Xbox app for PC review
A free Windows launcher with a paid PC Game Pass catalog and cross-store features.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Xbox app for PC is Microsoft's Windows launcher for players who want to browse, install, and organize Xbox and PC games alongside supported third-party storefronts. It is particularly relevant to PC Game Pass subscribers: the app is free, while PC Game Pass adds a game catalog, EA Play membership, day-one PC releases, and member discounts. The app requires Windows 10 or 11 version 22H2 or higher, so it is not an option for other operating systems.
Its broadest appeal is the combination of library management and subscription access. The aggregated library can include Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other supported PC storefronts, with Steam among the listed integrations. Players can purchase PC games, DLC, and add-ons, browse and download Game Pass PC titles, and launch installed games. Supported titles can sync saves, achievements, and purchases; eligible games can also support mods and offline permissions. Cloud gaming on PC is available with a supported Game Pass subscription, and the app can remotely play from an Xbox console. These functions make it more than a catalog browser, though support varies by title and service.
The free app covers browsing, library management, social chat, and notifications. According to the published plans, PC Game Pass costs $13.99 per month and adds the catalog, EA Play, day-one releases, and discounts; catalog availability and pricing vary by region. Chat spans PC, console, and mobile, and listed integrations include Discord, Twitch, and Xbox Game Bar. Choose it if Game Pass access and a consolidated Windows game library matter more than platform flexibility. Players seeking a launcher for non-Windows systems, or who need uniform offline play and mod support across games, should look elsewhere.
Xbox app for PC pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Organizes Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other supported PC storefronts.
- Supports cloud saves, offline permissions, and mods for eligible games.
- Adds cloud gaming, console remote play, and cross-device chat.
- Where it doesn't
- Requires Windows 10 or 11 version 22H2 or higher.
- Cloud gaming requires a supported Game Pass subscription.
- Offline play and mod support depend on game eligibility and licensing.
Xbox app for PC fact sheet, pricing and score →
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