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Microsoft made the Xbox app publicly available on all ARM-based Windows 11 PCs on January 21, 2026. Compatible games can now be downloaded and played locally instead of requiring Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, this is not a promise that the Game Pass catalog has been rebuilt as ARM64 software: many titles still run as x86 or x64 programs through Windows’ Prism emulation.
What changed on January 21, 2026
Microsoft says the Xbox PC app now supports local downloads across ARM-based Windows 11 PCs, including Snapdragon-powered laptops, tablets and handhelds. At launch, Microsoft reported that more than 85% of the Game Pass catalog was compatible with these systems. That is a Microsoft catalog figure dated January 21, 2026—not an independent benchmark, an FPS guarantee or a claim about every PC game.
The rollout builds on an August 2025 Insider preview that required Windows Insider and Xbox Insider enrollment, the PC Gaming Preview and Xbox PC app version 2508.1001.27.0 or later. Those preview requirements are no longer the normal public-install path. (Microsoft announcement; August 2025 preview)
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →| Question | Current answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Xbox app available on Windows 11 ARM? | Yes, publicly announced January 21, 2026. |
| Can games be installed locally? | Yes, when the individual title, entitlement and device are supported. |
| Is every game ARM64-native? | No. Native builds and x86/x64 emulation can both be involved. |
| Does every Game Pass title work? | No. Microsoft said more than 85% of the catalog was compatible at launch. |
| Can unsupported games be streamed? | Xbox Cloud Gaming may be an alternative, subject to plan, region and network conditions. |
“ARM support” is not the same as native ARM64 gaming
A native ARM64 game is compiled for the processor architecture used by the PC. An x86 or x64 game is compiled for traditional Intel and AMD PCs. Windows 11 on ARM can run many of those older binaries through Prism, its emulation technology.
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Microsoft specifically cites Prism support for AVX and AVX2 instructions, which expands the range of modern games that can run under emulation. It also points to Epic Easy Anti-Cheat support and game-specific compatibility work. These improvements explain why local play is possible, but Prism does not guarantee that every title will launch or perform like the same game on an x86 gaming laptop.
- Native ARM app: built specifically for ARM64 and generally able to deliver the best performance on that hardware.
- Emulated game: an x86 or x64 executable translated by Windows, with possible CPU overhead.
- Compatible title: a broad practical category meaning the game can work on a supported ARM PC; it does not prove an ARM64 build.
Microsoft named Gears of War: Reloaded and Fortnite as examples, alongside additional games enabled by Easy Anti-Cheat support. They are examples, not a complete compatibility list. (Microsoft’s announcement)
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How to install a game on an ARM Windows 11 PC
- Open Settings > System > About and confirm that the device runs Windows 11 on an ARM-based processor.
- Install or update the Xbox app through the Microsoft Store.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account that owns the game or has the relevant Game Pass entitlement.
- Search for the title in the Xbox PC app and inspect its listing.
- Choose Install if that option is shown. A cloud-play button, purchase prompt or Store link alone does not confirm local ARM support.
- Allow the Xbox app, Microsoft Store and Gaming Services to update, then install the game.
- Check the publisher’s current system requirements and ARM compatibility before committing storage to a large download.
If the title cannot be installed locally, Xbox Cloud Gaming can provide a streaming route when included with the user’s plan and available in their region. Cloud play does not make the local version ARM-native; it simply moves the game’s execution to Microsoft’s servers.
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Which games and licenses are covered?
Game Pass is optional. The Xbox PC app can install eligible PC games included with PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate, as well as supported games purchased through Microsoft’s Xbox and Windows ecosystem. Xbox Play Anywhere lets a supported digital purchase provide both Xbox and Windows 10/11 PC versions, with cross-progression where a game supports it. The program governs entitlement, not processor architecture. (Xbox Play Anywhere documentation)
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- An Xbox console game does not automatically include a PC version.
- A PC version does not automatically work on ARM.
- A Steam purchase generally does not become an Xbox app entitlement.
- Game Pass availability and ARM compatibility are separate checks.
Microsoft’s percentage also changes as games enter and leave Game Pass. Check the current Xbox listing and the publisher’s support information for any title that matters to your purchase decision.
