Welcome to XboxIssues

Welcome. I decided to make this blog after being a Xbox Ambassador for a number of years.

If you don't know an Ambassador is a Volunteer that Microsoft uses to help ease the load on the actual hard working support people.

I noticed that alot of the questions I would get could easily be solved by using Microsofts Xbox.com site.

Since some of the help articles may be hard to find, understand or the issue may be called something different in the gaming community making it more difficult to solve, I've decided to make this blog to make it easier for fellow gamers to get xbox assistance, news and all things Xbox.

If you have any Xbox related question you can find the answer to feel free to contact me on YouTube, twitter or in the comments.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

UPDATE: Xbox Game Pass Overhaul Comes with Higher Prices and Shuffled Plans

 

Xbox has restructured Game Pass into three tiers—Essential, Premium, and Ultimate—bringing expanded libraries, new perks, and higher costs. Ultimate, now $29.99/month, offers over 400 games including 75+ day-one releases, Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, and upgraded cloud streaming. Premium, still $14.99/month, expands to 200+ titles across console, PC, and cloud, adding hits like Diablo IV, Hogwarts Legacy, and Minecraft, with Xbox-published games arriving within a year of launch. Essential remains $9.99/month with online multiplayer, cloud gaming, and a 50+ game library featuring popular titles like Stardew Valley and Hades. While players get more games and benefits, the shake-up comes with notable price increases.



Since its launch in 2017, Xbox Game Pass has been pitched as a way to deliver value and a vast library of games to players. Microsoft points to record engagement and creator participation, but with its latest overhaul, subscribers will now face higher prices alongside bigger catalogs.

The service has been restructured into three tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Each tier expands game libraries to include PC titles, cloud play, and in-game benefits, while also tying into a revamped Rewards with Xbox program. Current Core members will shift to Essential, Standard will move to Premium, and Ultimate users will remain on their existing plan.

Microsoft frames the change as offering more “flexibility, choice, and value” for players who want everything from day-one releases to hidden gems across console, PC, and cloud. However, the shift comes with a steeper cost, leaving some wondering whether the added perks justify the price increase.


Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Just Got Its Biggest Upgrade Yet

The Ultimate tier has received its biggest update yet, targeting players who want the most comprehensive experience. Subscribers now gain access to over 75 day-one releases per year, including highly anticipated titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, High on Life 2, Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2. These join a library of more than 400 games playable across Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud, with over 45 new games added immediately. Hits like Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Hollow Knight: Silksong are also included, alongside exclusive perks such as EA Play access.

Microsoft is also bundling Fortnite Crew ($11.99/month value) starting November 18, giving Ultimate members the Battle Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks monthly, and other perks, while Ubisoft+ Classics (~$15.98/month) brings access to a curated selection of Ubisoft titles like Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.

Cloud gaming gets a notable boost, with Ultimate subscribers enjoying the highest streaming quality up to 1440p and shorter wait times, as Xbox Cloud Gaming officially exits beta. The “Stream your own game collection” feature is also expanding, allowing more seamless cross-device play.

On the rewards side, Ultimate members can earn up to $100 per year in Xbox Store credit. The upgraded Rewards with Xbox program also offers up to 30% value on select Game Pass games, 4x points on game and add-on purchases, 10% back on select library titles, and up to 20% off certain Game Pass games.



Xbox Game Pass Premium – More Games, More Flexibility
The Premium tier has been expanded to offer more games and greater flexibility for players who want a robust Xbox experience across console, PC, and cloud. Subscribers now gain access to over 200 titles, including major hits like Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Grand Theft Auto V, as well as fan favorites such as Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy. Premium also includes new Xbox-published games within a year of release (excluding Call of Duty).

Cloud gaming is upgraded, giving Premium members unlimited access, including select games they already own. In-game benefits have been added for top titles like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, unlocking cosmetics, characters, and more.

Premium also boosts rewards, letting subscribers earn up to $50 per year in Xbox Store credit. With 2x points on purchases and 5% back on select library titles, Microsoft aims to make this tier appealing for both casual and dedicated players—all while keeping the price at $14.99/month.

Xbox Game Pass Essential: A Great Way to Get Started
The Essential tier offers a streamlined Xbox experience for players who want access to games across console, PC, and cloud without breaking the bank. The plan includes 50+ curated titles like Hades, Cities: Skylines – Remastered, Stardew Valley, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, all fully playable on PC.

