How to set a bandwidth limit to download games on the Xbox App for Windows 11

In my case, the issue was caused by something I chose to do (and was advised to) with Windows 11 - throttling Windows Update download speeds.

Windows Update > Delivery Optimization > Advanced Settings

I had previously had issues with download speeds on my new Windows 11 PC and was told that Windows Update sometimes hogged all the resources. I went here and limited its bandwidth. Unfortunately, Microsoft neglects to tell you that it ties Windows Store and the Xbox app downloads into the same resources as Windows Update, so when I chose to limit Update I also kneecapped Store and Xbox. I reset everything there to what it was before, restarted my PC, checked to make sure my changes were saved, and then went to the Xbox app. Lo, it downloads my games normally now.

(Incidentally, this is another in a line of incidents I've had with Windows 11, Xbox app, or Microsoft stuff, where I went to the communities and support staff, no one could help me, and I went and found the solution myself)

Hi there Mario welcome to the community forum! Christopher here, an Xbox fan just like you and has been on Xbox for years already. I would really love to make your day by helping you out. This sounds like a ping issue.

Automatic updates help keep your device on top of things with performance improvements and security patches. Unfortunately, these updates can hog your internet bandwidth and slow your system’s ping rate.

On Windows 10, you can set a bandwidth limit for system update downloads. Here’s how to do it.

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.

Go to Update and Security.

Open the Delivery Optimization tab from the left pane and then open Advanced options.

Under the Download settings section, choose Percentage of measured bandwidth.

Check the Limit how much bandwidth is used for download updates in the background option.

Depending on your internet speed, adjust the slider to set the bandwidth limit to 10% or less.

Furthermore, disable automatic updates on your game client to prevent any hindrance during gameplay.

I can't say I'm entirely surprised by the App having issues...I run Windows 10 and the Xbox App barely even downloads at 10% of my internet bandwidth. Given Windows 11 is still in it's infancy, issues can often be magnified

Hit windows key and type "Settings"

Click "Settings"

Click "Update & Security"

Under Update settings Click "Advanced options"

Click "Delivery Optimization"

Click "Advanced options"

Under Download settings there is a checkbox for "Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the background". Make sure the box is checked and
set slider to 100%.

it's because it's exactly the same system that is updating windows and Xbox. You're contacting the same servers

Just because they contact the same servers (assuming this is true) doesn't mean the client-end has to be constrained by settings that are effectively hidden away 4-5 layers deep in advanced Windows settings.

Seems more like an oversight than an actual decision (hopefully). Not to mention it does go against the standard that users expect.

Hopefully this can be treated as a feature request for the devs, somehow. 👍