Why do optimized games install on external storage if they can’t run there?

Because for some people it's easier to store them there and then move them to the internal when they want to use them instead of having to do a new install.

I understand that, but it just seems odd it automatically did it. There was plenty of room on the main hard drive, it just adds an extra step. Would have thought there’d be an internal flag for an optimized game to go to internal storage by default since they don’t run off external

It is important to note you MUST install the game on the internal storage or the Xbox storage card

NOT any external hdd devices

To use optimized games

Are you installing on internal storage or external hdd

Keep in mind and optimized games MUST Be Stored on internal.memory or the storage card

External hdds will not work for patched or optimized games

To run

Hi

Optimized for Series X

There are some Xbox One games in there like Gears 5, Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 4 and a few others.

These 'Optimized' games will need to be installed internally or on to the Expansion card.

External USB Storage can hold all games, but Series X/S games or optimized Xbox One games can not run from USB Storage.