Subscribers also get unlimited cloud gaming, online multiplayer, and in-game perks for popular games such as League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Overwatch 2. Through the Rewards with Xbox program, members can earn up to $25 per year in store credit, plus points on game and add-on purchases—making it a simple, entry-level way to jump into Xbox gaming.

More Rewards with Game Pass




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Monday, September 29, 2025

SYSTEM UPDATE: Xbox September Update Breakdown: Everything New Across PC, Console, and Mobile

The Xbox September Update is packed with features designed to make gaming more seamless and accessible. Players can now pre-order the new ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, launching globally on October 16. Gaming Copilot (Beta), a personal AI-powered sidekick, is rolling out on PC and coming soon to mobile to provide in-game help and recommendations. The Xbox PC app introduces an improved “My Library,” letting players organize third-party apps and aggregate all their games across platforms in one place, alongside cloud-play history. Other updates include refreshed social widgets, a network quality indicator for smoother cloud play, smarter game save syncing, and a redesigned Rewards hub that works across devices.


Xbox Console Updates
Offer Wallet – Now Available on Web and Xbox Consoles


Xbox has launched Offer Wallet, a unified digital wallet system that allows players to discover, redeem, and manage promotional offers and credits across both web and console platforms. Integrated directly with the user’s Xbox profile and backed by Xbox Purchase’s secure infrastructure, the feature eliminates the need to manually enter 5×5 token codes. Offers can now be claimed and tracked through a single, streamlined interface.

Players will find a new “Offers and Credits” section within their profile, where promotional gift cards, game discounts, and limited-time deals are organized in one place. Microsoft plans to expand the program with ongoing updates, including trials, in-game rewards, and seasonal drops for more regions and users.

PC Gaming Updates
Game Bar – Social Widgets and Visual Updates



Xbox has completed a visual overhaul of its Social widgets, delivering a more unified and refined interface across both Compact and Desktop modes. Alongside the aesthetic improvements, controller navigation has been significantly enhanced, making it easier for players to chat, check activity, and interact with the overlay. The result is a smoother, more intuitive in-game experience that improves usability and elevates the overall feel of the Game Bar environment.

Network Quality Indicator Update

Xbox has introduced a new Network Quality Indicator (NQI) in its PC app, aimed at helping players diagnose and resolve common cloud gaming issues. The tool provides real-time feedback on network conditions, offering actionable insights to address audio and video disruptions often caused by connectivity problems.

Players can toggle the indicator via Settings under Cloud Gaming before launching a stream, or enable it mid-session through the Game Bar by pressing Win+G and navigating to the Xbox Cloud Gaming widget. With clearer diagnostics and easier access, NQI empowers users to optimize their streaming experience with minimal guesswork.

Smarter Game Save Syncing Starts Today


Xbox is enhancing its PC app with smarter game save syncing, aimed at resolving issues when progress fails to transfer between devices—especially in offline scenarios. If a save hasn’t synced from a previous session, players will now see a detailed progress bar, device name, timestamp, and contextual insights to clarify the sync status. The update also provides guidance on where the sync originated, how it's progressing, and what steps to take if it stalls. These improvements make it easier to recover unsynced progress and ensure a smoother transition between play sessions.

Gaming Copilot – Rolling Out on PC and Coming Soon to Mobile


Gaming Copilot (Beta) is expanding to Game Bar on Windows PC, with support for the Xbox mobile app expected next month. Designed to help players overcome in-game obstacles and spend more time enjoying gameplay, Gaming Copilot offers real-time assistance and personalized recommendations.

Based on early feedback from Xbox Insiders and mobile users, the feature now includes deeper in-game support, push-to-talk voice activation, and improved screen recognition. Whether players are stuck on a boss fight or searching for a new title, Gaming Copilot provides relevant insights when needed.

To access Gaming Copilot, users should install the Xbox PC app, press Windows + G, and launch it from Game Bar.

Seamlessly Access Your Gaming Library, Apps, and Play History in One Place

Xbox has introduced a streamlined My Library experience in its PC app, making it easier for players to access both third-party apps and games. Through the new My apps section, users can launch browsers, storefronts, and gaming utilities directly from the Xbox PC interface, eliminating the need to search across multiple platforms.

The My games section consolidates titles from Xbox, Game Pass, and other major PC storefronts into a single aggregated library. This unified view allows for quicker access and smoother game launches, reducing friction across platforms.

