Microsoft could finally fix one of Xbox's biggest download speed issues with new feature

With sizes of games ballooning every year, especially with high-profile releases, aside from having the required space, not being able to download them as fast as possible is also a concern. Microsoft is seemingly trying to fix that problem for good with its Xbox consoles now, as it's now testing a new "smart download client."

Arriving as a part of the latest Xbox Insider preview updates, the new 2608.260719-2200 release on the Alpha Skip-Ahead Ring is now carrying this new feature.

Microsoft is describing the Xbox console upgrade as both a game install and update speed optimization effort, all using this smart download client.

The new client does this by first checking with the servers if they are available and ready to deliver the download it is requesting. Once that's satisfied, the client will then check each server pool for the best and fastest available connection. As the download progresses, the smart client will even run more speed tests periodically to make sure the fastest available connection to the console is still in use.

The company did not detail what exactly it has been doing before this new implementation, but if the new changes are as effective as it says they are, Xbox players facing slow downloads or installs on known-good internet connections may have some good news waiting for them.

Once the testing period is over, the smart download client should start rolling out to everyone in the Xbox console pool and hopefully even be extended to other platforms like Windows too. The full changelog of this Xbox Insider 2608.260719-2200 update can be found here.

This Xbox update is already rolling to Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring. If you don't want to wait for the full release, head here to find out how to join the Xbox Insider Program to get a chance to test these features and upcoming ones on both consoles and PC.