Finally! Xbox download speeds getting much needed upgrade

It has been a common complaint among Xbox console and Xbox PC users that download speeds are rather inconsistent. More often than not, they are much slower than what the internet connection is capable of. That seems to be changing as Xbox has released a new update targeting this issue, but the general public will have to wait a bit.

The Xbox support page was updated yesterday (July 22) with release notes for an Xbox Update Preview to the Alpha Skip-Ahead members in the Insider program. OS version XB_FLT_2608GE\26100.9400.260719-2200 comes with a better optimized download experience thanks to periodic server scanning for the fastest available server.

The release notes describe the update as:

Shortly after your game download begins, the client will check which content servers are available for the install or update. It will then test the connection speed to each server pool and select the fastest available connection for that install. The speed test will rerun periodically during the install or update to ensure that the client continues using the fastest available connection.

While this is targeted towards Xbox console players, Windows Central’s Jez Corden states that he’s experienced an uplift on the Xbox Ally handheld. This suggests the change is for Xbox PC devices as well. At this point, it is unclear when the update will reach the general public. The last update was released on July 15 with OS version 10.0.26100.8866 (xb_flt_2607ge.260630-2200), suggesting that the very next update might be the one.

With Xbox trying to claw its way back to ‘greatness’, this is a step in the right direction.