Xbox Dev Mode Setup Guide | Play Emulators on your Xbox Series / Xbox One

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through setting up Xbox Dev Mode on your Xbox One or Series console. By following these steps, you'll be able to run custom applications, including emulators, in a safe and legal sandbox environment provided by Microsoft.

Step 1: Prepare Your Environment

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

• Xbox One or Series console
• Windows 10 or above PC
• USB drive for storing games

Important Notes

• If you're part of the Xbox Update Preview program, you must leave it to avoid errors. To do this:
  • Open the Xbox Insider App
  • Navigate to “Xbox Update Preview”
  • Select “Manage” and then “Leave Preview”
  • Update your console via settings

Step 2: Create a Microsoft Developer Account

1. Click the link to the Microsoft developer account registration.
2. Select your country.
3. Choose "Individual" and fill in the required fields.
4. Enter your billing information.
   • If you encounter issues, try a different account or payment method.

Step 3: Set Up the USB Drive

1. Insert your USB drive into your PC.
2. Download the “Xbox Media Tool” from the GitHub store linked in the description.
3. Extract the downloaded folder and run XboxMediaUSB.exe.
   • If blocked, click “More info” and select “run anyway.”
4. Choose your USB drive and check the optional boxes.
5. Click “format USB” and confirm.

Step 4: Add Games to the USB Drive

• With the USB drive formatted, create folders for your ROMs and BIOS files.
• Safely eject the USB drive from your PC after adding your games.

Step 5: Install Xbox Dev Mode

1. On your Xbox, go to the Microsoft Store.
2. Search for “Xbox Dev Mode” and download it.
3. Open the app and click “next” twice to see the activation code.
4. On your PC, visit aka.ms/activatexbox and enter the code.
5. Confirm activation on your Xbox and select “switch and restart.”

Step 6: Configure Dev Mode Settings

1. Once in Dev Mode, press the menu button on your controller.
2. Select “manage dev storage” and set it to 5GB to free up internal space.
3. Connect your console to the internet:
   • Go to “settings,” “network settings,” and set up your wireless network.
4. Add your existing account in the “test account” section.

Step 7: Enable Remote Access

1. Go to “remote access settings” and enable “Xbox Device Portal.”
2. Optionally, check “require authentication” to secure access.
3. Note the remote access link displayed on the dashboard.

Step 8: Access the Device Portal

1. Open your web browser and enter the remote access link.
2. Ignore any security warnings to proceed to the Xbox Device Portal.

Step 9: Adjust Device Portal Settings

1. In the Device Portal, click “settings” on the left.
2. Under “power,” change the “power mode” to “instant on.”
3. In “preference,” set “default home experience” to “retail home.”
4. Enable “treat UWP apps as games by default” and set “auto sign in user” to your account.
5. Restart your Xbox.

Step 10: Install Applications

1. Download “Safe Exit” and any emulators (like Dolphin) from the GitHub store.
2. Extract the downloaded files to your desktop.
3. Go back to the Xbox Device Portal, click the green “add” button, and upload Safe Exit.
4. If prompted for dependencies, drag and drop those files then click “start” to install.
5. Repeat the process for Dolphin or any other applications.

Step 11: Using Dev Mode and Switching Back

• To play your emulators, go to “my games & apps” on your Xbox.
• To return to retail mode, launch Safe Exit from your apps.
• To re-enter Dev Mode, open the Xbox Dev Mode app and select “Switch and restart.”

Conclusion

You have successfully set up Xbox Dev Mode and installed your first applications. Explore the possibilities of emulation and custom apps on your Xbox. If you have questions, consider joining the Xbox Emulation Hub Discord for community support. Enjoy your gaming!