- Xbox Play Anywhere lets you download and play Xbox One games on your PC at no additional cost.
- You can also stream Xbox One games on Windows 10 PC, but you'll need a constant internet connection.
- Your game data will be synced between your Xbox One console and PC in the process.
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If you ever wanted to play your Xbox One games on your PC, you're in luck. Many Xbox One games can be played easily on a Windows 10 computer. This is great for homes that share one Xbox console, since you won't have to compete to use the singular console.
There are two ways to play Xbox One games on your computer. The first method is through a service called Xbox Play Anywhere. The second option requires you to stream the game through Windows 10, which will require a constant internet connection. Here's a step-by-step guide for each method.
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What is Xbox Play Anywhere?
In a nutshell, Xbox Play Anywhere allows you to download and play the Windows version of certain Xbox One games in your digital library.
Provided the game is enabled for Xbox Play Anywhere, you can download it from the Microsoft Store at no extra cost – kind of like owning two copies of the game.
Furthermore, you can sync your game data, including game progress, Achievements, and Gamerscore, between your PC and Xbox One.
How to play Xbox One games on PC using Xbox Play Anywhere
1. Go to the Xbox Play Anywhere website and log into your Microsoft account.
2. Head to this page and scroll through the list of games, and then click on the one you want to play. Keep in mind that if you don't already own the game, you'll need to purchase it.
3. Provided you own the game, click Install To.
4. Select the PC tab on the pop-up and click on Launch for the Windows to install the game with the Xbox app.
5. You'll get a prompt from your browser to open the Xbox app and continue downloading the game. Click Open Xbox.
6. The Xbox app will launch with the game's listing on the Microsoft Store. Click My Library on the left sidebar and click on the game.
7. Click on Install.
8. Choose a download location and click Install.
9. Once the game finishes downloading, click on Play to enjoy the game.
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How to play Xbox One games on PC via streaming to Windows 10
If the game you want to play remotely isn't included on the Xbox Play Anywhere list, your only other option is to play it via streaming.
To do this, your PC and Xbox One will need to be on the same internet connection. You'll also need to make sure that both systems stay connected to the internet — if you lose your connection, you'll lose the stream.
You should also make sure that your Windows 10 PC is updated and your Xbox One is updated as well. If there are any updates pending, install them.
1. On your Xbox One's Home screen, press the Xbox button on the controller.
2. Navigate to the Profile & System tab, and select the Settings option.
3. In the Devices & connections tab, select Remote features.
4. Select Xbox app preferences.
5. Under Xbox app, select either Allow connections from any device or Only from profiles signed in on this Xbox. Under This Xbox, select Allow game streaming to other devices.
6. Using either Bluetooth or a USB connection, connect your Xbox One controller to your PC.
7. On your PC, click the Start button and type "Xbox Console Companion" into the search bar. Once it appears, click Open.
8. On your PC, open the Xbox Console Companion app. On the left sidebar, click on the icon that appears to resemble an Xbox console. When you hover your cursor over it, it will say "Connection."
9. Click on the Xbox console you wish to connect to.
10. Click Stream to begin playing.
Chrissy Montelli is a writer and content creator originally from Long Island, NY. She is the author of two poetry chapbooks,Heart Float(Bottlecap Press) andGoing to Ithaca(Ghost City Press), as well as various online publications. Read more from her atchrissymontelli.wordpress.com.
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