Windows 10 streaming is rolling out to everyone with an Xbox One

By David Nield July 18, 2015

new xbox one update lets you stream games to windows 10 pcs e3 2015 backwards compatible other — Image used with permission by copyright holder

We knew it was coming, but now Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox One update arriving in the next day or two will finally enable live video game streaming to Windows 10 PCs. If you’ve decided to take the plunge with the beta preview of Windows 10 then you can get started straight away; if you’re waiting for the official launch, July 29 is the date.

“We’re taking the game streaming function on Xbox One, as announced last month, out of preview and expanding it to everyone who owns an Xbox One and has a PC or tablet with Windows 10,” writes Microsoft’s Larry Hryb. “This means you can play the great library of games you’ve built for Xbox One on your Windows 10 PCs when you’re not in front of your console.”

To enable the feature, go to Settings, Preferences and Allow game streaming to other devices on your Xbox One, then install the latest version of the Xbox app on your Windows 10 PC or tablet. You can then choose Connect and Add a device from inside the Xbox app on Windows.

There are more new features arriving for the Xbox app on Windows 10 too. Microsoft has improved access to the group and game chat for Xbox Live users and tweaked the way you can browse through and collect games. There’s a new game streaming link from the home screen for easy access and numerous other small changes that improve the compatibility between Xbox One and Windows 10.

Microsoft has a lot riding on the success of Windows 10 and Xbox One integration is likely to be one of the key factors in persuading people to make the switch. The company has also confirmed that Windows 10 Home users will find updates are installed automatically to ensure their machines are constantly protected and up to date with the newest features.

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Dave is a freelance journalist from Manchester in the north-west of England. He's been writing about technology since the…

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