Microsoft’s redesigned Xbox PC app is out now for Xbox Insiders on Windows, and Microsoft says it launches up to 60% faster than before. The same refresh is reaching Xbox Cloud Gaming on the web for more players over the next few weeks, and is starting to roll out to the cloud gaming apps on supported TVs and VR headsets.
The changes were announced on Xbox Wire on November 5 by Jason Beaumont, VP of Xbox Experiences. “We’ve heard where the experience could be better,” the post says. “There’s more to do, and your feedback will continue to shape what comes next.”
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Who gets the new Xbox PC app update, and when
| Platform | Who gets it | When |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox PC app (Windows) | Xbox Insiders | From November 5; no date yet for everyone |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming on the web | More players, switched over automatically | Over the next few weeks; try it now at play.xbox.com |
| Cloud gaming apps on TVs and VR headsets | Supported devices | “Beginning” now, no end date given |
Microsoft’s speed claims for the Xbox PC app
- App launch: up to 60% faster.
- Home, Store and Game Pass pages: load up to 50% faster.
- In-app windows: open up to 65% faster.
Those numbers come with a footnote: Microsoft says they are based on its own testing and “may vary by device, internet connection, system configuration, usage, and other factors.” Destructoid reports that Xbox CEO Asha Sharma also posted a side-by-side video of the old and new app.
Game cards in the new Xbox PC app expand to show price, Game Pass status and which friends play. Image: Microsoft
What changes in the Xbox PC app
- Library: simpler navigation, updated filters and new ways to organise your games.
- Friends in the main menu: social features move into the main navigation, so you can see what friends are playing, start a chat or join a party from there.
- Search: one search box covers games (including installed titles), add-ons and people.
- New look: refreshed game cards, Home, Settings and animations.
The Verge, which says it has used the new app for a few weeks, writes that the simpler navigation makes it easier to use with a controller. It also notes the Game Bar interface on handhelds now looks out of place next to it, and says it understands Microsoft wants to improve that in the coming months. Microsoft’s own post doesn’t mention Game Bar.
Xbox Cloud Gaming on the web gets a Library tab
Insiders have been able to preview the refreshed web version of Xbox Cloud Gaming since earlier this year. Now it’s moving to more players automatically. What’s new:
- Library tab: every game you can stream in one place, whether you own it or play it through Game Pass, with sorting and filters for recently played, genre, input options and more.
- Desktop mode: makes better use of PC monitors and other large screens.
- Display options: dark and light modes, plus five new high-contrast options for different visual needs.
If you’d rather not wait for it to switch over, Microsoft says you can head to play.xbox.com to try it sooner. For streaming options outside a Game Pass plan, see our guide to Xbox Cloud Gaming without Game Pass.
The refreshed Xbox Cloud Gaming web experience reaches more players over the next few weeks, or try it sooner at play.xbox.com. Image: Microsoft
On TVs and VR headsets, the cloud apps are getting the same refreshed look and navigation, though not an identical layout. “Playing on a PC, TV, or VR headset is different, and each experience needs to work well for the screen you’re using,” Microsoft says.
How to get the new Xbox PC app now
- Download the Xbox Insider Hub app for Windows PC from the Microsoft Store and join the Xbox Insider Program.
- Open the Xbox app on your PC: Microsoft says Insiders “will start seeing improvements” across it from November 5.
- Share feedback at aka.ms/XBOXplayervoice or on the r/XboxInsiders subreddit, which Microsoft points Insiders to for support.
Insiders are also testing other features right now, such as the phone-as-controller preview for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
What’s next
Microsoft hasn’t given a date for the redesigned PC app to reach all Windows players, so for now it stays an Insider build. The web refresh should land for more players over the next few weeks. Until then, the app is still the main way to browse this month’s Xbox Game Pass November 2026 lineup on PC. For more of today’s stories, follow our gaming news live page.
Sources: Xbox Wire, The Verge, Destructoid, Dexerto.
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Featured image: Microsoft
