Microsoft is rolling out a redesigned Xbox app for PC, promising faster launch times, quicker page loading, and several interface changes aimed at improving the gaming experience. The update comes as competition between PC game launchers continues to grow, with Epic Games and Valve recently highlighting performance improvements to their own platforms.
According to Microsoft, the updated Xbox PC app can launch up to 60% faster, while key sections such as Home, Store, and Game Pass load up to 50% faster. In-app windows are also claimed to open up to 65% faster. Microsoft has not provided detailed benchmark results or testing conditions to support these figures, so the actual improvements may vary depending on the system and usage conditions.
The performance changes are accompanied by a redesigned interface that makes it easier to navigate game libraries, access friends, and find content. Microsoft is updating the Library with simpler navigation, improved filters, and additional organization options. The Friends section is also moving into the main navigation, allowing players to check what their friends are playing, start conversations, and join parties without navigating through multiple menus.
Search is receiving an upgrade as well, with the ability to find games, installed titles, add-ons, and people from a single location. Microsoft is also refreshing game cards, the Home page, Settings, and animations to improve the overall appearance and navigation.
In its announcement, Microsoft described the changes as follows:
“Xbox Insiders will start seeing improvements across the Xbox PC app designed to make everyday actions faster and easier.”
Another important addition is a dedicated Library tab for cloud gaming. It brings together games that users own and titles available through Xbox Game Pass, with options to browse, sort, and filter the collection by recently played games, genre, input options, and other categories.
Microsoft is also introducing Desktop mode, which makes better use of available screen space on PCs and larger displays. Users will be able to choose between dark and light themes, alongside five new high-contrast options designed to support different visual preferences and accessibility needs.
The updated Xbox PC app is currently being tested through the Xbox Insiders program. Microsoft also plans to bring parts of the redesigned experience to its web platform, TVs, and VR headsets. A wider public release date has not been announced, although the update is expected to reach more users following the testing phase.
The timing is notable, as Epic Games recently claimed its new Epic Games Launcher could start 46% faster than Steam. Valve subsequently released a Steam update targeting startup performance, putting additional pressure on competing PC gaming platforms. Microsoft’s latest Xbox app improvements show that it is also focusing on reducing loading times while making its launcher more useful for PC players.
