How to step by step get the most out of the new update of the Xbox system: customization, improvements and total control

Have you tried these functions? If you have the console updated, you will notice the changes as soon as you enter. And if you haven't done it yet, it's worth exploring.

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Yesterday at Generación Xbox, we told you about all the new features in this update, and today we want to stop and explain how to get the most out of it. Additionally, we review how the previous functionality was in these sections and how the experience has improved, especially if you use the console daily, you usually play on several platforms or are part of Xbox Game Pass.

One of the most notable changes is in the start menu, which can now be adapted much better to your preferences. Before, this menu showed default accesses to —Microsoft Edge, Settings, or the store—, even if you didn’t use them. It was also common to have a large number of active tiles, which could make it difficult to find what’s important.

Everything changes with the latest Xbox system update, step by step

Start Menu

Before:
The main menu showed all system apps by default, such as Microsoft Edge or Settings, even if you never used them. It also showed too many tiles, and there was no direct way to pin your favorite games beyond the recent ones.

Now:
You can hide system apps you don’t need, reduce the number of tiles on the screen, and, most useful, pin games and apps as favorites. This turns the start menu into a clean and functional space, adapted to your real habits.

Game Center

Before:
They were not available to everyone. Many users could not access statistics, consult events, pending achievements, or friends’ activity from the same site. You had to navigate through several menus.

Now:
The game centers are active for all users, regardless of the type of account. You can see statistics, achievements, friends playing, events, DLC, and captures from a single panel. Everything is personalizable from the system settings.

Benefits with Xbox Game Pass (Perks and more)

Before:
The benefits included in Game Pass for free games (skins, characters, coins) were hidden or scattered between menus. It was easy to forget or not even know that active rewards existed.

Now:
The Game Pass app has a dedicated section with all the benefits visible and ready to claim. You no longer have to search for them manually or miss opportunities. Everything is well organized within the interface.

Cloud Saving

Before:
The system worked, but it was not clear when there were several devices or files pending synchronization. If a game gave a conflict, you didn’t know which version to choose. You also couldn’t see when it was last saved or from which console.

Now:
There is a progress bar for files that are not synchronized, it shows the device from which it was saved, and the timestamp with the last change. All the information appears clearly, so you can choose with confidence which version to keep or restore.

Function	Before	Now
Start Menu	Could not hide system apps. No option to reduce tiles.	Can hide apps, reduce tiles, and pin favorites easily.
Game Centers	Only available for some users.	Now available for all, with statistics, achievements, friends, and more.
Game Pass Rewards	Difficult to find, poorly integrated.	Direct access from the Game Pass app, everything organized and easy to claim.
Cloud Saving	No clear details of synchronization.	Now shows progress bar, device, date, and option to choose.
General Interface	Less customizable and with somewhat rigid navigation.	More ordered and flexible, with better access and customization options.

How to apply the changes of the new Xbox update step by step

1. Customize the start menu

Objective: Hide system apps, reduce tiles, and pin favorites.

Steps:

1. Go to the Start menu of your console.

2. Position yourself over any tile you don’t want to see (such as Edge, Store, etc.).

3. Press the Menu (☰) button on the controller.

4. Select “Remove from Start”.

5. To pin your favorites:

   • Go to the game or app you use the most (even if it’s not on Start).

   • Press the Menu (☰) button again.

   • Select “Add to Start” to pin it as a favorite.

6. If you want fewer tiles visible:

   • From Start, press the Xbox button.

   • Go to Profile and system > Settings > General > Personalization > My Xbox start.

   • There you can remove sections like “Recommended”, “Events”, or “Game Pass”, leaving only your favorite games.

2. Activate and use the new Game Centers

Objective: Consult statistics, achievements, captures, active friends, etc.

Steps:

1. Open any game from your library.

2. Press the Xbox button and go to its card (contextual menu).

3. You will see a new option called “Game Center”.

4. From there you can see:

   • Statistics (playtime, completion percentage…).

   • Achievements unlocked and pending.

   • Friends who are playing it now.

   • Active events, available DLC, captures, and clips.

Optional: Customize what is shown in each center:

• Profile and system > Settings > General > Personalization > Games and applications.

3. Check and claim Game Pass benefits (free-to-play)

Objective: Don’t miss rewards like skins, coins, or cosmetics.

Steps:

1. Open the Game Pass app on your Xbox.

2. In the side menu, select “Perks” or “Ventajas”.

3. You will see a list with available rewards for:

   • Free-to-play games like Fortnite, Apex, Warframe, etc.

   • Limited-time promotions.

4. Press on the reward and follow the instructions to claim it (it may give you a code, activate it directly, or redirect you to a download).

4. Manage your cloud saves

Objective: Know which version is synchronized and avoid errors between devices.

Steps:

1. If you use multiple devices (Xbox Series, Xbox One, or PC), go to My games and applications.

2. Select the game and press Menu (☰) > “Manage game and add-ons”.

3. In the Saved Data tab, you can:

   • See which device made the last save.

   • See the date and time of the last change.

   • Identify if there is a file pending synchronization.

4. If there is a conflict (for example, local version and cloud version), the system will ask you which one to keep when starting the game.

Important: Make sure you are connected to the internet for synchronizations to be done correctly. We recommend following us here or on our social networks so you don’t miss any of our guides or news about Xbox updates or games released for it.