Microsoft has updated the Xbox PC app so it’s faster and simpler, it said.
The Xbox PC app, available on PC, web, and cloud, launches up to 60% faster and makes it easier to find games, Jason Beaumont, VP, Xbox Experiences, said in a blog post. The changes are being rolled out to Xbox Insiders first, before wider availability.
Specifically, pages like Home, Store, and Game Pass load up to 50% faster, and in-app windows open up to 65% faster. But it’s worth noting that these results are based on Microsoft’s internal testing, and may be different for you depending on your device and internet connection.
We’re making XBOX on Windows faster and more responsive. Starting today, we’re rolling out updates that make our app up to 60% faster. A meaningful improvement, with plenty more to do. https://t.co/h5kzHSpR8H
— ASHA (@asha_shar) November 5, 2026
As for making it easier to find and play games, your cloud games are in one place, there’s more room to browse on larger screens (particularly helpful for desktop mode on PCs and larger displays), and the ability to choose between dark and light modes.
Elsewhere, Microsoft is bringing the refreshed look of the Xbox PC app to Xbox cloud gaming apps on supported TVs and VR headsets.
“These updates are another step toward making Xbox easier to use, more responsive, and more familiar wherever you choose to play,” Beaumont said. “We’ll continue listening to player feedback and improving over time.”
The Xbox PC app is in direct competition with the likes of Steam and the Epic Games Store for the hearts and minds of PC gamers, but I have all three (and a few more!) installed on my gaming computer. As a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, I use the Xbox PC app mostly to play new games that are added to the service, or to find new family friendly games for my kids to play — preferably across multiple devices. Microsoft said the updated app will have an easier-to-use library, with simpler navigation, updated filters, and new ways to organize games. Assuming this does indeed make it easier to browse your collection and find what you want to play, it’ll go down well in my household.
Similarly, the app has better search now, letting you search results across games, including installed titles and add-ons. And friends and social features are now part of the main navigation, making it easier to see what friends are playing, start a chat, or join a party. And finally, refreshed game cards, Home, Settings, and animations should make the app easier to scan and navigate.
Valve’s Steam is the clear leader when it comes to PC gaming, and it seems there’s little Microsoft or Epic can do to catch up. In Epic’s case, it’s thrown millions of dollars at the Epic Games Store (accessed via a recently refreshed launcher), in a bid to make a dent in Valve’s dominance, but profitability continues to elude it. Microsoft has said it’s seen growth in PC gaming at a time when its console business has struggled, so it makes sense to put some weight behind faster and more meaningful updates to the Xbox PC app.
Wesley is IGN’s Managing Editor. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
