The short answer is yes, you can use an external hard drive with an Xbox One. However, there are some requirements and limitations to be aware of when choosing and using an external drive with your Xbox One console.
Quick Overview
The Xbox One allows you to use external USB 3.0 hard drives to store games and apps. But not every hard drive will work – there are minimum storage requirements and other limitations:
- The drive must be USB 3.0 compatible and have a storage capacity between 256GB and 16TB.
- The drive must have a partition specifically for Xbox One games and apps.
- The drive needs to meet minimum speed requirements – USB 3.0 or faster.
- External HDDs up to 16TB are supported.
- RAID configurations and flash drives are not supported.
By following Xbox One external storage requirements and limitations, you can expand your storage capacity for games, apps, and media.
Storage Requirements
Not all external hard drives will work with your Xbox One. The console has specific requirements:
- USB 3.0 – The external drive must connect via USB 3.0 to achieve the speeds necessary for gaming. USB 2.0 drives are too slow and not supported.
- 256GB to 16TB capacity – The drive must be between 256GB and 16TB. Drives smaller than 256GB will not work.
- Partitioned for Xbox One – The external drive must be partitioned and formatted specifically for use as Xbox One storage. The console will prompt you to set this up.
- Directly connected – The drive must connect directly to a USB port on the Xbox One. Connecting via a USB hub is not supported.
- 5,400 RPM or faster – The external drive’s rotational speed needs to be at least 5,400 RPM to meet minimum speed requirements.
Solid state drives (SSDs) also work with Xbox One since they exceed the minimum speed requirements. Just make sure any external drive you use meets the console’s minimum requirements.
Setup and Partitioning
Setting up and formatting an external hard drive for use with Xbox One involves just a few simple steps:
- Connect the external USB 3.0 HDD directly to a USB port on the Xbox One.
- Power on the Xbox One and go to Settings > System > Manage Storage.
- Under External Storage, select the drive and choose Format for Games & Apps.
- Select Format Storage Device. This will partition and format the drive specifically for Xbox One content.
That’s it! The external drive will now show up as available storage space on your Xbox One. The console will automatically install future games and apps to the external drive to save your main system storage space.
What You Can Store on an External Hard Drive
An external drive adds storage space for more Xbox One games, apps, and downloadable content. Here are the main things you can store:
- Games and Apps – Any games and apps installed from the Microsoft Store.
- Game Add-Ons – Additional content like map packs, expansions, etc.
- Game Saves – Save data for your games.
- Apps – Video streaming apps, entertainment apps, etc.
- Music – Your music library of tracks and albums.
- Videos – Movies, video clips and other video files.
You can play and access all these types of content directly from the external drive once installed. And you can move or copy content between the main internal drive and external drive.
Game Performance from an External HDD
Will game performance suffer if running from an external hard drive? Generally, no. If using a USB 3.0 drive that meets the minimum speed requirements, game performance should be on par with Xbox One’s internal drive. Some tips:
- Faster hard drives enhance loading times. An SSD will load fastest.
- External drive RPMs should match or exceed internal drive RPM.
- Avoid using the external drive for other tasks simultaneously.
- Connect the external drive directly to the Xbox One if possible.
The vast majority of external USB 3.0 HDDs meet the minimum requirements for optimal gameplay. Solid state drives are ideal for even faster loading times.
Supported Drive Types
The Xbox One supports most external USB 3.0 hard drives, including popular models from major brands. Supported external drive types include:
- 3.5-inch mechanical hard drives
- 2.5-inch solid state hybrid drives
- 2.5-inch solid state drives (SSDs)
As long as the external drive meets the interface, capacity, speed and formatting requirements, it should work fine with Xbox One. Some popular supported models include:
| Seagate Game Drive Hub for Xbox | Western Digital My Book |
| Seagate Backup Plus Portable | Samsung T5 Portable SSD |
| WD Elements Desktop Hard Drive | Silicon Power Rugged Armor |
These are just some examples. There are many other compatible external hard drives not listed here from major manufacturers like Seagate, Western Digital, Toshiba, Samsung, and more.
Adding Multiple External Drives
The Xbox One allows you to use up to two external USB drives simultaneously. This gives you flexibility for storing your games and apps. Some tips if using multiple drives:
- Up to 2 external USB 3.0 drives supported at once.
- Manage storage options under Settings > System > Storage.
- Set the drive where you want new content installed by default.
- Move or copy existing games between drives via Settings.
With two external drives attached, you can move content back and forth to actively manage your storage. This allows you to easily free up space or organize games across both drives.
Limitations and Considerations
While Xbox One supports adding external storage, there are some limitations to consider:
- Requires USB 3.0 support and minimum 256GB capacity.
- Maximum 16TB external drive supported.
- Must format drive specifically for Xbox One use only.
- RAID configurations and USB hubs not supported.
- Drives must directly connect to Xbox One USB port.
- 1-2 external drives supported at once.
The console won’t recognize external hard drives that don’t meet these requirements. Supported external storage is limited compared to options for PC or PS4. But 1-2 external drives up to 16TB greatly expand your overall storage potential.
No Support for Flash Drives
USB flash drives are not supported for Xbox One game storage. This is likely due to the lower capacity limits and speeds compared to traditional HDDs and SSDs. The console requires a minimum 256GB and USB 3.0, which flash drives currently do not satisfy in most cases.
External Drives Locked to Individual Consoles
One downside is that external storage is locked and formatted specifically for use with only one Xbox One console. The external hard drive will not work if connected to a different Xbox One. So you cannot easily use an external drive on a friend’s console.
Tips for Choosing an External Hard Drive
If buying an external drive for your Xbox One, keep these tips in mind:
- Get a USB 3.0 drive for optimal speed.
- SSDs provide the best performance.
- Aim for 256GB minimum capacity.
- Consider at least 5,400 RPM speed or above.
- Portable and desktop drives will both work.
- Pick a reputable major brand for reliability.
- Consider extra features like transfer speeds, drive caching, warranty length, etc.
Shopping for an Xbox One external hard drive is very similar to shopping for an ordinary PC or Mac external drive. Any reputable model meeting the interface, speed and capacity requirements will work great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using external storage with Xbox One:
Can I Use Any Hard Drive with Xbox One?
No, the console has specific requirements – the external drive must be USB 3.0 compatible and meet capacity, speed, and formatting needs. But most major hard drives and solid state drives meet these requirements.
What Happens if I Unplug the External Drive?
You will lose access to any games or content stored on the external drive while unplugged. The games will reappear when the drive is plugged back in. Your save data is stored separately and not affected.
Can I Use an Old Hard Drive?
You can use an older external hard drive if it meets the minimum interface (USB 3.0), capacity (256GB+), speed (5,400 RPM+) and formatting requirements. But newer drives are recommended for optimal performance.
Can I Store Media Files?
Yes, you can store other media like music, video files and photos on an external drive in addition to games, apps and associated content.
How Do I Transfer Content Between Drives?
You can transfer installed games and apps between external and internal storage under Settings > System > Storage. Just highlight the content and select Move.
Conclusion
Using an external hard drive with Xbox One can easily expand your storage capacity for games, apps and media. Nearly any USB 3.0 external HDD or SSD from 256GB up to 16TB will work, as long as it meets the interface, capacity, speed and formatting requirements. With up to 2 external drives supported, you can greatly expand your total available storage space. Just make sure to choose reputable brands and high quality drives for optimal performance.
