Xbox's Redesigned PC App Launches Up to 60% Faster: What's Changing on PC, Web and Cloud

Microsoft is overhauling the Xbox app on PC. From 5 November, Xbox Insiders can try an updated Xbox PC app that, according to Microsoft, launches up to 60% faster and makes it easier to find games, reach friends and start playing. The refreshed Xbox cloud gaming website is also rolling out to more players, and the same look is starting to reach the cloud gaming apps on TVs and VR headsets.

"We've heard where the experience could be better," Microsoft writes, adding that "there's more to do".

The new Xbox PC app

The update is for Xbox Insiders first. Microsoft lists five changes:

• Speed: the app launches up to 60% faster, pages like Home, Store and Game Pass load up to 50% faster, and in-app windows open up to 65% faster. Microsoft notes these figures come from its own testing and depend on your device, connection and setup.
• Library: simpler navigation, updated filters and new ways to organise your games.
• Friends: friends and social features move into the main navigation, so you can see what friends are playing, start a chat or join a party more quickly.
• Search: one search covers more of Xbox, with results for games, including installed titles and add-ons, and for people.
• Look: refreshed game cards, Home, Settings and animations.

To get it now, you need to join the Xbox Insider Program through the Xbox Insider Hub app on Windows. Microsoft hasn't said when it reaches everyone else.

Xbox cloud gaming on the web

Earlier this year, Insiders got a preview of a refreshed play.xbox.com. Over the next few weeks it will switch over automatically for more players, and you can already try it at play.xbox.com. It adds:

• A Library tab with every game you can play through the cloud, whether you own it or have it through Game Pass, sortable and filterable by recently played, genre, input options and more.
• A desktop mode that uses more of the screen on PCs and larger displays.
• Dark and light modes, plus five new high-contrast options for different visual needs.

TVs and VR headsets

Microsoft is also starting to bring the refreshed look and navigation to the Xbox cloud gaming apps on supported TVs and VR headsets. It's the second change to the TV app this week, after Xbox Cloud Gaming started testing your phone as a controller on smart TVs. Microsoft hasn't given dates or a list of supported devices.

You can send feedback on the changes at aka.ms/XBOXplayervoice, and Insiders can get help on the Xbox Insider subreddit.

Xbox has since brought 25 original Xbox games to PC, with achievements for KOTOR I and II.