Microsoft Enhances Xbox App for Arm-Based Windows PCs
Microsoft is adding the ability to download ARM64 compatible games to its Xbox app for Windows on Arm, with Windows Insiders now able to test an updated version that allows local installations rather than relying solely on Xbox Cloud Gaming, reports 24brussels.
This enhancement is particularly significant for devices such as the Qualcomm-powered Surface Pro 12, which previously restricted users to playing cloud games from Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service. The new update will make certain ARM64 games from PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate available on Qualcomm-powered devices for the first time.
Microsoft has stated that its Windows and Xbox teams are collaborating on this Xbox app initiative to ensure compatibility across the Game Pass catalog. They are also “developing new features that will enable more games to be played on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs in the coming months.”
Initially, Microsoft released an ARM64 version of its Xbox app in 2022, but the lack of games natively compiled for Windows on Arm limited user options. Currently, users can refer to the Windows on Arm ready site to identify which games operate effectively on this platform.
