Tech News · Microsoft

Xbox PC App gets faster launches and navigation improvements

Published November 5, 20262 min read

Insiders gain access to a redesigned Xbox PC app with faster launch times and improved navigation. Reports describe performance gains across the app’s core pages and a broader refresh coming to web and TV/VR experiences.

Editorial illustration: Microsoft Xbox PC. WorksTogether editorial illustration, not an official image.

In short

Microsoft updated the app for Xbox Insiders on Thursday with performance and navigation improvements, presumably ahead of a full release.
The updated app, rolling out to Xbox Insiders first, launches up to 60 percent faster.
Home, Store and Game Pass pages each load up to 50 percent faster, and windows inside the app open up to 65 percent faster.

What happened

Windows Central reports that the shiny new Xbox PC app is going live today for Insiders.

Engadget reports that the Xbox app for PC is about to get a little faster.

Engadget reports that the company says the Xbox PC app now launches up to 60 percent faster in the update, so you can dive into your games with less of a wait.

Engadget notes that this is all based on Microsoft's internal testing, so your experience may vary.

Engadget reports that the update also makes the Xbox app's library easier to navigate, with updated filters and game organization.

Engadget reports separately that Microsoft says the refreshed Xbox web experience previewed in January will soon roll out to more players automatically, with a try-now option at play.xbox.com, and that a similar redesign is rolling out to Xbox cloud gaming apps for TVs and VR headsets.

Pure Xbox reports that Xbox PC App Receives Significant Upgrade Starting Today, Plus More Cloud Gaming Improvements.

Editorial illustration by WorksTogether, not an official image.

Why it matters

Performance
The Xbox PC app now launches up to 60 percent faster, with critical pages loading up to 50 percent faster and windows opening up to 65 percent faster, according to Engadget.
Navigation
The update includes an easier-to-navigate library with updated filters and game organization, as reported by Engadget.
Broader rollout
Microsoft plans a broader release beyond Insiders, with refreshed web experiences rolling out to more players and a redesigned Xbox cloud gaming experience for TVs and VR headsets, as described by Engadget.

What we know

Windows Central confirms the Xbox PC app is going live today for Insiders.

Engadget confirms multiple speed improvements: overall launch speed, Home/Store/Game Pass page loads, and in-app window opening speed.

Engadget notes the updates are based on Microsoft's internal testing and may vary by experience.

Engadget confirms navigation improvements to the library and updated filters.

Engadget confirms a refreshed Xbox web experience previewed in January will soon roll out to more players, with a link to try it now at play.xbox.com, and a similar redesign for Xbox cloud gaming apps on TVs and VR headsets.

Pure Xbox confirms the upgrade is starting today and mentions additional cloud gaming improvements.

What remains unclear

Exact timing and scope of the full release beyond Insiders are not specified.

Sources

Engadget — The Xbox PC app is getting a speed boost

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