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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To use the lower-power option, choose Energy Saving on Xbox One or Shutdown (energy saving) on Xbox Series X|S. It uses less power while the console is off than Sleep, but takes longer to start and cannot be woken remotely while shut down. Supported overnight updates can still run when automatic updates are configured.
Turn on energy-saving mode
Xbox One
- From Home, open Settings > Power & Startup > Power Mode.
- Select Energy Saving instead of Instant On. This is the path documented by ENERGY STAR.
Xbox Series X|S
- Open Settings > General > Power options.
- Select Shutdown (energy saving), following Microsoft’s January 2023 guidance.
Set a shorter inactivity shutoff
On Series X|S, go to Settings > General > Power options > Customize power options and select a shorter period before the console turns off for inactivity. Microsoft described one hour as the default in its January 2023 guidance.
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Choose between Sleep and Shutdown (energy saving)
The right setting depends on whether lower off-state power or quick availability matters more. Microsoft says Shutdown (energy saving) cuts power use by up to 20 times when the console is off compared with Sleep. Its Xbox Series X eco-profile, last updated in October 2023, separately reports 95% less power while off than Sleep; actual use varies by console and conditions. See Microsoft’s Xbox Series X eco-profile.
| Consideration | Sleep | Shutdown (energy saving) |
|---|---|---|
| Power while off | Higher than Shutdown, according to Microsoft’s comparisons. | Lower-power option; Microsoft reports up to 20× lower use than Sleep, and its Series X eco-profile says 95% less. |
| Startup | Faster to resume. | Takes longer to boot; Xbox One may start more slowly. |
| Remote wake | Available; Active hours can keep a Sleep-configured console quickly available during selected times. | Not available while the console is shut down. |
| Updates | Supported overnight updates can run when automatic updates are configured. | Supported overnight system, game, and app updates can run when automatic updates are configured. |
Microsoft’s January 2023 Active hours example says a console can draw 0.5 W outside active hours, compared with 10–15 W while active. Those figures describe that example, not a universal measurement for every console or setup. Microsoft notes that Active hours can allow quick remote wake during selected times and full shutdown outside them.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Will games and system software update in energy-saving mode?
Yes, supported overnight system, game, and app updates can still be installed while the console is shut down in energy-saving mode, provided automatic updates are configured. Microsoft says the console must be plugged in and online for its update behavior. Check the automatic-update settings on your console if updates are not happening as expected; menu labels can vary with console generation and software version.
How carbon-aware update scheduling works
When the console is plugged in and online, and regional carbon-intensity data is available, Xbox can schedule eligible game, app, and operating-system updates during the nightly maintenance window, when a higher proportion of electricity may come from lower-carbon sources. This depends on regional data and configured automatic updates; it is not a guarantee that every update will use lower-carbon electricity. Microsoft explains the feature in its carbon-aware Xbox announcement.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
What to expect from the power figures
Microsoft’s January 2023 announcement describes Shutdown (energy saving) as using up to 20 times less power than Sleep while off. Its Series X eco-profile gives a 95% reduction. The two descriptions are Microsoft-published comparisons, not a guarantee of a particular household-bill saving or a measurement applicable to every console and setting.
The console-generation distinction matters: ENERGY STAR says configuring Xbox One Energy Saving can reduce standby power use by 98% compared with the listening/network-ready configuration described in its Xbox One guidance. That comparison is not the same as Microsoft’s Sleep comparison for Shutdown (energy saving) on newer consoles.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Rank #4
- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 features over 30 ways to play like a pro. Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, it puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
- INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS — Swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Includes 6 thumbsticks, 4 paddles, 2 D-pads, carrying case, and charging dock.
- SAVE AND SWITCH PROFILES — Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly with the dedicated Profile button. Even pick which color the XBOX button lights up as.
Rank #3
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
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