Xbox’s new PC app feels like the first real step toward a proper Windows gaming experience
Microsoft has unveiled a rebuilt Xbox PC app with significant performance improvements, marking a major advancement for Windows gaming. The redesigned application features a substantially different interface from its predecessor and aims to bring the user experience closer to that of Xbox Series X|S consoles.
The new app is based on testing conducted over the summer of an Xbox Cloud Gaming interface codenamed “Bastion,” which was developed to improve the overall experience. The previous version had encountered notable performance issues, particularly when loading large game libraries or accessing the Xbox PC game store. The rebuilt version addresses these concerns through optimization enhancements.
The updated app is expected to become available to Xbox Insiders before the end of 2026, allowing early access users to test the improvements and provide feedback. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has expressed her commitment to elevating Microsoft’s gaming offerings through this initiative, demonstrating the company’s continued investment in strengthening its position in the PC gaming market and providing a more integrated gaming experience across platforms.