Available now on Windows 11 PCs and handhelds, the updated My Library supports a collective gaming experience. Players can also view their cloud-playable games and gameplay history across devices. On console, this appears as a Play history tile on the Home page, while PC users will find it in the Jump back in section and the Play history tab within My Library.

Rewards with Xbox
Revamped Rewards Hub – Level Up Your Rewards Experience on PC


Xbox has rolled out a major redesign of its Rewards hub on PC, delivering a smoother, more intuitive experience across all screen sizes—including handhelds. The refreshed interface makes it easier to track progress, redeem points, and explore new ways to earn, with adaptive visuals that scale seamlessly from desktops to portable devices.

A new Goal Card feature lets players set personalized targets and monitor their journey toward high-value rewards. Meanwhile, the updated Microsoft Rewards Level view provides clear insight into current status and upcoming milestones.

To explore the new hub, users can open the Xbox app on their Windows PC or handheld, navigate to their profile, and select “My Rewards.” From there, they can play games, claim points, set goals, and redeem their balance for gift cards, in-game items, sweepstakes entries, charitable donations, and more.

Redeem Rewards on the Xbox Mobile App


You can now redeem Rewards points directly on the Xbox mobile app. That means you can grab gift cards and put them toward game purchases – all without leaving the app. Simple, fast, and right where you’re already playing.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the Xbox app
  2. Tap your profile icon (top left)
  3. Head to Rewards and tap “Get rewarded”
  4. Tap Redeem on the item you want, confirm, and you’re done!
  5. Simple, fast, and built for wherever you play.

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for September 29 to October 3 2025



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Thursday, August 28, 2025

SYSTEM UPDATE: Xbox August 2025 Update Connects Your Play History, Adds Gaming Copilot, and Simplifies PC App Navigation

Xbox’s latest update introduces several new features aimed at enhancing the gaming experience across devices. Players can now sync their gameplay more easily with cross-device play history, while cloud-enabled games will also appear in their history. A new My Apps tab in the Xbox PC app allows quick access to favorite games and apps from multiple storefronts. Additionally, Gaming Copilot (Beta) is available in Game Bar on Windows 11, providing tips and guidance to help players navigate challenges. Controller navigation in the Xbox PC app has also been improved, making it smoother and more intuitive. The update also brings enhancements for Xbox Play Anywhere, game streaming, and access to Retro Classics.



Cross-Device and Cloud-Playable Play History Now Rolling Out

Xbox is expanding its cross-device play history and cloud gaming features, making it easier for players to continue their games anywhere. Initially available to Xbox Insiders, the rollout will soon reach all users. Play history now syncs across consoles and the Xbox PC app, allowing gamers to pick up right where they left off, whether moving between rooms or joining a friend’s session. Cloud-enabled games, including original Xbox classics and Xbox Series X|S titles, now appear in your history, streamlining access whether you own the game or play via Game Pass. Players can access their recent games from the Play History tile on console or the Most Recent section and Play History tab in the Xbox PC app, providing multiple convenient ways to resume gameplay.

PC Gaming Updates
Bring Everything Together with My apps – Available to Xbox Insiders


Xbox is enhancing the PC gaming experience with the introduction of My Apps, a new tab in the Xbox PC app currently available to Insiders. This feature allows users to quickly access their most-used apps and game launchers, including browsers and utilities, all from a single location—eliminating the need to switch between multiple windows. Building on the aggregated gaming library, My Apps makes it easier to find, download, and launch games from various storefronts directly within the Xbox PC app. Whether on a Windows 11 PC or a portable device, this update streamlines setup, letting players spend more time gaming and less time navigating menus.

Gaming Copilot (Beta) on Game Bar – In Preview to Xbox Insiders

Xbox has introduced Gaming Copilot (Beta) in Game Bar for Windows 11, currently available to Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview. Designed as a personal gaming assistant, it provides guidance and tips to help players overcome challenges and stay focused on gameplay. Whether offering strategies for tough bosses or helping players jump into action more efficiently, Gaming Copilot adapts to your needs—assisting when required and remaining unobtrusive when not.

Controller Navigation in the Xbox PC App Just Got a Lot Smarter

The Xbox PC app has received updates to improve navigation across controller, keyboard, and touch inputs. Controller and keyboard users will find the interface more intuitive and console-like, with familiar button mappings—A to select, B to go back, and Y to search—along with smoother trigger and bumper actions, faster scrolling, and smarter focus memory between pages. Keyboard navigation has also been enhanced. Visually, the app feels cleaner and more polished, featuring clearer focus indicators and subtle, purposeful animations, creating a more responsive and user-friendly experience.


