Xbox and Games Basics

Windows 11 is a great option for playing video games. And that's true whether you're a hardcore gamer or just someone who occasionally engages in more casual gaming pursuits.
Microsoft also provides game streaming capabilities in Windows via Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is included with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, potentially turning any Windows PC into a gaming powerhouse. This service is described in the Xbox App chapter.
Configure your PC to play games
Before you get started with gaming in Windows 11, there are a few configuration changes you should consider making.
This is especially true if you plan to play any non-casual games and wish to optimize your PC for these experiences.
Configure Gaming settings
First, you should review and, if necessary, configure the Gaming settings in the Settings app. To do so, open the Settings app and navigate to Gaming.

There are several pages in this interface, each tied to a specific Windows gaming feature. These are:

Xbox Game Bar. You can enable a special overlay called the Xbox Game Bar while in a game to capture screenshots and video clips, chat with friends, and more.
We cover this feature in more detail in the Xbox Game Bar chapter.
Captures. This interface is used to configure how Windows captures screenshots and video clips while you play games. There are options for determining the location for saved screenshots and clips, whether Windows should automatically record all gameplay sessions in the background, and the like.
This feature is also discussed in the Xbox Game Bar chapter.
Game Mode. Windows 11 supports a special Game Mode that improves performance and minimize distractions outside the game while you are playing. There's little in the way of configuration here. If your PC supports this feature, you can simply toggle Game Mode on or off. (It's on by default.)

Connect and configure an Xbox Wireless Controller
While many traditional gamers still use the keyboard and mouse to play games on their PCs, you can also use an Xbox Wireless Controller for a simpler, more console-like experience.
There are multiple versions of the Xbox Wireless Controller dating back through previous generations of the Xbox videogame console. Here, I am referring specifically to the Xbox Wireless Controller that debuted with the Xbox Series X and S. But the newer-generation Xbox One Wireless Controllers work similarly, as do other Xbox-compatible controllers.
You can connect an Xbox Wireless Controller to your PC wirelessly using Bluetooth, wirelessly via an Xbox Wireless Adapter USB dongle, or via a USB cable.
Wireless connectivity is convenient, but when it comes to a game controller and your PC, using a USB cable will provide the best performance.
Connecting a controller wirelessly via Bluetooth works similarly to any other Bluetooth device: You need to pair it with the PC in the Settings app by navigating to Bluetooth & devices, clicking the "Add device" button, and then...

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