The console wars have raged on almost as long as video games have been around. Some people like Nintendo, others prefer Xbox or PlayStation, and still others use their computers to play games rather than buy an entirely new device.

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Xbox, like many other gaming companies, has become more friendly to PC gamers in recent years. They have created a number of ways for people who prefer to use computers to still enjoy Xbox's breadth of content. This guide will walk you through the two methods you can use to play an Xbox game on your PC: through the Xbox Windows app or by streaming over your wifi. 

Play Directly On Your Computer

Xbox One - Person playing video game by using Xbox controller on their PC
via Pocket-lint

You can now play Xbox games directly using your computer, without having to create a stream. The 'Xbox' app on Windows (which is different than the 'Xbox Console Companion' app) allows you to play any game from the Xbox Play Anywhere list.

The benefit of this method is that you get to choose whether you'd like to play with your mouse and keyboard or use a controller connected to the PC.

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What's Xbox Play Anywhere?

xbox games anywhere
via omnigamer.com

If you bought a game digitally on Xbox, it's attached to your account. Some of these digital games are 'Xbox Play Anywhere' titles, meaning that Xbox allows you to play it on your computer without having to buy it again. You can work on the same save files and achievements on both devices. Most Game Pass games are Xbox Play Anywhere titles.

Only games on the Xbox Play Anywhere list can be enjoyed on your PC. Many people who are subscribed to the Game Pass enjoy it — but you can also buy individual titles if you prefer. To check if you'll be able to play a particular Xbox game on PC, search for it on their website or on the Xbox PC app.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open The Xbox App On Windows

Screenshot of Xbox App home screen on PC with red arrow pointing to your library

Download the Xbox app on Windows if you don't already have it! Boot it up to check out the available games, then select the button below the Xbox logo to reach your library.

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There are other ways to boot up games right from this home screen, though. Recently played games' images appear in the left-hand menu and hovering over those will bring up a small 'play' button that will boot up the game. Or, you could choose one of the ones being featured on the home screen.

Step 2: Choose A Xbox Play Anywhere Title To Play

Screenshot of Xbox App library on PC with red arrow pointing to Slime Rancher

Once you've reached your library, you'll see all games available for you to play. If you need to purchase something, you can do so in the in-app store and it'll appear here. Click on whichever game you want to play and then select the red 'play' button under the header.

Step 3: Enjoy!

Slime Rancher title screen

The game will boot up on your system and let you begin playing, as easy as that! If you're using an Xbox controller to play, pressing the guide button will allow you to pause the game and access some details about your Xbox friends, current game, and more.

Stream From The Xbox To Your Computer

Step 1: Navigate To The Settings On Your Xbox

Xbox One Home Screen with arrows directing viewer how to reach the menu

Start on your Xbox console. Hit the guide button to reach your home menu and navigate to the tab on the far left. From there, select 'Settings' from the list.

Step 2: Find The Remote Features Under Devices & Connections

Xbox One Home settings menus with arrows directing viewer how to reach the devices and connections, remote features menu

You should choose 'Devices & connections' from the lefthand menu and then the 'Remote features' settings. On that menu, make sure the checkbox labelled 'Enable remote features' is checked off. Once it is, you can proceed to the 'Xbox app preferences.'

Step 3: Activate Streaming

Screenshot of Xbox settings 'Xbox app connectivity' with red arrows directing the viewer how to turn on streaming

From the left-hand list, select either 'Allow connections from any device' or 'Only from profiles signed in on this Xbox,' depending on your preference. On the right-hand side, check off boxes entitled 'Allow Play To streaming' and 'Allow game streaming to other devices.'

Keep in mind that, because this method is reliant on your WiFi, it will only work so long as it has a consistent, reliable internet connection. Poor connections will lead to lag and other problems with the service.

Step 4: Connect An Xbox Controller To The Computer (Optional)

Xbox - Diagram of connecting an Xbox controller to a laptop

The downside of using this method is that you can't use your mouse and keyboard — you need to use an Xbox controller.

You can connect an Xbox controller to your PC easily in a few different ways. Check out our guide on the subject for detailed instructions.

This step is optional because you can technically keep your Xbox controller connected to your Xbox console — as long as the controller is close enough to the console, it'll work on the stream. However, if your computer is a significant distance away from your Xbox, it's probably easiest just to set your controller up on the PC.

Step 5: Head To The Xbox Console Companion App To Find Your Xbox

box Console Companion App with red arrows pointing to how to connect your Xbox

On your computer, download the 'Xbox Console Companion' app. It's worth noting that this is different than the 'Xbox' app. Once you have it, choose the 'Connections' tab from the sidebar — it's second from the bottom and uses a minimalistic picture of an Xbox console.

Clicking it will prompt the app to look for local Xboxes to connect with. Choose yours from the menu that comes up! Note that it will only appear as long as your Xbox and your computer are using the same WiFi network.

Step 6: Select The Stream Option

Screenshot of Xbox Console Companion App indicating how to Stream

Once you've managed to connect the Xbox to your computer, look out for the 'Stream' button. Your computer screen will begin to display your Xbox home screen and you can play as you normally would!

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