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Tuesday, July 29, 2025

SYSTEM UPDATE: Xbox Update Breaks Boundaries with PC Game Streaming

Xbox continues its mission to make gaming more meaningful, flexible, and enjoyable—no matter where or how players choose to play. This month’s update introduces new features to the Xbox PC app that reflect that vision, offering more ways for players to stay connected to their games and progress.

These enhancements are part of a broader initiative to improve the Xbox experience on PC and extend the platform’s most loved features to more places. Whether streaming owned games, jumping back into cloud play, or tracking progress across devices, the update empowers players with greater control, flexibility, and freedom to play their way.



PC Gaming Updates

Stream your own games on PC
Earlier this year, Xbox introduced the ability for Game Pass Ultimate members to stream their owned games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, smart TVs, Meta Quest headsets, and other browser-supported devices such as PCs, smartphones, and tablets. That same level of flexibility is now coming to the Xbox PC app.

Starting today, Game Pass Ultimate members in the 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is available can stream from a selection of over 250 owned titles directly through the Xbox PC app. This includes recently added games like Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, Mafia: Definitive Edition, The Callisto Protocol, and more—even those not included in the Game Pass catalog.

The new “Stream your own game” feature allows players to skip downloads, free up hard drive space, and enjoy greater access to their personal library, including console-only titles that were previously unavailable on PC.

Players can access this feature by visiting the Cloud Gaming section of the Xbox PC app, selecting a supported game they own from the “Stream your own game” list, and jumping into gameplay instantly.

Additionally, the update enhances cross-device play history and improves access to console cloud-playable games on PC.

In addition to being able to stream games you own on the Xbox PC app, we want to make playing Xbox games easier than ever across the Xbox platform. Xbox Insiders that are Game Pass Ultimate members have access to all cloud-playable games in their Xbox PC app library, including console-only games from the original Xbox through the Series X|S. Games that are either owned or available through Game Pass will all be in one place, so players can choose what and how they play. Also, Insiders can now preview their play history across devices, including on console and the Xbox PC app, displaying recently played games so players can pick up where they left off.

Explore these new capabilities on the Home page on console or on the Xbox PC app by going to “My Library” and jump back into gaming. Learn more details in the Xbox Insiders announcement post.

Rewards with Xbox – Get rewarded for playing games on the Xbox PC app

Tracking weekly point bonuses is now simpler with the addition of a new feature in the Xbox PC app. Players can now view their progress toward earning rewards directly within the app while they play.

This feature is currently rolling out in select markets for users aged 18 and older with a Microsoft account. Players should note that points must be claimed to be added to their Microsoft Rewards balance, and standard terms apply. To get started, users can open the Xbox PC app and visit the Rewards channel on the Home page to begin tracking progress and earning points.


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Tuesday, July 15, 2025

NEWS: Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview Can Now Stream Owned Console Games via Xbox App on PC

Exciting news for PC gamers: Starting today, Xbox Insiders enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview and subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate can now stream select console games they own—beyond the Game Pass library—directly through the Xbox PC app in all 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is available.

Earlier this year, Microsoft introduced the "Stream your own game" feature to Game Pass Ultimate members across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, select smart TVs, Meta Quest headsets, and browser-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Now, that same convenience is coming to the Xbox PC app, enabling players to stream eligible owned titles without needing to download or install them—saving time, conserving storage, and enhancing accessibility through the cloud.



This update also unlocks console-only titles that were previously inaccessible on PC. By visiting the Cloud Gaming section of the Xbox app, players can explore the “Stream your own game” catalog, select a supported game from their collection, and start playing instantly. With over 250 titles currently available—and more on the way, including console exclusives and Xbox Play Anywhere games—PC users now have greater flexibility and control over how and where they play.


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GAME PASS: Coming to Xbox Game Pass Late July 2025


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Monday, June 23, 2025

SYSTEM UPDATE: Xbox June Update Brings Mouse & Keyboard Support, Copilot AI, Game Hubs & More!

The Xbox June 2025 Update is here with a wave of exciting new features!

First up, mouse and keyboard support is expanding to more titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Smite 2, and Planet Zoo: Console Edition, while touch controls continue to enhance mobile gameplay for select games including Zenless Zone Zero and Avowed.

Xbox is also testing Copilot for Gaming on mobile — your personal AI sidekick that can offer real-time help, tips, and coaching across your games.

