How to play xCloud games with Xbox app on Windows 10

Microsoft has opened up the first preview of the Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) service through the Xbox app for Windows 10 (or Windows 11) for anyone with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The game streaming service works similar to the web version, with the only difference being that you would be using the Xbox app instead, and you are still required to have a USB or Bluetooth controller.

Since the xCloud service is still under development, the only way to access the service through the app is to become an Xbox Insider to make the option available in the Xbox app.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to get started testing the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience through the Xbox app on your Windows computer. (See also this video tutorial on how to try out the new gaming experience.)

Play Xbox Cloud Gaming titles through Xbox app

To play games using the xCloud service on Windows 10 or Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Store.

2. Search for “Xbox Insider Hub” and click the top result to open the app page.

3. Click the Install button.

   

4. Open the Xbox Insider Hub app.

5. Click the Join button.

   

6. Click the Accept button.

7. Click on Previews from the left navigation page.

8. Click the Windows Gaming program.

9. Click the Join button.

   

10. Open Microsoft Store.

11. Search for “Xbox app” and click the top result to open the app page.

12. Click the Install button.

    

13. Open the Xbox app.

14. Click on Game Pass.

15. Click the Cloud Gaming tab.

    

16. Select the Xbox game.

17. Click the Play button.

    

Once you complete the steps, you can start playing Xbox games from the cloud through the Xbox app on Windows 10 or Windows 11.