Microsoft is giving the Xbox PC app a much-needed performance upgrade, promising significantly faster startup times, smoother navigation, and an improved interface for Windows gamers.
The company announced on November 5, 2026, that a redesigned version of the Xbox app is rolling out to Xbox Insiders. According to Microsoft’s internal testing, the updated application launches up to 60% faster, loads pages up to 50% quicker, and opens in-app windows up to 65% faster.
Alongside the performance improvements, Microsoft is introducing a cleaner game library, better search functionality, and easier access to friends and party chats.
In Brief:
- Up to 60% faster: Microsoft claims the redesigned Xbox PC app launches significantly faster than the previous version.
- Improved loading times: Home, Store, and Game Pass pages load up to 50% faster, while in-app windows open up to 65% faster.
- New features: A redesigned Library, improved search, and integrated social features make navigation easier.
- Insider rollout: The update began rolling out on November 5, with additional improvements coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming on web, TVs, and VR headsets.
Microsoft’s New Xbox PC App Is Up to 60% Faster
Microsoft has officially announced a major overhaul of its Xbox app for Windows, focusing on improving performance and reducing loading times.
According to the company, the redesigned app delivers substantial speed improvements across several everyday activities.
Here’s a breakdown of the performance improvements:
| Feature | Performance Improvement |
|---|---|
| App startup | Up to 60% faster |
| Home, Store, and Game Pass pages | Up to 50% faster |
| In-app windows | Up to 65% faster |
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma also shared a side-by-side comparison of the old and updated applications on X, showcasing the improvements.
In the demonstration, the updated Xbox app reached its Home screen in approximately 5.2 seconds, compared to 15.6 seconds for the older version.
Sharma acknowledged the progress while emphasizing that Microsoft still has improvements to make.
“A meaningful improvement, with plenty more to do.”
However, Microsoft notes that these performance figures come from internal testing. Actual results may vary depending on hardware, internet connection, and system configuration.
The changes specifically target the Xbox application’s performance, rather than improving frame rates or the performance of games themselves.
Xbox PC App Gets a Redesigned Library, Better Search, and Social Features
Beyond faster loading times, Microsoft is also making the Xbox PC app easier to navigate.
The redesigned interface introduces several quality-of-life improvements aimed at helping players find games and connect with friends more quickly.
Some of the biggest changes include:
- Improved game library: Simpler navigation, updated filters, and better organization options for installed and available games.
- Integrated social features: Friends, chats, and parties are now accessible directly from the main navigation.
- Unified search: Players can search for games, installed titles, add-ons, and friends from a single location.
- Refreshed interface: Updated game cards, redesigned Home and Settings pages, and smoother animations.
- Better accessibility: Cleaner navigation designed to make the overall app easier to use.
These improvements should be particularly helpful for PC Game Pass subscribers who regularly use the Xbox app to browse and launch games.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Is Also Getting a Major Interface Update
Microsoft isn’t limiting the redesign to Windows PCs.
The company is also introducing a refreshed Xbox experience across web browsers, supported smart TVs, and VR headsets.
The updated Xbox Cloud Gaming web interface will feature a unified library containing both owned cloud-playable games and titles available through Xbox Game Pass.
Other improvements include better filters, layouts optimized for larger screens, and additional customization options.
Players will also be able to choose between light and dark themes, alongside five new high-contrast accessibility options.
Microsoft says the refreshed web experience will reach more players automatically over the coming weeks.
How to Get the New Xbox PC App Update
The redesigned Xbox PC app began rolling out to members of the Xbox Insider Program on November 5, 2026.
Players interested in testing the new experience can join the program through the Xbox Insider Hub on Windows.
However, Microsoft has not announced an official release date for when the updated app will become available to everyone.
As of writing, the company is collecting feedback from Insiders while continuing to improve the experience.