On PC, the Xbox app now features a new aggregated gaming library, letting you launch titles from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other storefronts in one place, along with publisher channels to easily explore franchises. Console players can enjoy more customization on the Home screen, Game Hubs for detailed game stats, and better cloud save sync visuals to prevent data loss. Game Pass members also get in-game perks for free-to-play titles.


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Wednesday, May 21, 2025

SYSTEM UPDATE: Xbox May Update 2025: Retro Classics, Cloud Gaming, and Big Play Anywhere Expansions

The Xbox May 2025 Update delivers a wave of exciting features, headlined by the launch of Retro Classics on Game Pass—bringing over 50 beloved Activision titles from the ’80s and ’90s to modern platforms. PC gamers get upgraded with Game Bar enhancements and GeForce Now integration, offering new ways to stream and play. Xbox Rewards now supports custom gift card amounts, and the cloud gaming library continues to grow with 100+ playable titles. Plus, Xbox Play Anywhere expands with over 70 new cross-platform games added in April, making it easier than ever to play your favorite titles anytime, anywhere.

Announcing Retro Classics available for Game Pass Members

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Retro Classics, a collaboration between Xbox and Antstream Arcade, available to play for Game Pass members globally. Starting today, Game Pass members can dive into a collection of 50+ classic Activision games from the ’80s and ’90s, including beloved titles like Commando, Grand Prix, Kaboom!, Mech Warrior 2: 31st Century Combat, and Pitfall! This initiative is a step in our commitment to game preservation and backwards compatibility, allowing players to experience many timeless games on modern devices.


With Retro Classics, Game Pass members can expect a seamless gaming experience across console, PC, and on supported devices with cloud gaming. Whether playing on Xbox console, the Xbox app on PC, or streaming on supported LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest headsets, Retro Classics offers a versatile and accessible way to enjoy these nostalgic titles.  Game Pass members can access Retro Classics through their Game Pass membership by searching and installing the feature via their console or on the Xbox app on PC. Additionally, players can take on friends, rivals, or the entire world with unique challenges. For the achievement hunters, there are some great new ones to collect, and for newer players, the ability to save and reload your progress, a first for many classic titles.

PC Gaming

Game Bar Updates – Quick settings and widgets
To further enhance the gameplay experience with Game Bar, we’ve revamped the Settings widget with quick settings and continued visual updates to the remainder of the inbox widgets. The new quick settings will be accessible in both Compact Mode and Desktop Mode across all Windows devices.

Upon opening the Settings widget, players can now swiftly access a list of quick settings that allow them to adjust audio levels, screen brightness, show a virtual keyboard, turn on Compact Mode, manage connected devices and more, all while minimizing interruptions to gameplay.

In addition to this, visual updates have been applied to the Widget List, Gallery widget, and Home widget for a more unified look and feel across the experience.

Game Bar Updates – Microsoft Edge Game Assist 
Microsoft Edge Game Assist is coming soon. As the first in-game browser built specifically for players, Game Assist brings players a full browser along with tips, walkthroughs, playlists, and sites like Discord, Spotify, and Twitch right into their game. Players can use the Windows + G shortcut to open this experience in Game Bar at any time during a gameplay session. As Game Assist is seamlessly connected to the Edge browser, players will have instant access to their favorites, passwords, history, and more, ensuring everything they need is always within reach and keeping their data synched between sessions. 

GeForce Now update
Xbox players now have an additional option in the Xbox app on PC for playing via cloud gaming, providing even greater flexibility in how they play. GeForce Now has been added as an available option for PC gaming on participating titles, allowing players to choose their preferred streaming platform for gameplay. If a game is available on GeForce Now, players will see a pop-up when clicking the Play button on the product page, at which time they can select their preferred cloud gaming option.


Xbox Rewards

Rewards with Xbox – Xbox gift cards in custom amounts now available
Players can now redeem their Rewards points for Xbox gift cards in any amount on the Rewards hub.

 To customize an Xbox gift card:

  1. On the Rewards hub, go to the catalog and choose “Xbox Gift Card”
  2. Select an amount from the drop-down list OR choose “Custom”
  3. If selecting “Custom,” enter any amount between $5-$100
  4. Select “Redeem Reward” to complete the redemption
  5. Once complete, the gift card will be automatically added to your account balance
This balance can be used towards purchases of Games, Game Add-ons, Movies and TV Shows or on the latest deals at Xbox.com/Deals.



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