7 Steps to Play Xbox Games on Your PC

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Have you ever wanted to play Xbox games on your PC? Did you know it was even possible? Well, it is possible and the process is actually very straightforward, even for tech beginners. In this article, we’ll break down the process into simple, actionable steps, covering everything from system requirements to setup options and even troubleshooting tips.

Xbox enthusiasts and newbies alike, expand your gaming horizons. Read on to discover just how easy it is to play your favourite games on your PC without even owning an Xbox console.

1. System requirements

Both the Xbox app and all games played on a PC will have minimum system requirements, such as requiring a certain amount of free hard drive space and enough available RAM for smooth gameplay. Before attempting to play any Xbox game on your computer, ensure your PC has the necessary hardware to be up to the challenge.

To check your system hardware, click on the Windows Start button, select Settings, click on System and then select About. You’ll now see all the details of your computer’s hardware.

2. Xbox App installation

To get started playing Xbox games on your PC, you’ll need the Xbox app. This app is usually pre installed on PCs running Windows 10 or Windows 11. If it is already installed, you’ll find it in the Start Menu.

If not, you can download the app from the official Xbox website. The app will only work on versions Windows 10 and above. Installation is easy. Just click the download link, wait for the download to complete, and then follow the onscreen installation instructions.

3. Connecting accounts

If you already have an Xbox account, sign into the Xbox app using the same username and password. The app will automatically sync your gaming profile, including stats and past achievements. Simply create a new Xbox account in the app if you don’t already have one.

To link your Microsoft account to Xbox Live, select the Xbox button to open the guide. Select Profile & System > Add or switch > Add new. Enter your Microsoft account email and hit Enter. Input your password and select Enter to link your accounts.

4. Browsing and downloading games

To start browsing and downloading games for the Xbox app, you’ll need to subscribe to the Xbox Game Pass. The subscription is not free, but gives you access to hundreds of Xbox games. Game pass members also receive generous discounts when purchasing games.

Press the Store tab in the App to display all the best games in an easy-to-view visual format. Select the game you want to buy and download. Once downloaded, you can play the game straight away on your PC.

Alternatively, you can stream games on the app directly from the cloud by selecting Cloud Gaming. Streaming takes place directly from the Microsoft servers.

5. Controller setup

For optimal gameplay, you’ll want to use your Xbox controller when playing Xbox games on your computer. Connecting an Xbox controller is very simple. You can pair via Bluetooth or connect via a USB port. Turn on the Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox logo in the middle of the controller. Your controller is now paired to your PC. Select it under Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & Other Devices.

When you connect your controller via a USB port, pairing takes place automatically. Either way, your controller will be automatically recognised by the game you wish to play in the Xbox app.

6. Performance optimisation

Each Xbox and PC game you access via the app will have its own individual settings, and these vary from game to game. For performance optimisation, access the settings for your game and make adjustments to things like graphics settings, sound controls and options to improve overall game performance.

Some games will even offer an option that automatically adjusts the settings for faster or smoother gameplay, depending on your PC’s hardware capabilities. If you’re only using a basic video card, for example, graphics won’t be as detailed, but the game will run smoothly when settings are tweaked to accommodate a low-end graphics card.

7. Troubleshooting

All PC apps can encounter issues and the Xbox app is no exception. Common issues are things like lagging, freezing or a game refusing to load. If you do encounter a problem of any kind, fear not. The app has its very own troubleshooter built into it.

Click your profile picture in the Xbox app and then click on Support. Now click on the Gaming Services Repair Tool to start troubleshooting the problem. Most of the time, the troubleshooter will find and resolve the issue for you. You can also find solutions to other common issues here.