Whether you’ve stopped using your Xbox 360 or you need to backup data, there’s a good chance you’ve considered connecting the Xbox hard drive to your PC.
But is the Xbox 360 disk drive compatible with a PC? How can you connect it and view the files? And would you really want to?
Here’s how to connect your Xbox 360 hard drive to a Windows PC.
Why Connect Your Xbox 360 HDD to a PC?
It’s not immediately obvious, but the Xbox 360 hard disk drive (HDD) is a standard 2.5-inch SATA storage device. You’ll find a similar drive in your PC or laptop. As such, it can be connected to any PC either using an adapter cable or via a HDD docking station.
But why go to the trouble of connecting your Xbox HDD to a computer?
- You need to back up your Xbox 360 HDD (e.g., the HDD is about to die)
- You want to read the Xbox 360 files on your PC
- You want to reuse the disk drive for data storage
Reading the Xbox 360 disk drive isn’t simple, however.
The Reality of Reading an Xbox 360 HDD on Your PC
With some work, the HDD from any Xbox 360 can be connected to a Windows computer. But connecting an Xbox 360 disk drive to your PC might not have the results you’re expecting.
The problem comes with reading the device.
If you’re looking for a way to view Xbox 360 files on your PC, things get tricky without a dedicated utility. Incredibly, Windows cannot read an Xbox 360 disk drive. Instead, you’ll be prompted to format the device upon connection without Windows giving you a suitable option to read it.
Currently, the best tool for reading your Xbox 360 drive is FATXplorer.
This utility is available for Windows Vista SP2 and later. It can be downloaded in 32-bit and 64-bit versions but costs $25. Fortunately, it also has a seven-day trial.
Download: FATXplorer($25)
Note that some antivirus software displays FATXplorer as malware. However, this is a false positive, so you can install the utility safely.
Once installed and running, FATXplorer will let you view files on your Xbox 360 (and Xbox original) hard disk drive. You just need a way to connect your Xbox 360 HDD to your PC.
Can You Use an Xbox 360 HDD Transfer Cable?
Before spending time hacking your old Xbox 360 HDD case, consider the Xbox 360 Hard Drive transfer cable.
It is designed for copying the contents of one HDD to another and it also works with a PC. So, connect the Xbox 360 hard disk case to the transfer cable and plug the USB cable into your PC. FATXplorer should then detect the device to read the Xbox 360 files on Windows.
If you don’t want to use the official transfer cable (or similar devices) you can try a DIY solution. However, you need to remove the hard drive from your Xbox 360 first.
Removing the Xbox 360 Hard Drive
Before connecting the hard drive to a PC you must remove it from your Xbox 360. Three models of Xbox 360 were released:
- Original Xbox 360 (2005)
- Xbox 360 S (2010)
- Xbox 360 E (2013)
Each requires a different set of steps for removing the hard disk drive
Before proceeding, ensure that the Xbox 360 console is shut down and the device disconnected from the mains.
Remove the HDD from an Xbox 360 Original
To remove the HDD from the original model of the Xbox 360, you’re going to need two TORX screwdrivers. Specifically, TORX T-6 and T-10. If you don’t already own these, they can be easily picked up on Amazon.
On the original Xbox 360, the HDD connects to the side (or top if you stand your console upright). It’s housed in a sealed case, designed to match the shape of the Xbox 360 in profile.
To proceed, eject the case by pressing the release button.
If you plan to access the HDD with a transfer cable, connect this to the prominent black plug. To open the drive, turn it over and remove the Microsoft seal.
Be aware that this voids all and any warranty that you have left on your Xbox 360’s hard drive. If it breaks after the procedure, you’ll have to buy a new one.
Don’t worry too much though, the warranty on your Xbox 360 console will remain intact, nonetheless.
Look for four visible screws (one was under the seal)—remove these with the TORX T-6 screwdriver.
After that, remove the top gently. You might need to use a plastic knife or guitar pick to help.
Don’t pull too hard, just start at the rounded side and pull it open slowly. The square end should give way too, in the end.
Inside you’ll discover four more TORX screws. Use the T-10 this time.
After you’ve removed them, pull away the thin metal cover to reveal the 2.5-inch hard drive.
Unplug the cable, then lift the drive to pull it free from the caddy.
(You might need to lift the drive first to get enough space to remove the cable.)
Remove the HDD From an Xbox 360 S
Things are simpler with the Xbox 360 S. With the console positioned horizontally, facing you, find the hard drive cover release on the right-hand side. You’ll find it near the back of the console.
Slide the release toward you, opening the hard drive cover as you do.
Remove the hard drive by pulling the tab.
With the drive removed, remember to close the cover.
Eject the Hard Drive From the Xbox 360 E
For the Xbox 360 E, hard drive removal is almost as simple.
Again, with the console laid horizontally and facing you, locate the hard drive cover release on the right.
This time, the release slides diagonally, down and toward you. Pull the hard drive door open at the same time.
Once again, pull the tab to remove the HDD.
Connecting Your Bare Xbox 360 Hard Drive to Your PC
With the HDD removed from your Xbox 360, you’re ready to connect it to your PC. You have three ways to do this.
- SATA to USB cable
- SATA to USB HDD docking station
- Install the disk inside your PC
Let’s look at those options in more detail.
Connect the HDD to Your PC With a SATA to USB Cable
To hook up the HDD with your PC, the easiest solution is a SATA to USB adapter. These are affordable cables with a power supply that you’ll find on Amazon.
Safer than opening your computer, this solution is also tidier. You can reuse the cable later for other spare drives, too.
Connect the Xbox 360 HDD to a Docking Station
Using a hot-pluggable USB docking station, you can easily connect SATA devices to your PC without opening it.
Various options are available. The Olmaster USB 3.0 SATA hard drive docking station features an eject button. It’s also compatible with 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives.
Alternatives might have multiple slots to handle more than one drive at a time. You could also use an empty external hard disk drive case to read the contents of the Xbox 360 HDD.
Install the Xbox 360 HDD Inside Your PC
As noted, the Xbox 360 HDD is a simple 2.5-inch SATA drive, so connect it like you would any other. Most computers open easily, and you can access the interior by removing just two screws.
Inserting the drive in your PC will require a SATA data cable connected from your computer’s motherboard. It will also require a SATA power cable from your computer’s power supply.
Secure the HDD in a free bay with two or more screws if you’re planning to leave it connected long-term.
Read or Reuse Your Xbox 360 Disk Drive on Windows
Accessing the contents of your Xbox 360 hard drive is straightforward with a dedicated transfer cable. Or you can rely on SATA adapters, or simply install the disk in your PC. You’ll also need a tool like FATXplorer to read the contents on Windows. Alternatively, format the disk and reuse it.
Perhaps the biggest challenge is removing the HDD from your Xbox 360. Fortunately, this gets easier with each subsequent version of the console. If you’re moving on from the old Microsoft console, here’s how to play Xbox 360 games on your Xbox One.
