A recent update for the Xbox Insider Program seems to be causing significant issues for users, particularly those in the Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead tiers. Instead of resolving a minor user profile issue, the update is reportedly factory resetting Xbox consoles, causing users to re-add their profiles and reset various settings. Many users are also experiencing a frustrating update loop, where the system prompts for an update that repeatedly fails. Custom settings like home screen wallpaper and quick resume data are being wiped out, although games and purchases remain intact. Xbox has not yet commented on the situation, but it’s advisable for users in these tiers to avoid updating for now.

What should Xbox Insider Program users do in response to this update issue?

Users should refrain from attempting to update their consoles until further clarification is provided by Xbox. It’s best to let the situation stabilize before proceeding with any updates.

The Xbox Series X and Series S, released in November 2020, represent Microsoft's latest generation of gaming consoles, emphasizing powerful performance and fast load times. The Xbox Insider Program allows users to preview upcoming features and updates, though recent incidents like this highlight the potential risks involved in opting into pre-release software. With the gaming community keen on keeping their experiences uninterrupted, it's crucial for Microsoft to address these issues promptly.