Xbox Error Code 0x87E10BCB — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 0x87E10BCB means your Xbox failed to download or apply a game update. The console tried to update a game but the process stopped and could not finish. This is usually caused by a network interruption, storage issue, or a corrupted update file.

Affected Models

Xbox One
Xbox One S
Xbox One X
Xbox Series S
Xbox Series X

Common Causes

Your internet connection was interrupted while the update was downloading
The update file downloaded but became corrupted before it could be installed
There is not enough free storage space to download and apply the update
The Microsoft Store servers had a temporary issue delivering the update package
The game's installation on your console is damaged and cannot accept an update

How to Fix It

Cancel the update and retry. Go to My Games & Apps > Queue, select the failing update, press Menu > Cancel. Wait 1 minute, then go to My Games & Apps, highlight the game, press Menu, and select Check for Updates.

Cancelling clears the stuck update file and forces the console to request a fresh copy.
Free up storage space. Press the Xbox button > Settings > System > Storage. Delete unused games or content. Modern game updates can be 5 to 30+ GB.

The Xbox needs free space not only for the update file itself, but also as working space during installation.
Power cycle your Xbox. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the console shuts off. Unplug the power cable for 30 seconds, reconnect, and restart. Then retry the update.

A full power cycle clears the download cache and resets network connections that may have stalled.
Move the game to a different storage device. Go to My Games & Apps, press Menu on the game, select Manage game > Move or Copy. Move it to the other available storage, then check for updates again.

If the game's current storage location has issues, moving it can allow the update to apply correctly.
Uninstall and reinstall the game completely. Go to My Games & Apps, press Menu on the game, select Uninstall. Reinstall from disc or the Microsoft Store. The fresh install will include the latest version.

Your cloud saves will sync back automatically when you sign in. A clean install is the most reliable fix when updates keep failing.

When to Call a Professional

0x87E10BCB is a software error — no repair technician is needed. If the game consistently fails to update after reinstalling, contact Xbox Support or the game publisher's support team. Some persistent update failures are caused by server-side issues that only the publisher can resolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my game before I can play it?

It depends on the game. Many games require the latest update to access online features or multiplayer. Some games can be played offline without updating — disconnect from the internet, launch the game, and choose to play offline if prompted. However, skipping updates can mean missing bug fixes and new content.

Why is my game update so large?

Game updates can be large for several reasons — bug fixes, new content, improved graphics, or security patches. Some games rebuild large portions of their data during an update, resulting in downloads that seem bigger than expected. Using a wired connection and downloading overnight can make large updates much more manageable.

Can I pause a game update and resume it later?

Yes. Go to My Games & Apps > Queue, find the update, and press Menu > Pause. Resume it later from the same location. However, if you start an update and it gets corrupted mid-download, pausing and resuming may not help — you may need to cancel and restart the update entirely.