E100 / E101
Microsoft Xbox Console
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
Xbox E100 and E101 are system software errors that prevent the console from starting normally. They most often follow a failed or interrupted system update. The Xbox Startup Troubleshooter (accessed by holding the bind and eject buttons) can fix these errors without losing game data.
Affected Models
- Xbox Series X
- Xbox Series S
- Xbox One X
- Xbox One S
- Xbox One
Common Causes
- System update was interrupted by a power cut or network loss
- Console storage corrupted during an update
- Internal hard drive / SSD failing
- Overheating caused an update to halt mid-process
- Update download corrupted
How to Fix It
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Access the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter.
Turn off the Xbox completely. Press and hold the Bind button (left side of console) and the Eject button simultaneously. While holding both, press the Xbox button on the console. Hold all three for 10–15 seconds. Release when you hear two power-up tones. The Startup Troubleshooter screen will appear.
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Select 'Reset this Xbox' keeping games and apps.
In the Startup Troubleshooter, choose Reset this Xbox → Keep my games & apps. This reinstalls the Xbox operating system without deleting your installed games, saves, or settings. It is the safest and most effective fix for E100 and E101.
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Try an Offline System Update (OSU) via USB.
If the Troubleshooter cannot connect to download the update, you can install it via USB. On a PC, download the Xbox Offline System Update file from xbox.com/en-GB/support/hardware-network/update-console-osu1. Copy the file to a FAT32-formatted USB stick (8 GB or larger). Insert the USB into the Xbox and access the Troubleshooter again — it will detect and install the update from USB.
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Ensure the console has stable power and ventilation.
Update failures often happen due to power instability or the console overheating mid-update. Ensure the Xbox is plugged directly into a wall socket (not a power strip). Clear 15 cm (6 inches) of space around all sides of the console for ventilation. Do not put the Xbox in a cabinet.
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Contact Xbox Support if all else fails.
If the Startup Troubleshooter cannot fix the error and the OSU fails, the internal storage drive may be failing. Contact Microsoft Xbox Support at support.xbox.com. Provide the full error code and describe when it started. Out-of-warranty repairs are available through Microsoft's device repair service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will fixing E100 on my Xbox delete my saves?
Using the Startup Troubleshooter's 'Keep my games & apps' option does not delete saves or installed games. Game saves are also backed up to Xbox Cloud Saving automatically if you have an Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Live account. The full 'Reset and remove everything' option does erase local data — avoid this option unless specifically instructed to use it.