Learning how to share Game Pass on PC is a great way to get more value from your subscription. Sharing your Game Pass library allows a friend or family member to access your entire collection from their own account. This guide will walk you through the exact steps, requirements, and important details you need to know.
How To Share Game Pass On Pc
Sharing your Game Pass subscription on a PC is done through a feature called Windows 10/11 device sharing or more commonly, by setting your friend’s PC as your “Home” PC. This process is officially supported by Microsoft and leverages the same system used for sharing digital game purchases. It’s a straightforward method once you know where to look in the settings.
The core idea is that you designate one PC as the shared access point. Any other user accounts on that specific computer can then use your Game Pass benefits, including playing games from the library. This means the person you’re sharing with will play on their own Microsoft account but on the PC you have designated.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you begin the setup, make sure you have a few things in order. Having these ready will make the process smooth and prevent any interruptions.
- An active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription. The standard console-only Game Pass does not work for PC sharing.
- Administrator access on the PC you plan to share from and the PC that will recieve the shared access.
- The Microsoft account login details for the account that holds the Game Pass subscription.
- A stable internet connection to sign in and validate licenses.
Step By Step Setup Instructions
Follow these numbered steps carefully to configure game sharing correctly. It’s best to perform these steps on the PC where your friend or family member will be playing.
- On the PC that will receive Game Pass access, have the secondary user log into their own Windows account.
- Open the Microsoft Store app. Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner and select “Sign out.” Ensure the Store is fully signed out.
- Now, sign into the Microsoft Store with the Microsoft account that owns the active Game Pass subscription. This is a crucial step.
- Next, open the Xbox app on the same PC. You may need to download it from the Microsoft Store if it’s not installed.
- In the Xbox app, click your profile icon and choose “Sign out.” Then, sign into the Xbox app using the secondary user’s own Microsoft account (not the Game Pass owner’s account).
- With this setup, the Microsoft Store is logged in with the Game Pass account, and the Xbox app is logged in with the secondary user’s account. The secondary user can now browse, install, and play games from the Game Pass library through the Xbox app.
Important Limitations And Considerations
While sharing Game Pass on PC is powerful, it comes with specific rules. Understanding these will help you avoid unexpected issues like being signed out or losing access.
Primary Device Restrictions
You can only set one PC as the shared device for your Microsoft Store account at a time. If you try to repeat this process on a second PC, it may deactivate the sharing on the first one. Think of it as designating one “Home” PC for your subscriptions.
Internet Connection Requirements
The shared PC needs periodic online verification. The Game Pass owner’s account must sign into the Microsoft Store on that PC at least once every 30 days to keep the licenses active for other users. A consistent internet connection is recommended.
Simultaneous Play And Access Rules
You cannot play the same game at the same time using the same Game Pass license. If the owner is playing a Game Pass title on their own PC, the shared user on the other PC may be blocked from launching a game or even signed out. However, playing different games simultaneously is usually possible.
Managing Your Shared Pc Settings
It’s important to know how to check and manage which PC is set as your shared device. You can review this in your Microsoft account settings online for clarity and control.
To see your designated devices, visit the Microsoft account website, go to “Devices,” and look for PCs listed under “Devices you’ve signed into.” The primary shared PC will often be indicated there. If you need to stop sharing, simply sign out of the Microsoft Store on the shared PC and follow the setup steps in reverse.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, things don’t work as expected. Here are solutions to frequent issues people encounter when trying to share Game Pass on a computer.
- Games Not Appearing in Xbox App: Ensure the Xbox app is signed in with the secondary user’s account and the Microsoft Store is signed in with the Game Pass owner’s account. Restart both applications.
- “You Need Game Pass to Play This” Error: This usually means the license check failed. Sign out and back into both the Microsoft Store and Xbox app, following the setup steps again precisely.
- Can’t Install Games: Check that the Game Pass subscription is still active on the owner’s account. Also, verify there is enough disk space on the shared PC’s drive.
- Sudden Loss of Access: The Game Pass owner may have signed into the Microsoft Store on a different PC, resetting the “Home” device. Re-establish the setup on the intended shared PC.
Understanding Xbox Game Pass Family Plan
Many users ask about an official family sharing option. Microsoft has introduced an “Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family” plan in select regions, but it’s not yet globally available for PC-only users.
How The Friends And Family Plan Differs
This separate subscription tier allows the primary account holder to invite up to four additional people to share the full benefits of Game Pass Ultimate. Each person gets their own unique access, eliminating the need for the device-sharing workaround described above. However, its availability is limited, and it is often more expensive than a single subscription.
For most PC users, the standard device-sharing method remains the primary way to share a single subscription. Always check the official Xbox website to see if the Friends & Family plan is available in your country, as it provides a more seamless experience.
Game Pass Core And Sharing
It’s worth noting that Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold) primarily offers online multiplayer access and a small games collection. The PC sharing method outlined here is designed for Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, which include the full game library. Core does not provide the same extensive library for sharing on PC.
Best Practices For Smooth Sharing
To maintain a hassle-free sharing experience, adopt these simple habits. They will help prevent conflicts and ensure both you and the person you’re sharing with can enjoy the games.
- Communicate with the person you are sharing with about what you are playing to avoid license conflicts.
- Set a calendar reminder for the Game Pass owner to sign into the Microsoft Store on the shared PC every 30 days to refresh licenses.
- Avoid constantly switching the shared PC designation. Pick one device and stick with it to prevent authentication errors.
- Ensure both accounts use strong, unique passwords to maintain security when sharing access.
Security And Account Safety
You are entrusting someone with access to your Microsoft Store account on their PC. While they cannot change your account password from the Store app, it is a level of access. Only share with people you trust completely. For added security, consider using two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Microsoft account. This protects your account even if someone else is signed into the Store on a shared machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Share My PC Game Pass With Someone In Another Household?
Yes, the device-sharing method works over any distance. The physical location of the PC does not matter, as long as you can follow the setup steps remotely or in person. The key is designating that specific PC as your shared device via the Microsoft Store login.
How Many People Can I Share My Game Pass With On PC?
Officially, you can share your Game Pass subscription with all other user accounts on one designated PC. In practical terms, this means you can share with one other person effectively, as multiple users on a single shared PC is uncommon. You cannot simultaneously share to multiple different PCs with one subscription.
Does Game Pass Sharing Work On Steam Or Other Platforms?
No. The sharing method only works for games played through the Xbox app and Microsoft Store on Windows. It does not apply to Game Pass titles that are playable on Steam or any other launcher. The license is tied directly to the Microsoft ecosystem.
What Happens To My Saves When Game Pass Sharing?
Game progress is saved to the individual Microsoft account playing the game. If your friend is playing on their own account via your shared subscription, their save files are stored on their account’s cloud and will be available if they ever get their own Game Pass subscription or purchase the game.
Can We Play Multiplayer Games Together Through Sharing?
Yes, you can play multiplayer games together. Since you are using two separate Microsoft accounts (the owner’s and the shared user’s), you can join the same online game. However, you must be playing on two different PCs and cannot use the same Game Pass license to play the same game at the exact same moment on two different machines.