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Installing and Using BoxedWine on Xbox (Developer Mode)

This guide explains how to install and run BoxedWine, a Windows application emulator, on an Xbox Series S/X console in Developer Mode. BoxedWine allows you to run 16-bit and 32-bit Windows applications and games (per the upstream port targeting Xbox Series Developer Mode). This guide is based on a YouTube tutorial by ReviveMe (https://www.youtube.com/@ReviveMe).

At a glance

BoxedWine (16/32-bit Windows apps)

Runs 32-bit Windows apps via Wine, NTFS USB strongly recommended.

Last tested: 03/09/2025
Dev ModeRequired
StorageNTFS USB for app zips, internal is limited
User folderZIPs live on USB, app data stored internally
DifficultyIntermediate - 20-30 minutes
BIOS/keysNone
ControllersXbox gamepad, UI is cursor-driven
Works
  • Installs via Device Portal with dependencies
  • Runs zipped 16/32-bit apps from USB
  • Game type improves performance/stability
Known issues
  • All app files must be zipped together
  • Wrong NTFS permissions block USB access
  • 64-bit apps are unsupported

Zip each 32-bit app with all needed DLLs, format USB NTFS and set permissions before install.

Prerequisites​

Before you begin, you must have the following:

  1. Xbox in Developer Mode: This is absolutely essential. Xbox Developer Mode Setup
  2. External Storage: A USB flash drive or external hard drive. This drive must be properly formatted for use with the Xbox in Developer Mode.
  3. A PC (Windows Recommended): You'll need a computer to download files, prepare the external drive, and remotely manage your Xbox.
  4. BoxedWine Files: See the Installation section below for download instructions.
  5. (Optional) 32-bit Windows Application: This is used to test BoxedWine. The application's files (.exe, .msi, or .bat, and any required dependencies) must be compressed into a .zip file.

Installation​

The installation process is divided into three main parts:

Part 1: Downloading and Preparing Files (on your PC)​

  1. Download BoxedWine from Emulation Revival:

  2. Prepare your 32-bit Application (Example: Space Cadet Pinball):

    • This guide uses "Space Cadet Pinball" as an example, but you can use any 32-bit Windows application.
    danger

    All files related to your chosen application (the executable file - .exe, along with any necessary .dll files or other supporting files) must be compressed together into a single .zip file. If you have an installer (.msi) or a batch file (.bat), these should also be included in the .zip file. This is a mandatory requirement for BoxedWine to function correctly.

  3. Create Folder Structure on External Drive:

    • Connect your external drive to your PC.
    • Create a new folder on the external drive. The original tutorial uses the name "boxwine", but you can choose any name you prefer. This is where your application will reside.
    • Copy the .zip file containing your 32-bit application into this newly created folder.
    • Safely eject the external drive from your PC.

  4. Extract the BoxedWine ZIP:

    • On your PC, locate the downloaded Boxedwine-UWP-*.zip.
    • Extract it to a new folder (keep the path simple, e.g. Boxedwine-UWP). Do not install straight from the ZIP in Device Portal.
    • Inside the extracted folder you should have the main .msixbundle and a Dependencies folder (with an x64 subfolder of .appx files). Exact names can change by release, use the .msixbundle at the root of the extract.

Part 2: Installing BoxedWine on Your Xbox (Using Remote Access)​

  1. Enable Developer Portal on Your Xbox:

    • On your Xbox, navigate to the settings for Developer Mode.
    • Locate and click on "Remote Access Settings".
    • Enable the option labeled "Xbox Dev Portal".
    caution

    Take a screenshot or carefully write down the two web addresses (URLs) that are displayed. These URLs are crucial for accessing your Xbox remotely from your PC.

    • Optional (but recommended): The original tutorial suggests leaving the "Authentication" option (username/password) unchecked. This simplifies access to the portal.
    • Keep your Xbox on this settings screen.

  2. Access the Xbox Device Portal from Your PC:

    • Open a web browser on your PC.
    • In the address bar, type one of the URLs you recorded from your Xbox (the ones you just wrote down or screenshotted). Ensure that you include https:// at the beginning of the URL.
    • You will likely encounter a security warning (e.g., "Your connection is not private"). Click on "Advanced" and then choose "Proceed" (or the corresponding option in your browser) to bypass the warning.

  3. Install BoxedWine:

    • Once you are in the Xbox Device Portal (in your web browser), locate the "My games & apps" section.
    • Click the "Add" button.
    • Click "Choose file" (or a similarly labeled button) and open the .msixbundle from your extracted Boxedwine-UWP-* folder (the file at the root of the extract, not inside Dependencies).
    • Click "Next".

  4. Install Dependencies:

    • The portal will prompt you to "Choose any necessary dependencies".
    • Click "Choose file" again.
    • Go to Dependencies\x64 inside that same extracted folder.
    danger

    Add every .appx in Dependencies\x64, one file per prompt (repeat Choose file until each package is listed). The count can change by release. Missing one will break install.

    • After all dependencies are added, click "Start".

  5. Wait for Installation to Complete:

    • The installation process will take some time. Wait until you see the message "Package successfully registered".
    • Click "Done".
    • You can now close the Xbox Device Portal in your web browser.

Part 3: Configuring and Running BoxedWine on Your Xbox​

  1. Set BoxedWine to "Game" Mode:

    • Back on your Xbox, find BoxedWine in your list of applications.
    • Press the "Select" button (or the equivalent menu button) on your Xbox controller.
    • Choose "View details".
    • Change the application type from "App" to "Game". If it's already set to "Game", you can skip this step.
    • Exit the details screen.

  2. Launch BoxedWine:

    • Select and open the BoxedWine application.

  3. (Optional) Explore Settings:

    • BoxedWine offers various settings that you can adjust:
      • OS and Wine version selection
      • Graphics settings (including the renderer)
      • Performance settings (including frame skip)
      • Sound and execution options
      • Environmental variables
    • Experiment with these settings, especially if you encounter performance issues.

  4. Select Your 32-bit Application:

    • Connect your external drive (containing your application's .zip file) to your Xbox.
    • Within BoxedWine, choose the option labeled "Select ZIP".
    • Navigate to your external drive.
    • Locate the folder you created earlier (e.g., "boxwine").
    • Select the .zip file that contains your 32-bit application.
    • You should see a message confirming the file selection.

  5. Launch the Application:

    • Choose "Launchbox Wine."
    caution

    The application will not start immediately. Proceed to the next step.

  6. Run the Application (Critical Steps):

    • Within the BoxedWine interface, click the "Start" button (located in the bottom-left corner).
    • Click "Run".
    • Click "Browse".
    • Click the dropdown arrow next to the "username" field. Wait for it to load.
    • Select the entry that consists of only a dash (-).
    • Navigate to the mnt folder, and then to drive_d.
    • You should now see your application's folder (the one with the same name as your zip file). Click on it.
    • Locate the executable file (e.g., pinball.exe) within that folder.
    • Click "Open".
    • Click "OK".

  7. Wait for Application Startup:

    • The application should now launch. Be patient, as it may take a few moments.

  8. Input Method: The original video mentions that there is no controller support at this time. You must use a keyboard. Connect a USB keyboard to interact with your application.

Notes​

note

Compatibility: It is important to understand that not all 32-bit applications will be compatible with BoxedWine. The original tutorial suggests creating a compatibility list to track which applications work and which do not.

note

Performance: As this is an early version of BoxedWine, expect "bugs, stutters, and lags". You may be able to improve performance by adjusting the frame skip and renderer settings.

note

File Structure: Adhere strictly to the folder structure and .zip file requirements outlined in this guide. Deviations may cause the application to fail.