How to Maximize Your Xbox Series X’s Performance

29 May 2025

The Xbox Series X is a powerhouse in the gaming world—a console that combines jaw-dropping graphics, lightning-fast load times, and all the bells and whistles gamers could ask for. Yet, like any high-end gadget, if you don’t fine-tune it, you might not be getting the most out of it. And let’s be real, if you’ve shelled out for Microsoft’s most powerful console, you want every pixel and frame to earn its keep, right?

So, how do you squeeze every ounce of performance out of your Xbox Series X? In this guide, we’ll cover everything from optimizing your settings to managing storage and even small tweaks that can make a big difference. Buckle up because by the end, your console will be running like a finely tuned sports car on the Nürburgring.

1. Adjust Your Display Settings: Seeing Is Believing

a) Match Your TV’s Capabilities

The Xbox Series X might be a beast, but if your TV or monitor isn't up to snuff, you're not going to see its full potential. If you’ve got a 4K TV that supports HDR or even a TV with 120Hz refresh rates, you’ll want to make sure your console is configured to take advantage of those features. Head over to Settings > General > TV & Display Options.

From there:
- Set your resolution to 4K UHD if your TV supports it.
- Toggle Auto HDR, which breathes new life into older games by giving them a dynamic range boost.
- Enable the 120Hz refresh rate if your display supports it (believe me, buttery-smooth gameplay is worth it).

Pro Tip: Use the calibrate HDR tool from the settings menu to fine-tune your visuals. It’s like polishing the lens on a camera—you won’t believe what you were missing.

b) Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

If your TV supports ALLM and VRR, you’re in luck. These features reduce input lag and screen tearing, giving you a smoother, more responsive gaming experience. Check that these options are enabled under your display settings.

2. Keep Your Console Cool and Quiet

Let’s face it: a gaming console heating up is like a car running on empty—it’s not going to perform its best. Keep your Xbox Series X in a well-ventilated area, away from confined spaces or heat sources.

a) Don’t Suffocate It

Those vents on the Series X aren’t just for show. The console’s cooling system works best when it has a steady flow of air. Don’t shove it into a tight entertainment cabinet. Give it some breathing room, ideally placing it vertically for better airflow.

b) Regular Maintenance

Over time, dust can accumulate in the vents, and that can choke your console faster than a bad internet connection mid-match. Use a can of compressed air to dust off the vents every few months. Think of it as a spa day for your console.

3. Optimize Game Installation and Storage

a) Choose the Right Storage Solution

The Xbox Series X comes with a blazing-fast 1TB SSD, but let’s be honest—it fills up faster than you can say "Call of Duty: Warzone." If you’re juggling huge game files, there are two things you can do:

- Offload older or less-played games to an external hard drive. While you won’t get the same SSD speeds, it’s perfect for storage.
- Invest in the Seagate Storage Expansion Card. It’s pricey, but it matches the internal SSD’s performance, so you can run games directly from it without compromise.

b) Smart Delivery Is Your Friend

Many games offer different versions for different Xbox consoles. Make sure you’re downloading the Series X version of your games to take advantage of the enhanced features like ray tracing and higher frame rates.

Pro tip: Enable auto-updates so your games and apps are always optimized to their latest versions.

4. Fine-Tune Your Audio Settings

A killer gaming experience isn’t just about what you see; it’s also about what you hear. Whether you’re dodging bullets in a battle royale or creeping through a survival-horror game, great audio immerses you like nothing else.

a) Dolby Atmos or DTS:X

The Xbox Series X supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which provide object-based surround sound. This means instead of just hearing noise all around you, you’ll hear specific sounds coming from pinpointed directions—like footsteps sneaking up behind you.

You’ll need a compatible headset or sound setup, and you may need to download the Dolby Access app for Atmos. Trust me, once you hear it, there’s no going back.

b) Adjust Audio Output Settings

Navigate to Settings > General > Volume & Audio Output. Choose the audio format that matches your setup (HDMI or Optical) to ensure you’re getting the best sound possible.

5. Take Advantage of Quick Resume

The Series X features Quick Resume, which lets you hop between multiple games without losing your progress. It’s like having a magical pause button for your gaming sessions.

How to Use Quick Resume Effectively:

- Limit the number of games you keep in Quick Resume. Too many, and it could start affecting performance.
- Always save your game manually before switching, just in case. Better safe than sorry, right?

6. Internet Speed and Network Optimization

Online gaming and streaming are only as good as your internet connection. If your latency is through the roof, no amount of console optimization will save you.

a) Use a Wired Connection

A wired Ethernet connection is faster and more stable than Wi-Fi. If that’s not an option, at least use a 5GHz Wi-Fi network for better speeds.

b) Enable QoS on Your Router

Look into enabling Quality of Service (QoS) on your home router. This prioritizes gaming traffic over other devices hogging bandwidth, like your roommate’s endless Netflix binge sessions.

7. Customize Your Controller Settings

Your controller is basically an extension of you when gaming, so make it work for you. Adjust the sensitivity, button mapping, and vibration settings to match your playstyle.

a) Consider Elite Series 2 Controller

If you’re a hardcore gamer, upgrading to the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller can give you an edge. It offers customizable paddles, adjustable thumbstick tension, and additional customization options for serious players.

8. Enable Energy-Saving Mode

Okay, hear me out—this is a bit of a trade-off. By default, the Series X comes in Instant-On mode, which allows for quicker boot times and background updates. But if you want to save some energy (and reduce background processes that may impact performance), switch to Energy-Saving mode under Settings > General > Power Mode & Startup.

9. Keep Your Console Up-to-Date

This one’s basic, but it’s often overlooked. Microsoft regularly rolls out updates to improve performance, fix bugs, and introduce new features. Go to Settings > System > Updates and make sure your console is always running the latest firmware.

10. Stay Clean and Organized

Finally, a little housekeeping goes a long way. Delete unwanted game captures, organize your dashboard, and remove unused apps to keep your console snappy. Gaming is like life: clutter makes everything slower and more complicated.

Final Thoughts

Your Xbox Series X is a technological marvel, but even the best gear needs a little TLC to work at its peak. By adjusting your settings, optimizing storage, managing heat, and fine-tuning your gaming environment, you’ll be leveling up both your console and your experience. At the end of the day, it’s all about making the most of what you’ve got—and when it comes to the Series X, what you’ve got is pretty darn amazing.