With a simple Windows tweak , changing your console settings , and getting an Xbox controller , you can play all the games in your Xbox catalog directly from your PC. And all this without any additional steps other than opening the Xbox app for desktops. Find out how to play Xbox remotely from your PC.
Today, the PC is considered the epicenter and one of the cornerstones of Xbox entertainment. Today, you can enjoy games included in your Game Pass subscription from your PC remotely. Best of all, you can do this at no additional cost , simply by using the Xbox Remote Play feature .
What is the difference between Xbox Remote Play and Cloud Gaming?
The essence of remote play is nothing more than directly transmitting everything that happens on our console to a computer . What this means is that with this function, we can enjoy the games that we have installed on our Xbox, but with the PC as an “intermediary”.
In addition, we can download other titles, visit the store and chat with friends, just as we would do from the console. To activate this function, you only have to follow three simple steps that we will show you below, without having to touch a single cable.
How to play Xbox remotely from PC?
Requirements and everything you have to do on the PC
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that you need a PC running Windows 10 or Windows 11 , as well as the console from which you want to stream the game. Also, it goes without saying that you need a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Once you have all this, you will only need to have the Xbox app installed on your computer . You can download it for free from the Microsoft Store. If, on the other hand, you already have the app installed on your computer, you simply need to make sure that it is updated to the most recent version.
Another thing you need is a traditional controller that can connect to the PC . You can use an Xbox One or Xbox Series XS wireless controller just as well as an Xbox 360 controller, for example.
All that’s left to do is enter your Xbox gamer account details that you regularly use on the console on your computer . This way, you’ll see all of your account settings, including chats and games, appear on your PC screen.
Configuration from your console
- By sharing the same Wi-Fi network and the player account, the linking between both devices usually happens automatically . However, there are times when an intermediate step must be taken. To do this, we must go to the console settings ourselves. You can do this from the vertical bar on the Xbox.
- Once inside the settings, you will find numerous tabs, but you must go to the one dedicated to Devices and Connections .
- Once here, we need to look for the Remote Features section . Once here, we need to enable the Allow Streaming feature under “Play to” .
- Among all the Power On modes , please select Immediate , because with any other mode, it will not work.
If you’ve followed all the instructions to the letter, when you return to the Xbox app on your PC, you’ll see the Xbox Remote Play icon in your notifications . From here, you’ll be able to play remotely.
Learn how to play on Xbox Series X and Xbox One from PC
With all of the above set up, the easiest part of all is coming up.
- First of all, we open the App on our PC. Then we go to the Xbox Remote Play button that is located between the search bar and the notification bell. All that remains is to select the console from which we want to stream.
- After a few seconds of waiting, we will finally be shown the interface of our Xbox in full screen or windowed mode. We will also see all our games, applications, programs and chats , just as we left them.
Three functions that we will not be able to perform from the PC when we activate remote play
In order to interact with the interface and move from one side to the other, as well as to play, we will need a console controller . With this, we can perform almost any action, except for three specific functions.
1. First of all, we won’t be able to run games from the cloud . However, we will be able to use Xbox Cloud Gaming directly from the PC.
2. We will also not be able to play or watch any YouTube videos or other multimedia content while streaming from the console to the computer. We will be able to minimize the window, though.
3. Finally, we will not be able to perform other functions associated with the console, such as turning on or off the television to which it is connected . In addition, we will not be able to control other devices remotely.
How stable is this system when gaming?
When we talk about the gaming experience with this feature, we must clarify one point. The image resolution, as well as the latency of the game is better or worse depending on the quality of our internet connection . Although we must say that it is currently possible to play titles with much better precision than cloud gaming .
Additionally, through remote play, we can try out titles that we have on the console from our PC, even if they are not part of the Xbox Game Pass catalog . Something that many have found very interesting.
How to exit Remote Play when you don’t want to continue?
Once you’ve finished playing and want to turn off your Xbox, we can do so remotely from your PC.
You can do this easily using the Xbox button on the controller . When the vertical menu is displayed, just click on the Disconnect tab .
Another way is to simply close the window or manually log out via the ellipsis , which you will find in the upper left corner of the screen.
Another interesting aspect of this feature is that even when you are connected to your PC, you will be able to access notifications and invitations from other players . Therefore, you will be able to join a game without having to leave your computer.
And that’s all, let me know in the comments what you think of this incredible feature that Microsoft has pulled out of the hat.