Xbox gamers seem to be having a rough time due to a widespread update failure that left thousands staring at an error code 0x8B050033. The frustrating screen appeared when users tried to boot up their systems, effectively bricking consoles and preventing access to games, streaming apps, and other services.
Social media exploded with angry posts from gamers who wanted to unwind after work, only to face the dreaded error message. One Reddit user shared their frustration with a post titled: “Fu***n Microsoft man, gotta love when you have a long day just to see this when you wanna watch South Park.”
The issue stems from Microsoft’s Xbox Insider program, which lets users test beta features before public release. What started as routine system maintenance quickly became a nightmare for program participants. Users reported their consoles would automatically boot to the error screen when connecting to the internet, creating a frustrating loop.
A few users pointed out that it’s because of server maintenance, but the situation was messier than that. Some consoles on the same network worked fine while others stayed stuck for hours, leaving people confused about why the problem wasn’t universal.
The good news is that a fix has emerged from the community itself, and it has worked for a large number of people. The consensus fix involves a simple, yet critical, step: accessing the Xbox Insider Program. Many of the affected users were enrolled in this program, which gives them early access to system updates and features. It seems that a recent insider build is the source of the trouble.
To resolve the issue, players need to use a separate device, such as a PC or even an iPhone, to access the Xbox Insider Hub. From there, they can navigate to settings and remove their affected console from the list of enrolled devices. After this step, when the Xbox is powered on again, it should receive a new, working update and bypass the error screen.
The fix works consistently for those who can access it, but Microsoft still hasn’t explained what went wrong. Feel free to drop a comment below to let us know if this helped you or not.
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Dwayne Cubbins
1319 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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