Microsoft just made a surprising change that fixes one of the biggest problems for people who own Arm-based Windows 11 computers. For years, these computers could not download and play Xbox games on their own. They could only play games by streaming them from the internet through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Now, things are different. Microsoft updated the Xbox PC app so Arm computers can download and install games right on their machines. This means you can play games even when your internet is down or slow.
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What This Really Means for Regular People
Before this update, if you had an Arm computer like the Surface Laptop 7 or other Snapdragon X-powered machines, you were stuck. You had to have a good internet connection all the time to play Xbox games. The games lived in the cloud, not on your computer.
Here’s what changed:
- You can now download compatible games straight to your Arm computer
- Games run on your actual computer, not through the internet
- Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get access to way more games they can play locally
- No more worrying about internet lag or connection problems during gaming
The update works with version 2508.1001.27.0 or higher of the Xbox PC app. Microsoft is being careful about which games work well, so they only let you download games that actually run properly on Arm computers.
How to Get This New Feature Right Now
Getting this new gaming ability is pretty straightforward, but you need to join Microsoft’s testing programs first. Here’s what to do:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Download the Xbox Insider Hub from the Microsoft Store on your computer
- Sign in with the same Microsoft account you use for gaming
- Find the “Previews” section and look for “PC Gaming“
- Click “Join” to become part of the PC Gaming Preview
- Go back to the Microsoft Store and check for updates to the Xbox PC app
- Look for version 2508.1001.27.0 or higher – that’s the one with the new features
You also need to be part of the Windows Insider program, which means you’re testing early versions of Windows. This isn’t for everyone since testing software can sometimes be buggy.
What Games Actually Work
Here’s the important part that Microsoft doesn’t talk about much. Not every game will work on your Arm computer, even with this update.
The Xbox app will only let you download games that are:
- Built specifically for Arm computers (these are rare)
- Can run well through Microsoft’s Prism emulation system
- Don’t use complicated anti-cheat software that blocks Arm computers
Most PC games were made for Intel and AMD processors, not Arm chips. So your Arm computer has to translate the game’s instructions on the fly, which can make games run slower than normal.
The Good and Bad Parts
What’s Great About This Update
- Games load faster than streaming from the cloud
- You can play games without internet once they’re downloaded
- Your computer’s battery lasts longer than streaming games
- No more choppy video or input lag from internet problems
What’s Still Frustrating
- Only some games will actually work and be available for download
- Games that do work might run slower than on regular computers
- You still need to be in Microsoft’s testing programs to get this feature
- Many new big-budget games probably won’t work yet
Microsoft says they’re working with game companies to make more games work on Arm computers in the coming months. They’re also improving their Prism emulation system to handle more games better.
Why This Matters for the Future
This change isn’t just about gaming today. It’s Microsoft getting ready for bigger changes coming to computers.
Nvidia is working on new Arm chips for Windows computers that might have much better graphics power. If these new chips come out and work well, we might see a lot more Arm-powered gaming computers in the future.
Microsoft is also making their Xbox PC app the main place where people go to play PC games. By making sure it works on all types of computers, including Arm ones, they’re preparing for a world where not all computers use Intel or AMD chips.
Should You Get Excited About This?
If you already own an Arm-based Windows 11 computer and love gaming, this update is definitely worth trying. Just remember that you’ll be testing early software, so expect some problems along the way.
For people thinking about buying an Arm computer for gaming, this is a good step forward, but it’s still early days. You’ll get the best gaming experience on regular Intel or AMD computers for now.
The most exciting part is that Microsoft is finally taking Arm gaming seriously. This update shows they’re committed to making these efficient, long-battery-life computers work better for gaming, even if there’s still a long way to go.