The Microsoft Dashboard is preinstalled on the NAND of every retail system. Unlike Homebrew Dashboards, the Microsoft Dashboard is relatively limited and will only offer the same features as a stock Xbox 360. It does not offer features like launching XEX executables and FTP, and its file management and customization features are also rudimentary.
The Dashboard's most recent version is 2.0.17559.0.
History
The Microsoft Dashboard had four major redesigns over the console's lifecycle. All titles are dubbed by the community - except New Xbox Experience (only the abbreviation is) and Blades.
Blades
This is the first released Dashboard. It was introduced with the Xbox 360's launch in 2005 and lasted until 2008.
This Dashboard spans versions 2.0.1888.0 - 2.0.6717.0
2.0.6770.0 was a supplementary update on the game disc of 'Lips' and was necessary for the microphone accessory to work.
NXE (New Xbox Experience)
In 2008, the Xbox 360's Dashboard recieved a redesign. Xbox Avatars, as well as support for GoD (Games on Demand) was introduced.
This Dashboard spans versions 2.0.7357.0 - 2.0.9199.0
2.0.7371.0 was the last Dashboard to support the JTAG-Hack. [1]
Kinect
Introduced with the Xbox 360 S and the Kinect Sensor in 2010, the Dashboard introduced support for the Kinect, hence the name. The dashboard was redesigned with Metro design principles and features a new boot animation, Kinect Hub was introduced for easier navigation with the Kinect.
This Dashboard spans versions 2.0.12611.0 - 2.0.13604.0
Metro
The latest redesign of the Dashboard released in 2011. Reminiscent of Windows 8 and the Xbox One.
Old Metro/Metro v1
Initial version. Had a dark gray background.
This Dashboard spans versions 2.0.14699.0 - 2.0.15574.0
New Metro/Metro v2
Minor redesign in 2012 that changed the background to a lighter shade of gray. Updated tile color and size.
In July 2024 on 2.0.17559.0, the layout was changed as part of a server-side update to remove most features on the dashboard as the marketplace was officially shut down, keeping the Home, Social and Settings tabs as well as consolidating and adding the Apps blocks to a stretched 3x2 layout on the home page. As a result of the blocks having been made rectangular, this stretches game cover art when a disc is inserted in the disc tray. In 2025, they would change this once again, arranging the blocks in a more uniform fashion, fixing the issue mentioned above and adding two advertisement blocks, one with a QR code which directs you to a launch page for the Series consoles and one with a simple picture of both systems. Being an online only adjustment rather than a system software update, making your console offline will revert it back to the original UI.
Ranging from 2.0.16197.0 – 2.0.17559.0