So you‘re looking to fully reset your Xbox One console back to factory fresh state? Maybe you want to wipe it before selling, are troubleshooting issues, or just want to start over.
Resetting completely erases all accounts, games, apps, settings and personal data from the system. It reinstalls a clean working copy of the Xbox One operating system.
The good news is the process is straightforward regardless of your model – whether the original Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X. Just follow this simple guide.
We‘ll cover:
- How Xbox One resetting works
- Step-by-step instructions for all reset methods
- What to expect after initiating a full factory reset
- Tips for backing up important data beforehand
- Fixing common reset issues
Let‘s start by looking at the purpose behind resetting your console.
Why Reset Your Xbox One Console?
There are a few great reasons for restoring your Xbox One to factory default settings:
Selling or Gifting Your Console – Wiping all personal data is essential before passing your console to someone else. Reset to protect saved payment methods and privacy.
Troubleshooting Performance Issues – A fresh start can help resolve system software glitches, strange behaviors, game crashes or console lockups by fully reinstalling the operating system.
Failed System Update – In rare cases a bad system update can damage functionality. Resetting reverts back to a stable OS version.
Resetting brings your console back to day one condition – which can give new life to even older Xbox Ones. Now let‘s jump into the step-by-step instructions.
Method #1: Reset Through Xbox Settings Menu
The easiest way to factory reset your console is by using the built-in Settings menu accessed directly from the main interface:
Access the Settings Menu
First, power on your Xbox One using the console power button or a wireless controller if available.
Once loaded, press the glowing Xbox button on a paired controller to bring up the side menu. Navigate to the Settings icon (shaped like a gear) and select it.
Alternatively you can get to Settings from:
- The Settings tile on Home dashboard
- Selecting your Gamertag in the top left corner
Either method works!
Open System > Console Info
Once inside the main Settings menu, use the left sidebar to select System > Console info:
Access the Console Info screen from System settings.
Here you‘ll find details on your specific Xbox One like serial number, OS version, and device IDs.
Select "Reset" Option
With Console Info open, choose the big yellow Reset console button near the middle of the screen:
Then select one of the following options:
- Reset and remove everything – Fully factory resets console.
- Reset and keep my games & apps – Refreshes system only.
The first option completely erases everything, including all accounts, games, and media for a fresh start. Use this when selling or having major issues.
The second preserves your installed games and apps while resetting OS and settings. Good light troubleshooting.
Either way the console will automatically restart and reconfigure itself after confirming selection.
And that‘s it! Pretty painless right?
Now let‘s look at a secondary reset method for serious recovery…
Method #2: Startup Troubleshooter
If your Xbox One is totally unresponsive or won‘t boot properly to the Dashboard, don‘t worry – you can still factory reset it using the hidden Startup Troubleshooter recovery tool.
1. Power Off the Console
First, force shut down the console by holding the power button for 10 seconds if it‘s stuck on a loading screen or error message.
Once fully powered off, unplug the power cable from the back of the Xbox One. Leave it disconnected for at least 30 seconds to drain residual power.
This clears any temporary glitch causing the boot failure.
2. Enter Troubleshooter Mode
Okay while powered off, reconnect just the power cable. Do not turn on yet!
Next, press and hold both the Eject and Bind buttons simultaneously:
The tricky part is pressing both these buttons down before powering on.
With Eject + Bind held, hit the power button to turn on the console.
Keep holding Eject + Bind until you hear a very short chime right away, and then a second startup chime a few seconds later.
Once you hear the secondary chime, release buttons – you‘re now booted into the Startup Troubleshooter!
3. Perform Factory Reset
In Troubleshooter, select the big Reset button:
You‘ll again get the option to fully erase or refresh while keeping games and apps. Pick your choice!
After confirming reset, let the console fully reboot itself back to factory specifications. The system will automatically restart a second time after resetting completes.
And you‘re all set! Much simpler than reinstalling system software manually right?
What to Expect After Resetting Xbox One
Here‘s a quick overview on what happens after initiating factory reset:
- Expect the resetting process to take 15-30 minutes. Just let it work. Hard reboot if screen is stuck longer than 30 mins.
- Console will display percentage completion status as it erases data.
- After finishing, system will fully shut down and reboot itself back up automatically.
Once restart completes, you‘ll be walked through onboarding like when setting up a brand new Xbox One:
- Select language
- Configure offline/online settings
- Link Xbox Live account (optional)
Enjoy your like-new console!
Warning: Reset cannot be undone – all local profiles, game saves, screenshots and settings are permanently erased from the system after starting. So back up what you can‘t lose!
How to Back Up Your Xbox One Data
Before factory resetting, here‘s how to preserve important console data:
For Game Saves:
Many titles support cloud saves you can re-download later. Enable this in Settings > System > Backups.
For Screenshots and Video Clips:
Unfortunately there‘s no way to directly back these up externally. Consider uploading special captures to social media or OneDrive before resetting as a more permanent save.
For Console Settings:
No way to backup custom settings either. Snap some reference photos of advanced configuration details before wiping if easily forgetting.
Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues
Run into problems while trying to factory reset? Here are some fixes:
Can‘t Access Startup Troubleshooter
Be sure to hold Eject + Bind buttons for 5+ seconds before hitting power when booting to troubleshooter. Try rapidly pressing power then to force it.
Seeing Green Screen After Resetting
Let system sit for 15 minutes – green screens mid-reset are common. Hard reboot if persisting longer.
Getting Error About Home Associations
This refers to digital licenses. Go back and remove all accounts before resetting to properly dissociate.
Still seeing issues? For help reach out directly to Xbox Support with specifics on exactly what‘s occurring.
Reset vs Keep Games & Apps
Here‘s an overview of how the two main reset options differ:
| Reset Type | What it Deletes | What it Keeps |
|---|---|---|
| Reset and Remove Everything | User accounts, saved games, settings customization, installed games & apps | Nothing! |
| Reset and Keep Games & Apps | User accounts and settings, game save data | Downloaded games & apps, OS system updates |
So in summary:
- For a fresh out-of-box experience or when selling/gifting your console choose Reset and Remove Everything to completely wipe data.
- To refresh your console while keeping your installed content intact pick Reset and Keep Games & Apps. Great for troubleshooting.
I hope these instructions have you feeling comfortable fully resetting your Xbox One.
Give a friendly wave goodbye to the data as it disappears forever! And say hello to buttery smooth console operation once the reset completes.
Just be absolutely certain to save copies of anything precious before initiating the reset. And feel free to shout if any questions pop up during the process.
Remember we outlined every step and even technical troubleshooting advice to walk you through factory resetting your console.
So take a deep breath and reset without worry or stress. Enjoy the fresh start!
