Xbox March 2021 update rolls out with new features and changes

Xbox consoles are now getting the March 2021 Update with FPS Boost and Auto HDR toggles, subscription management settings, updated Xbox Accessories app, and more.

Xbox March 2021 Update setting
Xbox March 2021 Update setting (source: Microsoft)
  • Xbox March 2021 Update is now available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and S.
  • The update adds new settings for FPS Boost and Auto HDR in the settings for supported games.
  • TV Listings has been removed from the OneGuide.
  • Xbox owners can now manage subscriptions within the console from the Account page.
  • Xbox Accessories app now supports the new Xbox Wireless Headset.

Microsoft is making available the March 2021 Update for consoles, including Xbox Series X, S, and Xbox One, with new features and changes to improve the gaming experience.

The March 2021 Update brings changes for the Xbox Accessories app to support the upcoming Xbox Wireless Headset, Auto HDR for backward compatible games, new FPS Boost settings, and game management experience improvements.

FPS Boost and Auto HDR

Starting with the March 2021 Update, Microsoft is rolling out new toggles for both FPS Boost and Auto HDR in the settings for supported games. After selecting the compatibility mode, you need to restart the game to apply the settings. You can always confirm the mode by pressing the Xbox button and checking the indicator under the clock.

OneGuide TV listings is no more

Microsoft has decided, based on feedback, to remove the TV listings for OneGuide on Xbox One. However, you can continue to use OneGuide to view connected HDMI devices, use the guide for HDMI-passthrough, watch TV with a USB TV but without the listings.

Game management experience

The Xbox update brings loading improvements on the Manage screens in My games & apps. Once the console installs this update, after purchasing games, the Manage screen makes it easier to understand the best part of the bundle to install if you select the “Choose what to install” option.

Xbox Subscriptions improvements

You can now also manage your subscriptions from the Xbox console under Settings > Account. On the Account settings page, you will now see the last and next charges, end date, and you will even be able to update your payment information.

Xbox Accessories app

As part of the Xbox Accessories update, the app will include support for the new headset on consoles and Windows 10, including settings to customize the audio experience with new controls for the equalizer, bass boost, auto-mute sensitivity, mic monitoring, and brightness of the microphone mute light.

The company also says that the headset will be capable of receiving updates wirelessly from your console.

Xbox app with achievements

In the Xbox mobile app, based on feedback, Microsoft is bringing back the achievements, but it is currently available for a limited number of gamers.

The latest update should download and install automatically, but you can always force the update from Settings > System > Updates, and under the “Updates” section, click the Console update available option to begin the installation.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].