Xbox for Windows

Play Xbox games on your PC

Xbox—also known as Xbox Beta or Xbox PC—is a free video game utility program that enables you to buy and play games using the Xbox Game Pass. Offered by Microsoft, this app also lets you connect with friends and chat with them across platforms. Take note that this is different from the Xbox Console Companion app—which is connected to your gaming console, comes with the Windows 10 operating system, and can’t be used to buy games.

For your computer

The Xbox app is the PC partner of the Xbox game store. It has most of the functions of Xbox Live, such as connecting with your friends, managing your messages and parties, accessing your activity feed, and the like. It can stream games from an Xbox One console over a local network. It also has the ability to view and edit Game DVR recordings from an Xbox One console. 

This app serves as a front-end for the PC version of Game DVR on supported hardware and has a library display for games installed on the device—such as those obtained through Steam and Microsoft Store. Using the program, you can browse for games by genre, see the recommended and featured games, or simply search for it. When purchasing games, Xbox Game Pass members are granted up to 20% off games and up to 10% off DLC and add-ons.

If you’re bored, you can try the “Surprise Me” feature for a random suggestion of a game you haven’t downloaded yet. The application’s chat feature enables private and group chats for voice and text—wherein you can share GIFs, screenshots, and game clips. This also works seamlessly with Xbox Game Bar, and you can configure notifications to appear in your Windows Action Center. Unfortunately, it tends to disappoint with its constant loading issues.

Needs more polishing

Overall, it’s convenient to have a launcher for Xbox games with this Xbox Beta app. While it can be confusing with the other app, it allows you to buy and stream games so you can interact with the PC, mobile, and console platforms within the comforts of your computer. It’s just unfortunate that the program tends to fail loading pages, such as when you’re browsing games or merely tweaking your profile.