New Xbox PC App Launches Up to 60% Faster in Redesign Preview
Microsoft's redesigned Xbox PC app opens up to 60% faster, puts friends in the main menu and adds one search for games and people. Can it rival Steam now?
Hakkı ALKANPublished 3 min read
Microsoft has started testing a redesigned Xbox PC app that launches up to 60% faster, and Xbox Insiders on Windows can try it from November 5, 2026. The update also moves friends into the main menu, simplifies the game library and adds one search bar for games, add-ons and people.
Jason Beaumont, Microsoft's vice president of Xbox Experiences, announced the changes on Xbox Wire. A matching refresh is coming to Xbox cloud gaming on the web, TVs and VR headsets, as Microsoft tries to make Xbox feel the same on every screen.
How Much Faster Is the New Xbox PC App?
According to Microsoft's own tests, the app opens up to 60% faster than before. Home, Store and Game Pass pages load up to 50% faster, and windows inside the app open up to 65% faster. However, Microsoft notes that results depend on your PC, internet connection and setup, so treat these as best case numbers.
Speed has been the app's weakest point for years, especially next to Steam. The Verge reports that the new design also works better with a controller, which matters for handhelds like the Xbox Ally.
What Else Changes in the Redesign?
- The Library has simpler navigation, updated filters and new ways to organize your games.
- Friends and social features sit in the main navigation, so you can see what friends are playing, start a chat or join a party faster.
- Search now covers games, installed titles, add-ons and people from a single box.
- Game cards, Home, Settings and animations have a cleaner look.
What Is Coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Cloud gaming lets you stream games from Microsoft's servers instead of installing them. Over the next few weeks, the refreshed web version at play.xbox.com will reach more players automatically. It adds a Library tab for every cloud game you own or get through Game Pass, a desktop mode for large screens, and dark and light themes with five new high contrast options. This builds on the recent option to use your phone as a TV controller.
How Can You Try the New Xbox App Now?
Install the Xbox Insider Hub from the Microsoft Store, open Previews, find PC Gaming and click Join. When the status changes to Manage, restart your PC and update the Xbox app from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft has not said when every user will get the new app.
Our Take
A faster launcher sounds minor, but it decides whether people actually open the Xbox app or go straight to Steam. Microsoft is already pushing PC players with offers like the 25 Years of Xbox bundle, and a smoother app is the missing piece. The real test is whether the speed holds up on large libraries once it reaches everyone.
| New Xbox PC app | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Xbox Insiders on PC, from November 5, 2026 |
| App launch | Up to 60% faster |
| Home, Store, Game Pass pages | Up to 50% faster |
| In-app windows | Up to 65% faster |
| Cloud gaming web refresh | Rolling out over the next few weeks |
| Public release date | Not announced |