Error code 0x80190191 can be kinda frustrating, especially when you’re trying to watch your purchased videos or do an Xbox update. That message about “Can’t perform the requested action because access requires a username and password” feels like Windows and Xbox are arguing over who should get access first. The weird thing is, it sometimes pops up unexpectedly, even if everything was working fine earlier. So, if you’ve tried the usual stuff like restarting the console and it didn’t fix it, here are some more concrete things to try — because of course, Xbox can be pretty picky about network stuff and updates.
What can I do to fix the Xbox error 0x80190191?
Power cycle your console
This helps clear out any temporary glitch in the system. Sometimes, just turning the Xbox off completely and then back on resets whatever’s acting up behind the scenes. It’s simple but often surprisingly effective, especially if the error is caused by a momentary glitch.
- Hold down the Xbox button on the front of the console for about 10 seconds. It should turn off completely — no lights blinking or anything.
- Unplug the power cable for a minute or so. Usually, this helps clear residual power, which can sometimes be part of the problem.
- Plug it back in and turn on the Xbox by pressing the Xbox button either on the console or on your controller.
- Check if the error persists — sometimes, a quick power cycle is enough to fix the network or update hiccups that cause this error.
On some setups, this fixes the issue right away, but if not, move on to clearing the system cache.
Clear system cache
This step is basically telling your Xbox to forget some outdated or corrupted data it might be holding onto. It’s pretty low-risk and can resolve weird network or update errors that pop up without explanation.
- Press the Guide button on your controller (the Xbox button).
- Navigate to Settings and then choose System Settings.
- Select Storage.
- Highlight the storage device you’re using (internal or external), then press the Y button on your controller to open Device Options.
- Scroll down and click on Clear System Cache. On some versions, it’s just a button on this screen.
- Confirm when prompted with Yes. This shouldn’t delete your games or saves, just temporary data, so no worries there.
After this, restart the Xbox and see if the error message is gone. Sometimes, this step alone is enough to fix access or update hiccups.
Perform Offline System Update
This is kinda a nuclear option — but if your console is stuck in a loop or can’t connect properly, doing an offline update might just reset everything. You’ll need a USB drive with at least 6GB of free space, and Microsoft provides a handy tool for this on their website.
- Get a USB drive (faster formatting and empty, none other than the one you’ll use for updates).It’s best to format it as FAT32 (or exFAT if FAT32 is not available).
- Download the OSU1 (Offline System Update) ZIP file from the official Xbox support page.
- Extract the ZIP file to your computer, then copy the $SystemUpdate file into the root directory of your USB drive. No folder, just the file directly on the drive.
- Safely eject the USB, unplug your Xbox, then plug the USB into the console.
- Hold the Bind and Eject buttons on your Xbox One simultaneously, then press the Xbox button while holding those. Keep holding the bind and eject buttons until you hear the second power-up tone — that signals the console is starting in maintenance mode.
- Let go of the buttons. The console should boot into the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter.
- Select the Offline System Update option using your controller (navigate with D-pad and press A).
- Follow prompts, and the system will read the update file from the USB. Once done, the console should reboot normally and hopefully clear out whatever was causing the error.
Pro tip: Sometimes the update process doesn’t work on the first try, especially if the USB isn’t formatted correctly or the file is misplaced. Double-check everything if it doesn’t work the first time.
Reset your Xbox without losing everything
If you’re still stuck after all that, consider resetting the console but keeping your apps and saves intact — this can fix a ton of weird software glitches.
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the menu.
- Navigate to Settings > System > Console info.
- Select Reset console.
- Choose Reset and keep my games & apps. This resets the OS but keeps your games installed and saves safe. Sometimes, corrupted OS files cause this error, so this step can help clear them.
Just a heads up, this might take a few minutes, and you’ll need to set some preferences again, but it’s usually worth it to get rid of the error mess.
There are a few other tricks, like checking your network settings, DNS, or even doing a factory reset if nothing else works. But these are the main ones that have a decent shot at fixing that stubborn error.