What PC Game Pass is and how much it costs

PC Game Pass is a subscription service run by Microsoft that gives you access to a library of video games on Windows computers. You pay a monthly fee and can download and play games from the library as long as your subscription is active. When you stop paying, you lose access to those games.

Microsoft offers PC Game Pass in two tiers. The standard plan costs one amount per month; the premium tier costs more and includes additional features like cloud gaming (playing games streamed to your device rather than downloaded). Prices vary by country and change periodically, so check Microsoft's official PC Game Pass page for your region's current rates.

You can also buy a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which bundles PC Game Pass with Xbox Game Pass (for console) and Xbox Cloud Gaming all in one plan. This costs more than PC Game Pass alone but covers multiple platforms if you own both a PC and an Xbox console.

Key Takeaways

  • PC Game Pass requires a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC and a Microsoft account; you download games to your computer and play them offline once downloaded.
  • The library includes hundreds of games but changes monthly — some games are added, others are removed, so a game you want may not stay available forever.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time, and you will not be charged again after the current billing period ends.
  • Game Pass Ultimate combines PC Game Pass, Xbox Game Pass, and cloud gaming into one subscription if you use multiple Microsoft gaming platforms.

What games are included and how the library works

PC Game Pass includes hundreds of games across many genres: action, strategy, puzzle, sports, role-playing, and more. Microsoft adds new games to the library regularly and removes others, so the full list changes throughout each month. Some games stay in the library for years; others rotate out after a few months.

When you find a game you want to play, you download it to your PC using the Xbox App (Microsoft's gaming platform for Windows). Once downloaded, you can play it offline without needing an internet connection. The game stays on your computer until you uninstall it or your subscription ends.

Microsoft publishes a schedule showing which games are being added and removed each month. You can check this schedule on the Game Pass website to see whether a game you want is currently available or coming soon. If a game is about to leave the library, you have until the removal date to finish playing it; after that date, you cannot launch it even if it is still installed on your drive.

System requirements and how to get your free guide

To use PC Game Pass, you need a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC with at least 8 GB of RAM and a solid-state drive (SSD) with enough free space for the games you want to download. Different games require different amounts of storage — some take 20 GB, others take 100 GB or more. You also need a Microsoft account, which is free to create.

To start, go to the PC Game Pass page on Microsoft's website, sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one), and choose your subscription tier. You will be asked for a payment method. After you complete the purchase, download the Xbox App from Microsoft, sign in with the same account, and browse the Game Pass library. Click any game to download it.

Internet speed matters for downloading games. A faster connection means shorter download times. Once a game is fully downloaded, you do not need a fast connection to play it, though some games have online multiplayer features that require internet access during play.

How billing works and what happens if you cancel

PC Game Pass charges your payment method on the same date each month (or year, if you buy an annual plan). Microsoft will send you a reminder before each charge. You can see your subscription status and billing date in your Microsoft account settings at any time.

If you want to cancel, you can do so through your Microsoft account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period — you will not be charged again, but you keep access to your games until that date arrives. If you cancel mid-month, you do not receive a refund for the unused time.

If you pause your subscription instead of canceling, Microsoft may offer you a discount to restart it later. This option is not always available and depends on your region and account history.

Game Pass for PC versus Game Pass Ultimate

PC Game Pass gives you access to the library on Windows computers only. Game Pass Ultimate includes PC Game Pass plus Xbox Game Pass (for Xbox consoles) and Xbox Cloud Gaming (which lets you play games streamed to your device without downloading them). If you own only a PC, PC Game Pass is the cheaper option. If you own both a PC and an Xbox console, or if you want to try cloud gaming, Ultimate may be worth the extra cost.

Cloud gaming through Game Pass Ultimate works on PCs, tablets, and phones. You stream the game from Microsoft's servers rather than downloading it, so you need a stable internet connection. This is useful if your PC does not have enough storage for large game downloads or if you want to play on multiple devices.

What to know about game availability and your access

Games in the PC Game Pass library are licensed to Microsoft for a set period. When a license expires, Microsoft must remove the game. This is why games leave the library even though you may still want to play them. Before you invest time in a game, check whether it is scheduled to leave soon — the Game Pass website shows removal dates.

If a game leaves the library and you own it through Game Pass, you cannot play it anymore unless you buy it separately from a game store like Steam. Your save files are usually preserved, so if you buy the game later, you can pick up where you left off.

Some games offer discounts to Game Pass subscribers if you want to buy them permanently. These discounts appear in the Xbox App next to the game's name.

Troubleshooting common issues

If a game will not download, first check that you have enough free storage space on your drive. If you do, try restarting the Xbox App or your computer. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall the game through the Xbox App.

If you cannot find a game you know is in the library, search for it by name in the Xbox App. Some games are region-locked, meaning they are not available in all countries. If a game shows as unavailable in your region, it will not appear in your library.

If you are charged but cannot access your subscription, check that you are signed into the Xbox App with the same Microsoft account you used to purchase it. If the issue persists, contact Microsoft Support through your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play PC Game Pass games on my Mac or Linux computer?

No. PC Game Pass works only on Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you own a Mac, you cannot use PC Game Pass. Xbox Cloud Gaming (part of Game Pass Ultimate) can stream some games to a Mac or iPad, but the library is smaller than the full PC Game Pass library.

Do I own the games I download through Game Pass?

No. You are renting access to them for as long as your subscription is active. When your subscription ends or a game leaves the library, you lose the ability to play it. If you want to own a game permanently, you must buy it separately.

What happens to my save files if a game leaves Game Pass?

Your save files are stored on your computer, so they remain even after the game is removed from the library. If you buy the game later, you can usually load your old save. Some games store saves in the cloud through your Microsoft account, which makes it even easier to pick up where you left off.

Can I share my PC Game Pass subscription with someone else?

You can share your subscription with other people who use the same Windows PC, since they will be able to access games downloaded to that computer. However, only the account that paid for the subscription can download new games. Sharing across multiple PCs or with people outside your household is against Microsoft's terms of service.

Is there a free trial for PC Game Pass?

Microsoft sometimes offers free trial periods for new subscribers, but this varies by region and changes over time. Check the PC Game Pass page to see whether a trial is currently available in your area. Trial periods typically last one month.