Imagine this—a hot new game drops for the Xbox®, but you're out of town visiting your in-laws. You have access to a computer but not your console. Can you play Xbox games on a PC? Or will you be stuck away from home with major FOMO?
The good news is that there are several ways to play Xbox without a console, and some of them let you play on your PC, tablet, or even your cell phone. We'll walk you through your options.
At Asurion, we solve life's tech problems so you don't have to—whether we're fixing, protecting, and troubleshooting your devices or teaching you how to get the most out of your gadgets. Here's how to play Xbox games on PC.
How to use Xbox Play Anywhere
Buying an Xbox Play Anywhere® digital version of a game from the Xbox or Microsoft Store® lets you play it on your console or a computer with the Windows™ operating system (10 or later). And if you start a game on your console but want to dive in later on a PC (or vice versa), you can pick up where you left off.
Xbox Play Anywhere doesn't cost extra, but you'll want to make sure that the game is listed as Play Anywhere when you buy it.
To access Xbox Play Anywhere, follow these steps:
- Head to theXbox Play Anywhere websiteand log in to your Microsoft account.
- Buy or install games with the Xbox Play Anywhere digital game license. Once you download the game, you can launch it directly from the Microsoft Store® on your PC.
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Stream directly from your console with Xbox Remote Play
Another way to play Xbox on your PC is Xbox Remote Play®. This option lets you stream your favorite games directly from your console to your computer, tablet, or even your smartphone.
Here's what you'll need:
- A phone, tablet, or PC that's updated with the latest software.
- An Xbox Series X/S® or an Xbox One®
- A compatible wireless controller
- The Xbox app
- A stable internet connection
To set up your console and other devices for remote play, follow these steps.
On your console:
- Press theXboxbuttonon your controller.
- SelectProfile & system>Settings>Devices & connections>Remote features.
- SelectEnable remote features.
- UnderPower options, selectSleep. If your console doesn't have Sleep turned on, remote play won't work.
On your phone or tablet:
- Open the Xbox app.
- Tap theMy Libraryicon >Consoles.
- Select the console you want to connect to, then pressRemote play on this device.
On your PC:
- Open the Xbox app for Windows.
- Tap theConsolesicon next to the search box, and select your console.
When playing remotely, make sure you save your game frequently in case you get disconnected from your console or the internet.
Sign up for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
If you want to play Xbox games without a console, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate might be right for you. Xbox Cloud Gaming is a monthly subscription service that lets you download and play a rotating catalog of games on the cloud, which means you don't have to own a console or buy games individually. Just make sure you buy the Ultimate Game Pass and not the Standard Game Pass, which doesn't offer cloud gaming.
Play Xbox Games on Steam
Want to play Xbox and non-Xbox games alike on your PC? Steam® might be right for you. It's an online gaming platform that gives you access to hundreds of games in one place. You can even take your games on the go with the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming console.
The only downside: Since Steam is a separate service, you can't access any game titles or saved game progress you might already have on your Xbox.
Having trouble with your Xbox? Check out our guide to fixing common Xbox issues.
Tech is expensive. Protect it all.
Protect the devices your family loves and relies on with one simple plan. With Asurion Home+®, we cover your computers, TVs, tablets, premium headphones, smart devices, and so much more—plus, 24/7 live support for your tech care needs. Learn more about Asurion Home+® coverage and how you can get peace-of-mind electronics protection.
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