If you’ve been looking for a PC gaming subscription that gives you access to hundreds of games without buying each one, Xbox Game Pass for PC has probably crossed your radar. Microsoft’s PC-focused tier has evolved significantly since its beta launch in April 2019, and with recent price drops in April 2026, now is a good time to sort out exactly what you get for your money.

4 related posts

PC Game Pass price: $13.99/month · Ultimate price: $22.99/month · Premium price: $14.99/month · Day-one releases: Yes · EA Play included: Yes

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether third-party keys from sellers like Eneba are fully legitimate or risk revocation
  • Exact date when 12-month code activation may stop working for new subscribers
3Timeline signal
  • April 2019: PC Game Pass beta launched (Wikipedia)
  • October 2025: Ultimate price rose to $29.99/month (IGN)
  • April 2026: Prices cut — PC Game Pass to $13.99, Ultimate to $22.99 (Xbox Wire)
4What’s next
  • Continued monthly game additions
  • Potential further tier restructuring
  • Expansion of cloud gaming to more PC markets

Six key specs, one pattern: PC Game Pass is purpose-built for Windows users, with a single monthly price covering the full library and no console tie-in.

Field Value
Service name PC Game Pass
Launch date April 2019 (Wikipedia)
Monthly price $13.99 (USD) as of April 2026 (Xbox Wire)
Total games 400+ (Xbox)
Platforms supported Windows 10/11 PC
Parent service Xbox Game Pass

Is there a PC version of Xbox Game Pass?

Yes — Microsoft launched Xbox Game Pass for PC (now simply called PC Game Pass) in April 2019 as a standalone subscription for Windows users. It is separate from the console Game Pass and gives access to a catalog of 400+ games that run natively on Windows 10 and 11. Subscribers download and play through the Xbox app for PC (Xbox official guide).

What is PC Game Pass?

  • Dedicated subscription for Windows PC only
  • Includes day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios (Xbox day-one page)
  • EA Play membership bundled at no extra cost (Xbox)
  • No console or cloud gaming access (those require Ultimate)

How is PC Game Pass different from Xbox Game Pass for console?

PC Game Pass is a separate product, not a cross-platform pass. Console Game Pass works only on Xbox consoles; PC Game Pass works only on Windows PCs. If you want both plus cloud streaming, you need Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (Xbox comparison).

The trade-off

PC-only gamers save $9/month by picking PC Game Pass over Ultimate — but lose access to cloud gaming and console titles. The catch: Microsoft’s pricing structure makes you choose between pure PC access and cross-platform flexibility.

How much does Xbox Game Pass cost for a PC?

As of April 2026, Microsoft adjusted pricing across the board. The table below shows the three tiers available to PC gamers.

Three plans, one pattern: the more you spend, the more platforms you unlock. PC Game Pass stays the cheapest way to play on Windows.

Tier Monthly price (USD) PC library Console Cloud gaming EA Play
PC Game Pass $13.99 400+ games No No Yes
Xbox Game Pass Premium $14.99 400+ games No* No Yes
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate $22.99 400+ games Yes Yes Yes
Pricing per Xbox Wire and Xbox Store (April 2026). *Premium is a new tier that includes some console features but not full console library — see IGN’s coverage for details.

The pattern: Microsoft now offers three tiers instead of two, adding confusion for anyone who just wants to play on PC.

Why was I charged $22.99 for Xbox Game Pass?

The most common cause: you’re subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which as of April 2026 costs $22.99/month in the US (Xbox Wire). If you see a $22.99 charge but thought you had PC Game Pass, check your subscription — you may have been upgraded to Ultimate during a promotional period. Another possibility: a previous balance or tax pushed a $13.99 or $14.99 charge to $22.99. Check your Microsoft billing history to confirm.

PC Game Pass monthly price

PC Game Pass now costs $13.99 per month in the United States, down from $16.49 before the April 2026 adjustment (Xbox Wire). That price includes the full PC library, day-one releases, and EA Play. No hidden fees.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate monthly price

Ultimate dropped from $29.99 to $22.99 per month in the same April 2026 update (Xbox Wire). That gives you access on PC, Xbox console, and cloud (xCloud) — plus Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer on console.

The catch

The $22.99 Ultimate price is $7 cheaper than the October 2025 peak of $29.99 (IGN), but it’s still $9 more than PC Game Pass. If you don’t own an Xbox or use cloud streaming, you’re overpaying.

Why was I charged $22.99 for Xbox Game Pass?

As noted above, the $22.99 charge is the current price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. But sometimes users see that amount even when they think they subscribed to PC Game Pass. Here are the main reasons:

  • Auto-upgrade: If you used a trial of Ultimate or redeemed a code that included Ultimate, your subscription may have switched tiers.
  • Taxes and fees: A $13.99 PC Game Pass charge could hit $22.99 if you had an outstanding balance or if regional taxes apply.
  • Family sharing: If you’re part of an Xbox family group, the primary account holder’s plan (e.g., Ultimate) is charged, and members see that fee.

To verify, log into Microsoft account services and review your active subscriptions.

Is Xbox Game Pass PC still available in 2025?

Yes, PC Game Pass is very much alive in 2025 (and now 2026). Microsoft continues to update the library monthly, adding new releases and rotating titles. The service saw price restructuring in late 2025 and early 2026, but the core offering — hundreds of PC games for a monthly fee — remains unchanged.

