Xbox App

What is Xbox App?

The Xbox App is Microsoft’s official gaming hub for Windows PC, providing access to Xbox Game Pass, the Microsoft Store gaming catalog, and social features connecting PC and Xbox console players. Originally launched as the Xbox Console Companion and later rebranded and rebuilt, the Xbox App has become essential for PC gamers who want to access Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem, including Game Pass’s extensive library of games. The platform represents Microsoft’s commitment to gaming across devices, breaking down the traditional barrier between PC and console gaming.

What distinguishes the Xbox App from other PC gaming platforms is its deep integration with Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s gaming subscription service that offers hundreds of games for a monthly fee. While Steam and Epic focus on game sales, the Xbox App emphasizes subscription gaming, making it possible to play major releases from day one without individual purchases. The platform also enables cross-play and cross-progression with Xbox consoles, allowing gamers to continue their adventures regardless of whether they’re at their PC or console.

The Xbox App serves millions of Windows users who have embraced Game Pass as their primary way to discover and play games. With features like remote play from Xbox consoles, cloud gaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming, and social features that connect friends across platforms, the Xbox App has evolved from a companion utility into a comprehensive gaming platform. For Windows users, it’s become an essential tool for accessing Microsoft’s extensive first-party catalog including Halo, Forza, and titles from acquired studios like Bethesda.

Key Features

• Xbox Game Pass Integration: Access hundreds of games through Game Pass subscription directly from the app with instant installation
• Cloud Gaming: Play Xbox games via cloud streaming without downloads on compatible devices and browsers
• Cross-Platform Social: Connect with friends on Xbox consoles and PC, see their activity, and join their games
• Remote Play: Stream your Xbox console games to your PC to play from anywhere in your home
• Party Chat: Voice chat with friends across Xbox and PC through integrated party system
• Game Library Management: Install, update, and manage your PC games from a unified interface
• Achievement Tracking: View and compare achievements across all Xbox and PC games
• Microsoft Store Integration: Browse and purchase games from Microsoft’s digital storefront
• Looking for Group: Find other players for multiplayer games with built-in LFG features
• Game Bar Integration: Access Xbox features through Windows Game Bar while playing any game

What’s New

The Xbox App continues to receive regular updates with new features:

• Improved Performance: Faster game installations and reduced app resource usage
• Enhanced Cloud Gaming: Better streaming quality and expanded device support for Xbox Cloud Gaming
• Compact Mode: Streamlined interface option for smaller displays and quick navigation
• Better Mod Support: Improved access to game files for modding compatible Game Pass titles
• Game Performance Overlay: Built-in FPS and performance monitoring while gaming
• Expanded Library: Regular additions to Game Pass including major day-one releases
• Cross-Platform Features: More games supporting play between Xbox and PC
• Integration Updates: Better integration with Discord and other communication platforms

System Requirements

Xbox App

• Operating System: Windows 10 (version 19041.0 or higher) or Windows 11
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 2 GB minimum
• Storage: 1 GB for app (games require additional space)
• Internet: Required for most features

Xbox Cloud Gaming

• Internet: 10 Mbps minimum (20 Mbps recommended)
• Controller: Bluetooth or USB connected controller recommended
• Browser: Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Safari (for web streaming)

Remote Play

• Xbox Console: Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S
• Network: Same home network for local streaming
• Internet: 7 Mbps upload on console for remote streaming

How to Install Xbox App

Windows Installation

1. Open Microsoft Store on Windows
2. Search for “Xbox”
3. Select “Xbox” app (not Xbox Console Companion)
4. Click “Get” or “Install”
5. Launch app after installation
6. Sign in with Microsoft account

# Install via Microsoft Store command
# Press Win+R, type: ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MV0B5HZVK9Z

# Or use winget (Windows Package Manager)
winget install Microsoft.XboxApp

# For Game Bar access (built into Windows)
# Press Win+G while in any game

# To access cloud gaming
# Visit: xbox.com/play in a browser

Setting Up Game Pass

1. Sign in to Xbox App
2. Click “Game Pass” in the sidebar
3. Choose subscription tier (Core, Standard, or Ultimate)
4. Complete subscription purchase
5. Browse and install Game Pass games

Enabling Remote Play

1. On your Xbox console, enable Remote Features in settings
2. Ensure console is set to “Sleep” mode when not in use
3. Open Xbox App on PC
4. Click on your linked console
5. Select “Remote play on this device”
6. Connect controller to PC and play

