Microsoft continues expanding the availability of its game streaming service, Project xCloud, to more platforms and users. After bringing the service to iOS, Microsoft is making xCloud available in the Xbox app for Windows in an attempt to "make gaming available to all players around the world" or 22 countries to be precise.
Project xCloud for Windows is not available publicly for all as Microsoft continues testing the service with the help of thousands of Xbox Insiders. That means you need to participate in the Xbox Insider program and have a valid Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
With Project xCloud, you can turn literally any computer into a powerful gaming machine that streams Xbox games from Microsoft's clouds to you without downloading tens of gigabytes of data. It was previously available on mobile and now works on PCs as well.
If you are not an Xbox Insider but want to participate in public testing of xCloud on Windows, sign up for "Windows Gaming" in the Xbox Insider app. You can download it from the Microsoft Store using this link. Remember that you need to live in one of 22 supported countries and have the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
To get started with Project xCloud in the Xbox app on Windows, you need to connect a compatible gamepad using Bluetooth or USB, then launch the app and click the "Cloud Games" button. You can also check information about your gamepad and Internet, connect with other people and play multiplayer games with other platforms or xCloud users.
Besides giving access to xCloud, the updated Xbox app for Windows finally brings back local streaming. It allows you to stream games from your local Xbox console to a Windows 10 PC. That feature will come in handy in case someone is hogging a TV in your living room and you desperately need to play some Microsoft Flight Simulator or another game.
Support us
Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options: