XBOX
This package provides the XBOX app for Windows PCs.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Identifier: microsoft.gamingapp
Setup Foundry can remove this app package; it remains installed by default.
This package provides the XBOX app for Windows PCs. The app combines the signed-in account’s game library, the XBOX and Game Pass catalogs, and facilities for purchasing, installing, updating, and launching supported PC games. It also provides cloud gaming, XBOX Remote Play, achievements, profiles, friends lists, and voice and text chat when supported by the account, subscription, and device.
The app is preinstalled on most Windows 11 PCs. Its current version requires Windows 10 or Windows 11 version 22H2 or later.
Notes
Additional effects
The XBOX app works with Microsoft Store, the XBOX network, and separate Windows components such as Gaming Services. Games, Gaming Services, XBOX Game Bar, and XBOX Identity Provider use their own packages and are not part of microsoft.gamingapp.
On supported devices, the app can also provide the controller-optimized XBOX full-screen experience or serve as the gaming home application.
Privacy and security
When the app is used, Microsoft processes information that includes XBOX sign-ins and sign-outs, purchases and acquired content, games and apps used, playing time, progress, achievements, and performance or error data. Depending on the features used, this can also include friends and followers, presence information, chats, uploaded content, and voice or image data. Some profile and gameplay information may be visible to other players or linked services according to the account’s XBOX privacy settings.
After removal, the XBOX app itself can no longer process new usage, performance, or communication data or receive app notifications. Removing it does not erase information already stored in the XBOX account or in cloud services. Separately installed games, Gaming Services, XBOX Game Bar, and other XBOX services may continue to transmit their own data when used.
Effects of the change
The XBOX app and its Start menu entry are no longer available to existing user accounts. The app is also removed from provisioning, so new accounts do not receive it automatically. This removes access through the app to:
- the aggregated game library and XBOX home interface,
- browsing and managing the Game Pass catalog,
- installing, updating, and managing games through the XBOX app,
- the app’s Store section,
- cloud gaming and XBOX Remote Play,
- XBOX chats, friends lists, profiles, and app notifications.
The change does not automatically uninstall games installed as separate packages or programs, nor does it remove Gaming Services or XBOX Game Bar. Whether an installed game can still be launched directly depends on that title, its license checks, and the XBOX components it requires. The XBOX app’s management and launch interface is unavailable in all cases. XBOX Game Bar can continue to work while its separate package remains installed.
If a supported device uses the XBOX app as its gaming home application or XBOX full-screen experience, that interface is no longer available after removal.
The app is currently available from Microsoft Store and can be installed again while it remains offered for the device, Windows version, and region.
Notes
microsoft.gamingapp identifies the current XBOX app for PC. It is not the former XBOX Console Companion app, XBOX Game Bar, or the Gaming Services package.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Learn: Overview of apps on Windows client devices
Microsoft Privacy Statement: XBOX