Microsoft is working on its and the sustainability of its products. For this, efforts have been increased in the areas of hardware, software and waste reduction. Part of what you contribute is new software optimizations for the Xbox. These are intended to reduce the environmental impact of gaming and are now available to Xbox Insiders. 
After Windows 11, Microsoft is now also giving the Xbox a function to use more renewable energies for updates. For example, regional data on carbon pollution is used in order to use updates for games, apps and the operating system at times when there is a lot of electricity in the power grid from renewable or lower-emission energies. The update is intended to solve the dependencies on fossil fuels and thus CO2 emissions. The update is no longer simply carried out at night. In addition, the energy saving mode must be used and the console needs an Internet connection. For now, the feature is only available to insiders. This option will soon be rolled out to all users.
Additionally, Xbox Insiders will automatically upgrade Xbox Series X|S consoles to the Shut Down power saving option to reduce power consumption when not in use. This will not affect gameplay or the nightly updates. In addition, the setting can be adjusted at any time. According to Microsoft, shutdown uses up to 20 times less power than hibernation. Especially with the current electricity prices you can also save quite a bit.
Also new to the game, also initially for insiders, is the “Active hours” setting. Anyone who chooses the energy option “Hibernate” can now also set a period of time in which the console should be ready. During active hours, the Xbox boots up faster and is also available for remote updates. When the Xbox is out of active hours for the day, it shuts down completely and consumes only 0.5 watts compared to 10-15 watts when active. For the next-gen consoles, this function is activated automatically, for the Xbox One you have to configure it accordingly.
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