The launch of Xbox Play Anywhere made it possible to play Xbox games on a Windows PC. This means that games that are part of the Play Anywhere program can only be played on Windows 10 PC and Xbox. Since the games are designed for both platforms and online game progress syncs, it works seamlessly every time you pick up on any of the game platforms. That said, In this article, we explain how you can play Xbox Games on Windows 11 and Windows 10 PC.
Can you play Xbox games on a Windows PC without a console?
Yes, you can play an Xbox game on your PC. There are two ways to play Xbox games on PC. Either you can stream from console to PC or play it using the Xbox Play Anywhere program.
- Purchase the Xbox Play Anywhere digital game through the Xbox Store or Microsoft Store.
- Install it on your PC
- Next, sign in to your Xbox Live or Microsoft account
- Xbox Play Anywhere games will be available for download
- Install them and start playing them on your PC.
There are two ways to play Xbox games on Windows 11/10 PC. Either you can stream from console to PC or play it using the Xbox Play Anywhere program. While the former works with any game, the latter depends on the game.
1]Play ANY Xbox game streaming from console to PC
Xbox console can stream games to Windows 11/0 PC. It works through the Xbox app installed on the PC, which uses the same Microsoft account on the PC and the Xbox console. To ensure this provides the best experience, you need to make sure they are on the same network and have a router that can handle streaming properly. Although the Xbox app automatically adjusts the streaming quality, you can manually change it even beyond the high quality settings.
This gaming setup is handy if your TV is busy and your console is near your PC. The controller stays connected to the Xbox One, while your PC only acts as a streaming device.
2]Play any Xbox game on Windows 11/10 PC with Play Anywhere
Gears of War 4 is an Xbox Play Anywhere compatible game. This means you can play it on both PC and Xbox One. Follow the steps to play it on a Windows 10 PC:
- Open the Xbox app on a Windows PC
- Find the game that’s available on both platforms so you can continue where you left off.
- Connect your Xbox controller to the Windows PC.
- You can use it the same way you use it on the console.
- Find the games list in the Xbox app and launch it.
- You can now play the game using the controller just like you play on the console with the same controls.
While the controller should be detected automatically, if it is not working properly, you can reassign the buttons, troubleshoot if the Xbox controller disconnects often, and update the Xbox controller in Windows 10. Since you connect the controller via cable connection, you will need to reconnect with your Xbox one using the pairing button.
You cannot install Xbox games on a PC unless they are compatible and available through the Microsoft Store. You can then switch between the Xbox game and the PC and pick up where you left off.
Related: How to Stream Xbox One Games to Windows PC
Are all Xbox games available on Windows?
No, but many are available, and now the platform is sharing codes; most game developers make it available for Windows and Xbox. However, if you’re buying a game you want on Xbox and PC, be sure to check it out.
How many games can you play on Xbox pass PC?
One of the best ways to play Xbox games on a Windows PC is to get a Game Pass for PC. If you love cloud gaming, then the ultimate. With a minimal subscription, you can play anywhere. Counting them will be difficult, but there are enough to keep you busy for months.
Remember that there is no direct way to play the games on a Windows 11/10 PC. It does not work like installing an EXE on your PC. So the only way out is one of the methods mentioned above.