You can play some PC games on an ARM device without Steam by running supported titles through the Xbox PC app on Windows 11 ARM, streaming supported games from Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW, or streaming from a gaming PC you own with Moonlight and Sunshine. The right option depends on your device and operating system, the exact game, and whether you have a suitable internet connection or gaming PC.
Choose a route based on your device and game
“ARM device” can mean a Windows 11 ARM PC, an Android phone or tablet, a Chromebook, or a Raspberry Pi. Those systems do not share one universal PC-game setup. Start by identifying your device’s operating system, then check whether the game is supported by the route you plan to use.
| Route | Best fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox PC app, local play | A Windows 11 ARM device and a title supported for local play | Compatibility for the specific game and device; the app does not make every PC game ARM-compatible. [Microsoft] |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | A title available to stream through Xbox when local play is unavailable | Current game availability, supported device and region, service terms, and network suitability. [Microsoft] |
| GeForce NOW | A game supported by the service on a device with an eligible app or browser path | Current game and device support. NVIDIA lists Windows ARM support as beta. Steam Install-to-Play is limited to publisher opt-ins and has membership and storage conditions. [NVIDIA device requirements] [NVIDIA Install-to-Play details] |
| Moonlight with Sunshine | You own or can access a gaming PC and want to stream its games | You need a host PC, setup, and a suitable network. Moonlight lists clients for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Raspberry Pi, and other platforms, and recommends Sunshine as host software. [Moonlight] |
These routes are not interchangeable: the Xbox PC app runs compatible games on the device, while Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce NOW stream games from a service. Moonlight streams from a PC you control.
Play locally with the Xbox PC app on Windows 11 ARM
If your device runs Windows 11 ARM, check the Xbox PC app first when you want local play and the game is in its catalog. On January 21, 2026, Microsoft said more than 85% of the Game Pass catalog was compatible with Windows 11 ARM PCs. That dated figure concerns the Game Pass catalog at the time of the announcement—not every PC game, every ARM device, or a guarantee that a particular title will work today. [Microsoft’s announcement] [Xbox Wire]
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Game compatibility can depend on more than the processor. Microsoft warns that some Windows 11 ARM games may fail if they rely on unsupported anti-cheat drivers. Check the game publisher’s compatibility information or a crowdsourced compatibility resource before installing or purchasing for this use. [Microsoft Support]
Stream games through a cloud service
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Microsoft points to Xbox Cloud Gaming as a fallback for titles that are not yet supported for local play on Windows 11 ARM. Streaming still depends on whether the game is currently offered, whether the service supports your device and region, and the applicable service terms. Check those details for your location rather than assuming the whole Xbox or PC catalog is streamable. [Microsoft]
Rank #2
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GeForce NOW
GeForce NOW is another cloud route, but it only covers games supported by the service and device. NVIDIA lists Windows ARM support as beta, so check its current requirements and the available app or browser path for your particular device. [NVIDIA system requirements]
For Steam games, distinguish a game that is Ready-to-Play from one offered through Install-to-Play. NVIDIA says Install-to-Play is available only for games whose publishers have opted in and requires a premium membership. Games may need to be installed again in each session; persistent storage can preserve installs for eligible use. Check the game’s current label and storage behavior before relying on this feature. [NVIDIA Install-to-Play support]
Recommended Free Tools
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Stream from a gaming PC with Moonlight and Sunshine
If you own or can access a gaming PC, Moonlight lets a supported ARM device act as a client while that PC runs the game. Moonlight recommends Sunshine as host software and lists clients for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Raspberry Pi, and other platforms. This is remote play from your PC, not local execution on the ARM device or a cloud service. [Moonlight]
Before choosing this route, confirm that your device can run a Moonlight client and that your host PC and network are suitable for streaming. Moonlight’s FAQ describes gamepad input through a virtual Xbox 360 controller; that does not establish compatibility for every physical controller or device. [Moonlight FAQ]
Quick Recap
Best Value
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A practical decision sequence
- Identify your device and OS. Distinguish Windows 11 ARM from Android, ChromeOS, Raspberry Pi, or another platform; app availability and setup differ.
- Check the exact game. On Windows 11 ARM, begin with the Xbox PC app if you want local play, and verify the game’s compatibility—especially if it uses anti-cheat drivers. [Xbox PC app announcement] [Microsoft compatibility guidance]
- If local play is not an option, check cloud catalogs. Search Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce NOW separately for the title, and verify device and regional availability. Neither service should be treated as a way to play every PC game.
- If you have a gaming PC, consider Moonlight. Use Moonlight on a supported client and Sunshine on the host PC, then account for the network connection between them. [Moonlight]
- Check input needs. A controller may be useful, particularly on a phone or handheld, but confirm connectivity and game input support for your setup; controller compatibility is not universal. [Moonlight FAQ]
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
