While Xbox One might be home to Microsoft's gaming efforts, some of its biggest services are now available on PC too. Windows 10 is a major component of the Xbox brand today, tying directly into Xbox Live – its network of tens of millions of gamers. Some of Xbox One's top games and features are now accessible away from the console, all under the same account.
To get started with Xbox on Windows 10, you'll need an Xbox Live profile linked to your Microsoft account. This will provide access to the entire Xbox Live network, including multiplayer, social features and much more.
How to create an Xbox Live account on Windows 10
Before creating an Xbox Live profile, you'll first need to have an existing Microsoft account linked to your copy of Windows 10. Steps on linking a Microsoft account to your Windows 10 product key can be found through our in-depth guide. This will make for a quicker setup of your Xbox Live profile.
After forming the link, you'll be ready to join Xbox Live. Using Windows 10's integrated Xbox app, setting up a profile is simple.
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type Xbox.
- Open the Xbox app for Windows 10. After a brief period of loading, an Xbox Live introductory screen will be displayed. If a "Welcome back!" page is displayed, an Xbox Live profile is already linked to your Microsoft account.
- Click Next to start the setup process.
- Enter your preferred Xbox Live "gamertag." This is a unique username to represent you on Xbox Live. Alternatively, you can choose your automatically assigned Gamertag and change it for free over the next 30 days.
- Choose a "gamerpic" for you profile. This is the profile picture that represents you on Xbox Live. After your account has been created you can change your gamerpic freely and even upload your own image files.
- Click Next to continue the setup process.
- Click Let's play to complete the setup process. An Xbox Live profile is now associated with your Microsoft account.
How to sign into an existing Xbox Live account on Windows 10
If you've owned an Xbox, you likely have an Xbox Live profile. Before attempting to recover your Xbox Live profile, ensure your Microsoft account is linked to your copy of Windows 10. We recommend using the same account linked to your Xbox Live profile to keep everything under a single set of credentials. Once your set up, just follow the steps below to sign in with your existing profile.
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type Xbox.
- Open the Xbox app for Windows 10. After a brief period of loading, a "Welcome back!" page is displayed.
- Click Lets play to complete the setup process.
After setting up the Xbox app with an Xbox Live account, you'll now be ready for Windows 10 gaming. Going forward, Xbox Live-enabled games will automatically lift your account information from the Xbox app, making for a seamless sign-in process across all titles.
