There are two primary ways to play Xbox games on your PC:
1. Xbox Play Anywhere:
- This feature allows you to play certain Xbox games you’ve purchased digitally on both your Xbox console and your Windows 10/11 PC at no additional cost.
- Here’s how to check if a game is playable through Xbox Play Anywhere:
- Look for the Xbox Play Anywhere logo on the game listing on the Xbox Store or Microsoft Store.
- Visit the https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/xbox-play-anywhere.
- Requirements:
- You need a Microsoft account associated with both your Xbox and PC.
- Your PC needs to meet the minimum system requirements for the specific game you want to play. These can be found on the Microsoft Store or Xbox Store page for the game.
- Steps to play:
- Download the Xbox app from the Microsoft Store on your PC.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account.
- Find the Xbox Play Anywhere game you want to play in your library or search for it in the Xbox app.
- Click “Install” to download and install the game on your PC.
- Once installed, launch the game from the Xbox app and start playing!
2. Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly xCloud):
- This cloud gaming service allows you to stream Xbox games directly to your PC through a web browser or the Xbox app, without needing to download or install them locally.
- Requirements:
- You need a Microsoft account with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- A reliable internet connection with a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps is recommended.
- A compatible web browser (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari) or the Xbox app for PC.
- Steps to play:
- Go to https://www.xbox.com/en-us/play in your web browser or launch the Xbox app on your PC.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account with an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- Browse the library of available games and choose the one you want to play.
- Click “Play” to start streaming the game directly to your PC.
Here’s a quick comparison of the two methods:
| Feature | Xbox Play Anywhere | Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Requires download and installation | Streamed directly, no download needed |
| Cost | Requires purchasing the game or having an Xbox Game Pass subscription | Requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription |
| Performance | Relies on your PC hardware | Relies on your internet connection speed and stability |
| Game library | Limited to specific Xbox Play Anywhere titles | Wider selection of games is available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate |
Ultimately, the best way to play Xbox games on your PC depends on your preferences and circumstances. If you want to own the game and have the necessary hardware, Xbox Play Anywhere offers a good option. If you prioritize convenience and a wider game selection, and have a reliable internet connection, Xbox Cloud Gaming might be a better choice.
