Can an Xbox One Get a Virus? Fool-Proof Guide!

Can an Xbox One get a virus? If this is a question that you really want to know the answer to, this guide will give you all the details!

Malware, ransomware, viruses, and other malicious pieces of software are very common in computers.

They can slow down your computer or get your personal information like credit card details.

Can Xbox get viruses? Not necessarily, but you’re not 100% safe. Your console comes with security features that will stop viruses from infecting it. However, you are still exposed since it’s connected to the internet. Malware and phishing are some things you need to look out for.

Let’s take a look at some of the symptoms that you need to watch out for to know if your console has some form of malware.

How to Know If Your Xbox is Affected

If you’re still asking can an Xbox One get a virus? Here are the symptoms you’ll encounter if your console is infected.

Certain malware can use your console as an entry point and attack other devices on your network. You will need to look out for any type of weird behavior from your console.

1. Random Friend Requests

If you’re getting an increase in random friend requests, you need to be vigilant. This is one of the entry points hackers use to access your entire network.

2. Weird Notifications And Messages

Messages with strange links are one of the symptoms to look out for. If they look scam and have links, hackers are likely trying to get in.

3. Unauthorized Purchases

You’ll know you’re in trouble if you start seeing purchases that you did not make through your Xbox account.

4. Random Disconnections

Online games have anti-cheat systems in place. If you start experiencing random disconnects in the middle of the game, there is something wrong with your console.

These are some of the signs that you need to look out for to know if your Xbox is affected by a virus or malware.

We can now move on to the preventive steps you can take so your console does not get infected!

How to Avoid and Remove a Virus from Your Xbox

When it comes to viruses, malware, or other scams on the internet, your best weapon is vigilance. Know the different red flags you want to avoid, so you don’t compromise your console and entire network.

A virus or malware may not necessarily infect your Xbox, but it can jump to other devices on your network.

Step #1: Change Your Passwords Regularly

The first thing you need to do is regularly change your account passwords.

This is a good step since even if you’re compromised, you make it harder for hackers to gain access again as soon as you change it.

Of course, you need to change the password of your Xbox account, so you prevent unauthorized game purchases.

You can also change the password of your WiFi, email, and computer, so you don’t readily give up your sensitive information.

Here are the steps to change your Microsoft account password:

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account.
2. Navigate to the Security page.
3. Enter your current password.
4. Create a new password.
5. Retype it to confirm, then press Save.

Note: You may be asked to verify your identity by typing in a code that they will send to your email or number during the process.

Step #2: Don’t Accept Strange Friend Requests

Adding your friends to your Xbox account is one of the best ways to enjoy your console’s multiplayer features.

The downside to this is that strangers that you have played with can send you a message.

The problem now is that suspicious people can send you links that compromise your security.

Here’s how to change the privacy settings on your Xbox:

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account.
2. Go to Privacy Settings.
3. Find Who can contact me.
4. Set the slider to All messenger friends.
5. Click Save to confirm.

Note: You can also adjust the slider to be at Messenger friends and their friends, but we don’t recommend going beyond that.

Step #3: Don’t Click on Suspicious Looking Links

One of the ways that a hacker can access your network is by sending you suspicious links.

Now, since you blocked messaging from unknown contacts, you can only click on these links through the built-in browser.

Clicking a link from a suspicious website may not get your console infected with a virus.

However, if it’s made well enough, it can affect other devices on your network. It still pays to be vigilant and not click on links you do not trust.

Here’s how to block suspicious links on your entire console:

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller.
2. Select Profile & System, then go to Settings.
3. Click on Account, then select Privacy & online safety.
4. Go to Message Safety.
5. Select to filter out Web links.

Tip: You can also filter out other types, such as audio, video, and text, to maintain your account’s safety and privacy.

Step #4: Don’t Buy Games from Unauthorized Sources

Microsoft has an official marketplace for all its games and subscriptions. However, there are also other sellers online that can offer games at significantly lower prices.

These sites can sometimes be phishing scams where you inadvertently give up your personal details to them.

Here are the things you need to do to secure your account:

1. Only buy from the Official Microsoft Store.
2. Don’t enter your login details on suspicious websites.
3. Don’t give your personal information to online sellers.
4. Don’t give your game account information to others.

Note: Whenever you’re buying games online, do it from the app store on your console. Better yet, purchase physical games to be safe.

Step #5: Update Your Xbox Software to the Latest Version

One of the best ways to protect your console and network from malware attacks is to update your Xbox’s software.

With each update, Microsoft can greatly improve your console’s security features so it can block the latest viruses and malware.

Here’s how to update your Xbox:

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller.
2. Go to Profile & system, then Settings.
3. Select System, then Updates.
4. On the Updates page, click on Console update available.
5. Wait for the update to finish.

Tip: The updates are downloaded directly to your Xbox, so you don’t have to worry about using a different device to help you perform it.

Step #6: Reset Your Xbox to Factory Settings

If you get affected and encounter the symptoms described above, you want to reset your console to stop the spread.

It will also remove all traces of the malware from your console so it won’t continue to spread to your entire network.

Here’s how to reset your Xbox:

1. Press the Xbox button.
2. Go to Profile & system, then Settings.
3. Select System, then Console info.
4. Click on Reset console.
5. Choose Reset and remove everything.

Note: You can consider this a last resort since it will erase all your games and settings.

If clamping down on your security and resetting your Xbox does not resolve the issue, you can contact Microsoft Support to get more help.

You could be experiencing hardware problems beyond this guide’s scope.

Read Next: Can You Use Beats for Xbox One Mic?

Bottom Line

Now that you know the answer to can an Xbox One get a virus, you can now play with the knowledge that you can prevent it from happening.

As long as you’re vigilant and follow the step we described, you should be able to keep your console and account safe and secure.