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Short answer: to play Game Pass on PC, install the free Xbox app for Windows, sign in with the Microsoft account that has Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, pick a game from the Game Pass library and select Install. You need Windows 10 or 11, version 22H2 or later. Game Pass Ultimate also lets you stream games from the cloud on your PC.
This guide shows how to set up Game Pass on PC step by step, what your PC needs, which plan includes PC games, and how to fix the most common problems. It is based on Xbox’s official PC app page and the PC Game Pass page, checked in October 2026.
- App: the free Xbox app for Windows PC
- Windows: Windows 10 or 11, version 22H2 or later
- Plans with PC games: Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
- Cloud on PC: stream games with Game Pass Ultimate
- S mode: you may need to switch out of it
Table of Contents
Which Game Pass plans include PC games?
Two Game Pass plans let you download and play games on a Windows PC:
| Plan | US price | Where you play |
|---|---|---|
| PC Game Pass | $13.99 a month | PC only, 300+ games |
| Game Pass Ultimate | $22.99 a month | Console, PC and cloud |
PC Game Pass is made for PC players: Xbox lists 300+ games playable on PC, new games on day one, EA Play and up to 20% off select games in the library (Xbox). Game Pass Ultimate puts the console and PC libraries into one membership and adds cloud gaming, Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew. Our guide to Game Pass Essential vs Premium vs Ultimate compares all plans.
If you only play on a Windows PC, PC Game Pass is the cheaper choice. If you also play on an Xbox console or want to stream games, Ultimate is the better fit. The difference is $9 a month in the US: for that, Ultimate adds the console library, cloud gaming, Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew. Over a year, PC Game Pass costs $167.88 and Ultimate $275.88 when you pay monthly.
What your PC needs
Xbox lists these system requirements for the Xbox app on PC (Xbox):
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 or 11, version 22H2 or higher |
| App storage | 150 MB (plus space for your games) |
| Display | 720p or higher |
Xbox adds that system requirements vary by game and performance scales with higher-end systems. Check each game’s page in the Xbox app before you install it, especially on a laptop with integrated graphics. Playing games in the Xbox app may also require switching out of Windows S mode.
Still on an older Windows 10 version? Update it first, or see how to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11.
How to play Game Pass on PC: step by step
- Redeem your Game Pass code on your Microsoft account, if you have one. Our guide on how to redeem a Game Pass code has a section for Windows PC.
- Download the Xbox app for Windows from xbox.com and install it.
- Sign in with the same Microsoft account that has Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.
- Open Game Pass in the app and browse the library, or search for a game.
- Select a game and choose Install. Pick the drive where you want to install it if you have more than one.
- Select Play when the download is finished.
You can see what your friends are playing and chat with them in the app while you play. Games you install stay in your library for as long as your Game Pass membership is active.
More than Game Pass: what the Xbox app does
The Xbox app is also the hub for your other Xbox features on PC (Xbox):
- Chat and friends: see what your friends are playing and chat across PC, mobile and console.
- Linked accounts: connect accounts such as Steam, Discord and Twitch.
- Remote play: play games installed on your Xbox console from your PC.
- Rewards: track your progress and claim points.
- Store: buy games, DLC and add-ons, with member discounts on select Game Pass games.
On a Windows 11 PC or handheld gaming PC, Xbox also offers Xbox mode: a controller-optimized, dedicated gaming experience. You can switch between Xbox mode and the normal desktop at any time. It is handy if you play on a TV or a handheld instead of at a desk.
Two more useful details from Xbox: press Win+G to keep chatting with friends while you play, and your achievements, game saves and purchases follow you across devices. So you can start a game on your Xbox and continue it on your PC, if the game supports it.
Cloud gaming on PC with Game Pass Ultimate
With Game Pass Ultimate you can also stream games on your PC instead of downloading them. Xbox says you can stream hundreds of games from the cloud on your PC with Game Pass. This is useful on a laptop with little storage or a weak graphics card, because the game runs on Xbox servers.
PC Game Pass does not include cloud gaming. From November 2026, cloud play on Ultimate has a limit of 15 hours a month. For smooth streaming, use a stable, fast internet connection, ideally a cable or a strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi signal.
Game Pass on PC not working? Check these
- Windows version: open Settings > System > About and check that you have version 22H2 or later. Install Windows updates if not.
- Windows S mode: games in the Xbox app may need you to switch out of S mode.
- Wrong account: make sure the Xbox app is signed in with the account that has Game Pass.
- Game will not install: check free disk space and the game’s own requirements in the app.
- Game needs another launcher: some PC games use a third-party launcher or account, for example for EA titles. Follow the sign-in steps the game shows.
- Membership ended: Game Pass games stop working until you renew or redeem a new code.
PC Game Pass or Ultimate: which should you buy?
- Only a Windows PC? PC Game Pass at $13.99 a month is cheaper and has 300+ PC games.
- PC and Xbox console? Ultimate covers both for $22.99 a month.
- Weak laptop? Ultimate adds cloud gaming, so you can stream instead of install.
- Want EA Play? Both include it.
Upgrading later is possible: Xbox converts the PC Game Pass time you have left into Ultimate time (60% of the remaining days). The details are in our Game Pass plans guide.
Tips to get more from Game Pass on PC
- Install on an SSD if you have one: games load much faster.
- Use a controller for console-style games: the Xbox app works with Xbox controllers.
- Check member discounts before a game leaves the library, so you can keep it.
- Share on console too: with Ultimate, your family can play on your home Xbox. See how to share Game Pass.
Before you buy a Game Pass code
Game Pass codes are sold for a specific country. A US code only works on a Microsoft account set to the United States, so check your account country first: our guide on how to check your account region shows where. Also check that you are not already at the limit of Game Pass time you can add: Xbox allows up to 36 months of Ultimate on one account.
If you pay for Game Pass monthly and want to switch to prepaid codes, you can redeem a code on top of your current membership. To stop the monthly payment, see how to cancel Game Pass.
Get Game Pass Ultimate from IQSIX
IQSIX sells a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate code for US Microsoft accounts. It covers Game Pass on PC, on Xbox console and in the cloud.
- Delivery: after your payment is confirmed, we send the code by email.
- Redeem: see how to redeem a Game Pass code.
- Payment: crypto, card, or a Remitly bank or mobile money transfer at checkout.
- Region: it is a USA code, so your Microsoft account region must be the United States.
Game Pass on PC FAQ
How do I play Game Pass on PC?
Install the Xbox app for Windows, sign in with the Microsoft account that has Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, choose a game in the Game Pass library and select Install.
Does Game Pass Ultimate include PC games?
Yes. Game Pass Ultimate includes the PC game library as well as console games and cloud gaming. PC Game Pass is the cheaper plan if you only play on PC.
What do I need to play Game Pass on PC?
Windows 10 or 11, version 22H2 or later, the Xbox app (150 MB) and a 720p display. Each game also has its own requirements.
Can I stream Game Pass games on PC?
Yes, with Game Pass Ultimate. Xbox says you can stream hundreds of games from the cloud on your PC. PC Game Pass does not include cloud gaming.
Why can I not install Game Pass games on my PC?
Check that Windows is version 22H2 or later, that your PC is not in S mode, that you are signed in with the right account and that you have enough disk space.
How much is PC Game Pass?
PC Game Pass costs $13.99 a month in the US. Game Pass Ultimate, which also includes console and cloud, costs $22.99 a month.
Sources, checked 18 October 2026: Xbox app for Windows PC, PC Game Pass and xbox.com Game Pass plans. Prices and games can change.
