How to play xCloud games with Xbox app on Windows 10

You can now play Xbox Cloud Gaming titles through the Xbox app on Windows 10 (and Windows 11), and here's how to get started.

xCloud gaming on Xbox app
xCloud gaming on Xbox app

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.

    Xbox Insider Hub
    Xbox Insider Hub
  4. Open the Xbox Insider Hub app.

  5. Click the Join button.

    Join the Xbox Insider Program
    Join the Xbox Insider Program
  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.

    Windows Gaming
    Windows Gaming
  10. Open Microsoft Store.

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

  12. Click the Install button.

    Xbox app
    Xbox app
  13. Open the Xbox app.

  14. Click on Game Pass.

  15. Click the Cloud Gaming tab.

    Cloud Gaming option
    Cloud Gaming option
  16. Select the Xbox game.

  17. Click the Play button.

    xCloud game on Xbox app
    xCloud game on Xbox app

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

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].