Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
To share eligible digital Xbox games with family, make the console they use most often your account’s Home Xbox. On that console, sign in with the Microsoft account that bought the games or holds the eligible subscription, then open Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My home Xbox and choose Make this my home Xbox. Other people who use that console can then access the account’s eligible Microsoft Store games, downloadable content, and subscription-downloaded games, including downloaded titles when the console is offline.
What Home Xbox sharing actually does
Home Xbox is a console-level license setting tied to the Microsoft/Xbox account that owns digital purchases or an eligible subscription. The account designates one console as its Home Xbox. On that designated console, other users can use the eligible games and content licensed to the account without the purchasing account remaining signed in.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The accessible Microsoft Community guidance describes three main categories of shared access: Microsoft Store games purchased by the account, downloadable content (DLC) purchased by the account, and games downloaded through a subscription held by the account. It also says games downloaded to the Home Xbox can be played offline after the designation has been made. Individual games, add-ons, subscriptions, and online services can impose their own licensing or connectivity requirements, so “shared” does not mean every feature of every title is automatically available to every profile.
Recommended Free Tools
This setting is useful when a household has more than one Xbox but wants one console to function as the family library. It does not merge accounts or transfer ownership. The purchasing account keeps its licenses; Home Xbox simply grants the other users of one designated console a device license.
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
Before you change the setting
Use the account that owns the games
Sign in with the Microsoft/Xbox account that bought the digital games or owns the subscription downloads you want to share. A family member’s profile cannot designate a console for another account’s purchases.
Choose the console deliberately
An account can have only one Home Xbox at a time. Decide which physical console should receive the shared device license before confirming the change. In a multi-console household, the cited support answer recommends the console used most frequently by the family. That recommendation is practical guidance, not a guarantee that every household should make the same choice.
Plan for offline use
If the family needs to play downloaded games without an internet connection, designate the Home Xbox while it is online and complete the setup before going offline. The community guidance specifically describes offline play on the Home Xbox after it has been designated.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Check the current console labels
Xbox menu wording can change. The path documented in the Microsoft Community answer is Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My home Xbox. If your console presents slightly different labels, look for the personalization page containing the Home Xbox setting rather than assuming the feature has been removed.
Rank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
Set a console as your Home Xbox
- Turn on the Xbox console that the family will use for the shared library and connect it to the internet.
- Sign in with the Microsoft/Xbox account that owns the digital games, DLC, or eligible subscription downloads.
- Open Profile & system from the console guide or dashboard.
- Select Settings.
- Open General, then Personalization.
- Choose My home Xbox.
- Select Make this my home Xbox and wait for the console to confirm the change.
- Return to the dashboard and let the family member sign in with their own Xbox profile. The eligible library should appear in the account’s games and apps area or be available to download from the Microsoft Store.
The designation applies to the account used in step two, not merely to the console or the person holding the controller. If a different account owns another game, that account must make its own Home Xbox choice; one console can serve as the Home Xbox for multiple household accounts, but each account has its own single-console designation.
What family members can use on the Home Xbox
| Content or capability | What the cited guidance says | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store digital games purchased by the account | Other users on the designated Home Xbox can access them. | Eligibility is tied to the account’s device license and the individual title’s licensing rules. |
| Downloadable content purchased by the account | The answer includes DLC among the content shared on the Home Xbox. | An add-on may still require the base game, a compatible edition, or its own account entitlement. |
| Games downloaded through an eligible subscription | Subscription-downloaded games are described as available to other users on the Home Xbox. | Access can end when the subscription or the title’s subscription availability ends. |
| Downloaded games while offline | The Home Xbox can run downloaded games offline after it was designated before going offline. | Online multiplayer, cloud features, updates, and title-specific checks can require a connection. |
| In-game currency | The guidance gives currency bought inside a game, including Minecraft currency, as an example of content that may not share. | Check the game’s purchase and licensing details before buying currency for another profile. |
| One-time bonuses and special-edition extras | Certain account-specific bonuses and special-edition content may remain restricted to the purchasing account. | Read the item’s entitlement description; the Home Xbox setting does not promise universal sharing of every extra. |
The table describes the scope of the accessible community answer rather than a title-by-title guarantee. If a family member can launch a game but cannot see a particular skin, currency balance, season item, or bonus, that difference may reflect account-specific licensing rather than a failed Home Xbox setup.
Which console should be the Home Xbox?
When there are two or more consoles, compare three practical factors before using one of the account’s changes:
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall- Family use: Pick the console used most often if the goal is to let several household profiles play the shared library without the owner present.
- Owner absence: Give priority to the console that family members need to use when the purchasing account is away or signed out.
- Offline access: If one console is likely to be used without internet access, make that the Home Xbox and complete the designation while online.
The choice is not a permanent transfer. You can move the designation later, but the account has a finite number of changes, so avoid switching merely to test which console feels more convenient.
