he's just getting started|last=Tach|first=Dave|date=August 10, 2015|website=Polygon|access-date=January 27, 2023}} The program that Microsoft launched allows developers to build a single app that can run on a wide variety of devices, including personal computers and Xbox One video game consoles.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/1/21/7866891/windows-10-universal-apps-xbox-one|title=Windows 10 bringing universal Windows apps to Xbox One|last=Sarkar|first=Samit|date=January 21, 2015|website=Polygon|access-date=January 27, 2023}} According to Polygon, Microsoft removed the distinction between Xbox One and Windows PC, and the software has been called "Windows 10 on Xbox One".{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-is-literally-a-windows-device/1100-6430425/|title=Xbox One Is "Literally a Windows Device"|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|date=September 9, 2015|website=GameSpot|access-date=January 27, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-xbox-one-update-will-make-some-functionality-5/1100-6430524/|title=New Xbox One Update Will Make Some Functionality 50 Percent Faster|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|date=September 14, 2015|website=GameSpot|access-date=January 27, 2023}}

Since 2016, all Xbox One consoles could be updated to include a development kit for universal Windows applications on Xbox One,{{cite web|last=Crecente|first=Brian|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/30/11318568/xbox-one-dev-kit |title=Starting today, anyone can turn their Xbox One into a dev kit for free |date=March 30, 2016 |publisher=Polygon |access-date=April 8, 2016}} with official support for the platform and Cortana coming in summer 2016.{{cite web|author=Rexly Peñaflorida |url=http://www.tomshardware.com/news/microsoft-build-xbox-windows-gaming,31509.html |title=Microsoft Transforms Retail Xbox One Into A Dev Kit, Adding Mods And Overlay To Windows 10 Gaming |publisher=Tomshardware.com |access-date=April 8, 2016}}

As Microsoft continued to refine Windows 10 with the Fluent Design System, the Xbox One interface was also modified to reflect these changes by 2017. Microsoft has since continued to refine this interface to add and remove integrated features, such as inclusion of Xbox Game Pass support and removal of Cortana voice commands. Ahead of the release of the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles in November 2020, Microsoft updated the Xbox One software to reflect changes in the Dashboard that would also be present in the newer consoles. This included improved performance in some of the storefront features and readability improvements to the interface, which were also propagated across Xbox Game Pass and mobile apps.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/19/21375164/microsoft-xbox-series-x-dashboard-design-ui-speed-updates | title = Microsoft's Xbox Series X dashboard has a new rounded design and speed improvements | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = August 19, 2020 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | work = The Verge }}

The system software's interface uses a geometrical placement of squares and rectangular items that scrolls as a continuous vertical line, using the Metro design language that is also seen in Windows 8, Windows 10, and other Microsoft products.{{cite web|url=https://www.gottabemobile.com/the-xbox-one-proves-microsoft-needs-to-reign-in-metro/|title=The Xbox One Proves Microsoft Needs to Reign In Metro|last=Pope|first=Travis|date=December 31, 2013|website=GottaBeMobile|access-date=January 27, 2023}}

When Microsoft upgraded the Windows 8-based Core to a Windows 10-based one, they made a tour of the new user interface up on Xbox Wire, promising faster, easier navigation, improved community features and the return of Xbox Avatars. The UI includes a HOME screen, consisting of the top bar, the screenshot viewer ("Album") Icons, and shortcuts to the Microsoft Store, News, and Settings. The main feature on the home screen is a list of the most recently played games. Selecting any given title will give users more information about announcements, achievements, social activity and so forth. It is also more focused on the actual games they are playing, which is part and parcel of the company's new direction under Phil Spencer, the current head of Microsoft's Xbox division.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2015/06/16/microsoft-is-overhauling-the-xbox-one-user-interface/?sh=43b875ae4052|title=Microsoft Is Totally Redesigning The Xbox One User Interface|last=Thier|first=Dave|date=June 16, 2015|website=Forbes|access-date=January 27, 2023}}

Microsoft aims to release frequent updates to the Xbox System Software, mainly containing new or improved features and faster installation and loading times for games and apps.{{cite web |url=http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-xbox-one-monthly-updates-will-keep-on-coming |title=Microsoft: Xbox One monthly updates will keep on coming. |work=Neowin |date=July 24, 2014 |first=Andy |last=Weir}} Along with introducing improvements and fixes for native console apps and software, the monthly updates to the Xbox System Software introduce major features that are voted on or requested by the community,{{cite web |date=October 6, 2014 |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=Microsoft launches Xbox Feedback website, asks for your ideas |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-10-microsoft-launches-xbox-feedback-website-asks-for-your-ideas |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=September 5, 2015}} though some months have included more than one update. Starting in February 2014, beta releases of updates are tested{{cite web |website=Xbox Official Site |url=http://support.xbox.com/xbox-one/console/xbox-update-preview-faq |title=Xbox One Preview program FAQ |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=October 6, 2015}} before going live to check for unwanted bugs and stability.{{cite web |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |title=Xbox One beta program lets console owners preview future system updates |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/20/5430230/xbox-one-beta-program-lets-console-owners-test-future-system-updates |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |date=February 20, 2014 |access-date=September 5, 2015}}

The following table lists major updates to the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S system software.

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• [https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/settings-updates/whats-new-xbox-one-system-updates What's new: Xbox system updates]
• [https://www.xbox.com/consoles?xr=shellnav Xbox Consoles]

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