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Game Pass Value: Access to hundreds of games including day-one releases for a monthly subscription fee
• Cloud Gaming: Play Xbox games without downloading through cloud streaming on multiple devices
• Cross-Platform Play: Play with friends on Xbox consoles and share progress across devices
• Microsoft Integration: Deep Windows integration with Game Bar, achievements, and social features
• Free to Use: App is free; Game Pass subscription is optional for purchased games
• First-Party Games: Access to Microsoft exclusives like Halo, Forza, and Starfield on PC
• Remote Play: Stream console games to PC for flexibility in where you play

Cons

• Download Restrictions: Game Pass games install to protected folders, limiting modding and file access
• Microsoft Account Required: Must use Microsoft account, not optional like Steam’s offline mode
• Windows Only: No macOS or Linux versions available for the desktop app
• Store Limitations: Some third-party games unavailable or arrive later than on Steam
• Occasional Bugs: App can have installation issues or sync problems requiring troubleshooting

Xbox App vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Xbox App?

Xbox App is ideal for:

• Game Pass Subscribers: Those with Game Pass PC or Ultimate need the app for game access
• Microsoft Gamers: Fans of Halo, Forza, Gears, and other Microsoft franchises
• Xbox Console Owners: Those with Xbox consoles benefit from cross-save, cross-play, and remote streaming
• Cloud Gaming Enthusiasts: Players wanting to play Xbox games without powerful hardware via cloud streaming
• Cross-Platform Families: Households with both Xbox consoles and PCs can share Game Pass benefits
• Subscription Gamers: Those who prefer access to many games over individual purchases

Xbox App may not be ideal for:

• Steam-Centric Gamers: Those with large Steam libraries may find splitting across platforms inconvenient
• Mac/Linux Users: No desktop app support for non-Windows operating systems
• Modding Enthusiasts: Protected game folders complicate modding for many Game Pass titles
• Offline Gamers: Many features require persistent internet connection

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Xbox Game Pass and is it worth it?

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service offering access to hundreds of games for monthly fees. PC Game Pass costs $11.99/month, while Game Pass Ultimate ($16.99/month) includes PC, console, and cloud gaming. It’s worth it if you play multiple games regularly or want to try games before buying. First-party Microsoft games launch day-one on Game Pass, including major titles like Starfield, Halo, and Forza. For active gamers, the value exceeds buying games individually.

Can I play Xbox games on PC?

Yes, many Xbox games are available on PC through the Xbox App and Microsoft Store. Games labeled “Play Anywhere” purchased digitally work on both Xbox and PC with shared saves. Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass provide access to an extensive catalog of games. Additionally, Xbox Cloud Gaming lets you stream many Xbox games to PC without downloading. First-party Microsoft games typically release simultaneously on Xbox and PC.

How does Xbox Cloud Gaming work?

Xbox Cloud Gaming streams games from Microsoft’s servers to your device, eliminating the need to download or have powerful hardware. With Game Pass Ultimate, you can play via the Xbox App, web browser, or mobile devices. Games run on Xbox Series X hardware in the cloud, and your inputs are sent over the internet. It requires 10+ Mbps internet and works best with a controller. It’s included with Game Pass Ultimate at no extra cost.

What’s the difference between Xbox App and Xbox Console Companion?

The Xbox App is the modern, current application for PC gaming with Game Pass integration, cloud gaming, and full features. Xbox Console Companion was the older app focused primarily on connecting to Xbox consoles. Microsoft has discontinued Console Companion in favor of the Xbox App, which includes all its features plus many more. If you still have Console Companion installed, you should switch to the Xbox App.

Can I mod games downloaded through Xbox App?

Modding Game Pass games is more difficult than Steam games because they install to protected WindowsApps folders. However, some games have official mod support through the app, and Microsoft has been improving mod accessibility. For games that support it, you can enable modding through the Xbox App’s game options. For unrestricted modding, purchasing games on Steam generally provides easier access to game files.

Final Verdict

The Xbox App has transformed from a console companion into an essential gaming platform for Windows users, primarily driven by the exceptional value proposition of Xbox Game Pass. For anyone considering or already subscribed to Game Pass, the Xbox App is the required and well-designed portal to hundreds of games spanning indie titles to major AAA releases. The addition of cloud gaming means you can play without downloads, making it increasingly versatile.

The platform excels at what Microsoft designed it for: unified gaming across devices. The ability to play games on PC, stream from Xbox console, use cloud gaming, and maintain progress across all methods provides flexibility that competitor platforms don’t match. For households with both Xbox consoles and PCs, the shared Game Pass benefits and cross-play features create genuine value.

The Xbox App is highly recommended for Game Pass subscribers and anyone invested in Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem. The value proposition of Game Pass alone justifies using the platform, and the continued addition of first-party titles ensures it will remain relevant. For those who prefer individual game purchases or are committed to Steam, the Xbox App remains optional but worth having for Game Pass trials and Microsoft exclusives.