Compatibility, performance and the hardware behind it
“Compatible” means a game can work; it does not specify resolution, frame rate, graphics quality or battery life. Results depend on the ARM chip’s generation and power limit, integrated GPU, cooling, RAM capacity, memory bandwidth, drivers, Windows build and whether the game is native or emulated.
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Microsoft’s Windows ARM guidance says native applications generally perform best, while Prism runs many x86/x64 applications. Drivers must support ARM or be supplied through Windows, and some anti-cheat drivers prevent games from working at all. A fast Snapdragon system can still struggle with a demanding AAA title if its integrated GPU or sustained cooling is insufficient. (Microsoft’s Windows ARM FAQ)
If the game has no Install button
- The title may be unsupported, console-only or cloud-only.
- Your account may lack the PC entitlement.
- The Xbox app or Microsoft Store may be out of date.
- Gaming Services may be damaged or awaiting an update.
- The catalog listing may not have refreshed.
- Update Windows 11, the Xbox app and Microsoft Store.
- Restart the PC and verify the signed-in Microsoft account.
- Check the game’s PC availability and current ARM notes.
- Repair or reinstall Gaming Services from Settings > Apps > Installed apps if necessary.
- Use cloud gaming when it is available rather than forcing an incompatible package.
If it installs but will not launch
Check anti-cheat support first, then update the OEM graphics and chipset drivers, Xbox app, Microsoft Store and Gaming Services. Unsupported mods, overlays, launchers and game-specific restrictions can also block startup. Microsoft explicitly identifies anti-cheat drivers that are not designed for Windows 11 ARM as a cause of failure.
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If it launches but runs poorly
- Lower resolution and graphics quality.
- Use a performance power mode and close background applications.
- Install current manufacturer drivers.
- Review Windows Performance Fit guidance where it is provided.
- Compare local play with cloud streaming.
- Move demanding games to an x86 gaming system if performance remains unacceptable.
Local gaming or Xbox Cloud Gaming?
| Local installation | Cloud streaming |
|---|---|
| Works offline after installation, except for a game’s own online requirements. | Can play titles that are not locally compatible. |
| Avoids streaming latency and image-quality changes. | Uses little local storage and less local processing power. |
| Limited by the ARM PC’s GPU, drivers, emulation and anti-cheat. | Requires suitable internet, bandwidth and service availability. |
| Consumes storage and battery during sustained play. | Can introduce input latency, making it less suitable for competitive play. |
Local support therefore complements rather than replaces cloud gaming. An ARM owner can install the games that work well and stream the rest.
Should you buy an ARM Windows PC for gaming?
ARM is a sensible choice when
- Battery life, low noise, portability or cellular connectivity matter as much as gaming.
- Your main games have confirmed ARM compatibility.
- You are comfortable with some titles running through emulation.
- You mainly play Game Pass, indie, older or otherwise verified games.
- Cloud gaming is an acceptable fallback.
An x86 gaming laptop is safer when
- You need the broadest compatibility across Steam, Epic, EA, Ubisoft, Battle.net and other PC stores.
- You play multiplayer games with demanding kernel-level anti-cheat.
- You rely on specialist peripherals, mods, launchers or utilities with uncertain ARM drivers.
- You need predictable performance in demanding AAA releases.
The January 2026 rollout is a substantial improvement for Windows ARM: it turns the Xbox app from a mainly cloud-oriented option into a local gaming gateway for many titles. It is still an expansion of compatibility, not evidence that most Xbox PC games have been recompiled as ARM64-native software or that ARM has reached x86-level game certainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Game Pass to play Xbox games locally on an ARM Windows 11 PC?
No. You can use eligible purchased PC games, including supported Xbox Play Anywhere titles. Game Pass is one way to access a catalog, not a requirement for every game.
Does Xbox Play Anywhere guarantee that a game works on ARM?
No. It supplies Xbox and Windows PC entitlement for supported purchases; ARM compatibility, emulation, drivers and anti-cheat remain separate technical questions.
Can I play unsupported Xbox PC games through the Xbox app?
Not as local installations. If the title is available through Xbox Cloud Gaming and your plan and region support it, streaming may be the practical alternative.
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