PC Game Pass service status

  • Service is active worldwide, with regional pricing variations (Xbox regional pages)
  • New games added every month, including day-one first-party releases
  • EA Play library refreshed quarterly

Recent updates to the program

The biggest change was the April 2026 price reduction: PC Game Pass dropped from $16.49 to $13.99, and Ultimate from $29.99 to $22.99 (Xbox Wire). Additionally, a new Premium tier at $14.99 appeared on the Xbox Store in mid-April 2026 (Xbox Store), though Microsoft has not yet officially explained its role.

Confirmed facts

  • PC Game Pass costs $13.99/month as of April 2026 (Xbox Wire)
  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $22.99/month in the US (Xbox Wire)
  • $22.99 charge often indicates Ultimate plus a previous balance or taxes (verified via Microsoft billing)
  • 12-month subscriptions are available only through third-party sellers, not directly from Microsoft

What’s unclear

  • Whether specific third-party keys (e.g., Eneba) are fully legitimate or risk revocation
  • Exact date when activation of 12-month codes may stop working for new subscribers

How do I download Xbox Game Pass on PC?

Getting started takes only a few minutes. The best way to access PC Game Pass is through the Xbox app for Windows.

Installation steps for PC Game Pass

  1. Click the Start button and open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Search for “Xbox” and install the Xbox app for Windows 10/11.
  3. Open the Xbox app and sign in with your Microsoft account.
  4. Click on the “Game Pass” tab and choose a plan (PC Game Pass or Ultimate).
  5. Complete payment — you can use a credit card, PayPal, or redeem a prepaid code.
  6. Browse the library and click “Install” on any game to start downloading.

For full details, see Xbox’s official guide.

System requirements

  • Windows 10 (version 1903 or later) or Windows 11
  • 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended)
  • DirectX 12 compatible GPU
  • Solid-state drive recommended for faster loading
  • Microsoft account (free to create)

Xbox app for Windows

The Xbox app is the central hub for PC Game Pass. It lets you install, update, and launch games, manage your subscription, and connect with friends. The app also supports Game Bar overlay for screenshots and performance monitors.

“The Xbox app on PC is the best way to experience PC Game Pass — it keeps your library organized and games update automatically.”

— Xbox official documentation

Bottom line: PC gamers who want the best value should pick the $13.99 PC Game Pass tier. Console/cloud gamers need Ultimate at $22.99. The choice determines whether you save $9/month or gain cross-platform access.

Which PC Game Pass plan is best for you?

Here’s the short version based on your situation:

Upsides

  • PC Game Pass is the cheapest way to access 400+ games
  • Day-one releases for first-party titles
  • EA Play included — access to The Sims, FIFA, Battlefield, etc.
  • Games can be played offline for up to 30 days after install

Downsides

  • No cloud gaming — you must download games
  • No console access — PC-only
  • Some games leave the library after a few months
  • Requires Windows 10/11 and a decent gaming PC

Who should choose PC Game Pass

  • You only game on a Windows PC.
  • You want day-one releases without buying them individually.
  • You play EA titles and want them included.
  • You don’t need Xbox console or cloud streaming.

Who should choose Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

  • You own an Xbox console and a PC.
  • You want to stream games to your phone or tablet via xCloud.
  • You play online multiplayer on Xbox (requires Xbox Live Gold, included).
  • You want access to the console game catalog as well.
The paradox

PC Game Pass offers a better value-per-game than Ultimate for PC-only players, yet the cheaper PC Pass doesn’t include cloud saves or remote play features that some users expect. Microsoft’s pricing forces a choice between price and flexibility.

If you’re on the fence, start with PC Game Pass for one month at $13.99. If you later decide you want cloud gaming or console access, you can upgrade to Ultimate — Microsoft prorates the difference.

For PC gamers in the US and most of Europe, the choice is clear: pick PC Game Pass ($13.99) if you only play on a Windows machine, or pick Ultimate ($22.99) if you also have an Xbox or want to stream. The consequence of choosing wrong: paying for features you won’t use.

Additional sources

variety.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, youtube.com, gsmarena.com, facebook.com, youtube.com, xbox.com

For a deeper look at the hardware requirements and setup process, check out this Xbox Game Pass PC guide from another publication.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

Can I play EA Play games with PC Game Pass?

Yes, EA Play is included with PC Game Pass at no extra cost. You get access to a catalog of EA titles including The Sims 4, Battlefield, FIFA, and many more (Xbox).

Do I need an Xbox console to use PC Game Pass?

No. PC Game Pass is designed for Windows 10/11 PCs only. You don’t need an Xbox console to use it.

Can I share PC Game Pass with family members?

Microsoft does not offer a family plan for PC Game Pass. Each account needs its own subscription. However, you can share the library on a single PC by signing in with the subscriber’s account.

What happens if I cancel my PC Game Pass subscription?

You lose access to all downloaded games immediately when the subscription ends. Your saved progress and achievements remain, so you can resume if you resubscribe within six months.

Is cloud gaming included with PC Game Pass?

No, cloud gaming (xCloud) requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($22.99/month). PC Game Pass does not include streaming.

Can I play all Xbox Game Pass games on PC via Play Anywhere?

Only titles labeled “Xbox Play Anywhere” are cross-buy between console and PC. Most third-party games are not included. Check the game’s store page for Play Anywhere support.

How do I update the Xbox app for PC Game Pass?

The Xbox app updates automatically through the Microsoft Store. You can also check for updates manually: open the Microsoft Store, click “Library”, then “Get updates”.

Does PC Game Pass include online multiplayer access?

On PC, most games use their own online services (Steam, Epic, or direct servers) — you do not need Xbox Live Gold. However, some games that require Xbox Live may not be playable online without Ultimate.