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
What happens on the other Xbox
The account owner can still use the purchased content on another Xbox while signed in with the owning account. The other console does not receive the same shared device license for its additional users. In practice, this creates two different access patterns:
- Home Xbox: Other profiles on that one console can use the account’s eligible games and DLC, and downloaded games can work offline under the guidance described above.
- Non-Home Xbox: The purchasing account can access its own library while signed in, but another profile on that console should not be expected to receive the Home Xbox benefit.
Changing the Home Xbox moves the account’s console/device licenses to the newly selected console. Users who relied on the former Home Xbox lose that shared access after the switch, while the account owner can continue using the library on another console when signed in.
Home Xbox changes have a limit
The Microsoft Community answer reports a limit of five Home Xbox changes in a rolling one-year period. It says the one-year period begins with the first switch and that the console displays the next eligible date after the limit is reached. Because the official Xbox Support page for this feature did not render its article text in the available material, treat the five-change figure as the cited community guidance and verify the current allowance and reset date on the console before making a change.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A switch can consume one of those changes even when the move is only temporary. Keep a record of which console is currently designated and avoid changing the setting for routine troubleshooting. If the console reports that no change is available, read the on-screen date and wait until the displayed eligibility date rather than repeatedly attempting the operation.
Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
Offline play, updates, and online features
Home Xbox supports the device-license portion of offline play for games that have already been downloaded, provided the console was designated before it went offline. That does not turn every game into an entirely offline product. A title may still need an internet connection for multiplayer, cloud saves, account checks, updates, or services operated by its publisher.
For a planned trip or unreliable connection, download the games while online, launch them once on the designated console, and confirm that the family profile can start them before disconnecting. This verifies the local installation without assuming that online modes will function offline. If a game opens but a network feature is unavailable, that behavior can be normal for the feature rather than evidence that Home Xbox failed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common sharing problems
The family profile cannot see a purchased game
- Confirm that the game was purchased by the account used to designate Home Xbox, not by a different household account.
- On the console, open Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My home Xbox with the owning account and verify that the option indicates this is the Home Xbox.
- Check that the game is installed or available to download from the Microsoft Store on that console.
- Sign out of the owning account and sign in with the family member’s profile. If the game still does not appear, restart the console and check the title again.
The game launches but an add-on is missing
First verify that the DLC belongs to the same owning account and that the base game and add-on are compatible editions. Some account-specific extras are not shared even when the base game is. In-game currency and certain one-time or special-edition bonuses are specifically identified as possible exceptions, so inspect the item’s own purchase description instead of repeatedly changing Home Xbox.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Offline launch fails
- Make sure the console was made the Home Xbox before it lost its connection.
- Confirm that the game was fully downloaded rather than waiting for an update or additional content.
- Reconnect briefly if possible so the console can complete licensing or update checks, then test offline mode again.
- If only an online mode fails while the campaign or local mode starts, the limitation may belong to that game feature.
The wrong console is sharing the library
Sign in with the owning account on the console that should receive the benefit and repeat the Home Xbox path. Remember that moving the designation removes the shared device license from the previous console. If the account has reached its reported five-change rolling-year limit, use the next eligible date shown by the console rather than making further attempts.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
The account owner cannot play on a second console
On the non-Home Xbox, sign in with the account that owns the game or subscription. The owner’s access on another console depends on that active sign-in; the Home Xbox setting does not make every console share the library with every profile.
Household examples
One console in a living room
Sign in with the purchasing account, designate the living-room console as Home Xbox, and let each family member use their own profile. This is the simplest arrangement because the shared device license and the family’s primary play location are the same.
Two consoles, one used by children
If the children’s console is the one that must work when the purchasing account is away, designate that console. The owner can then use the second console by signing in with the owning account. Moving the designation to the second console later would remove the children’s shared access on the first one and consume another change.
Two consoles used equally
Choose the console that most needs access for other profiles or offline play. The owner can use the other console while signed in, but its additional users should not be treated as covered by the Home Xbox device license.
A subscription game leaves the catalog
Home Xbox shares the entitlement described for games downloaded through an eligible subscription; it does not preserve a title after the subscription ends or after the title is no longer available under that subscription. Check the subscription and game status before troubleshooting the console setting.
A maintenance checklist
- Keep the purchasing account’s credentials private and use each family member’s own Xbox profile for play.
- Record which console is currently the account’s Home Xbox.
- Before switching, consider who needs shared access, who plays while the owner is absent, and which console may need offline use.
- Confirm the on-screen change allowance and next eligible date if the console reports a limit.
- Download and test games on the designated console before relying on offline play.
- Check individual game, DLC, currency, bonus, and online-service licensing when only one part of a purchase is unavailable.
The practical result
For most households, the reliable setup is to designate the family’s primary console as Home Xbox once, then leave it there. Other profiles on that console receive the eligible digital library described by the account’s licenses, while the owner retains access on another Xbox by signing in. The main trade-off is that changing the designation moves the shared device license and counts against the account’s limited annual changes, so the console choice should be based on actual family use rather than trial and error.
Quick Recap
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.
