Learning how to gift PC Game Pass to a friend is a fantastic way to share hundreds of games. Gifting a PC Game Pass subscription lets you share a library of games with someone directly through their Microsoft account. It’s a simple process that delivers instant access to a world of gaming.
This guide will walk you through every step. We’ll cover where to buy the gift, how to send it, and what your friend needs to do to redeem it. You’ll also find answers to common questions and important details to ensure the process goes smoothly.
How To Gift Pc Game Pass To A Friend
Gifting a PC Game Pass is handled through the Microsoft ecosystem. The primary method is using the Microsoft Store online or on your Windows device. You cannot currently gift a subscription directly from within the Xbox PC app itself.
The process involves purchasing a digital code that you can then send to your friend. They will redeem this code on their Microsoft account to activate the subscription. Here are the core things you need to know before you begin.
What You Need Before You Start
To successfully gift a PC Game Pass, you should have a few things ready. Preparation makes the whole process faster and helps avoid any issues.
- A Microsoft account with a valid payment method.
- Your friend’s email address. This is where the digital code will be sent.
- Knowledge of which PC Game Pass plan you want to gift. The main option is PC Game Pass, but you might also consider Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes PC Game Pass, console games, and cloud gaming.
- Ensure you are purchasing in the correct region, as digital codes can be region-specific.
Step By Step Gifting Instructions
Follow these numbered steps to complete your gift purchase. The steps are straightforward and should only take a few minutes.
Step 1: Navigate To The Microsoft Store Gift Page
Open your web browser and go to the Microsoft Store online. Search for “PC Game Pass gift” or navigate to the ‘Gift Cards’ section and look for the subscription gifts. You can also go directly to the PC Game Pass product page and look for a ‘Buy as gift’ option.
Step 2: Select The PC Game Pass Subscription
Choose the subscription tier you wish to gift. You will typically have the option for 1-month, 3-month, or sometimes 6-month gift codes. Select your preffered duration. Remember, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is also a valid gift that includes PC access.
Step 3: Choose Your Delivery Method
You will be prompted to decide how to send the gift. The standard and easiest method is ‘Email’. Enter your friend’s email address carefully. You can also choose to get the code yourself to send via a messaging app or even print it, but email is the most direct.
Step 4: Personalize Your Gift Message
Most gifting flows allow you to add a personal note. You can write a short message that will appear in the email alongside the redemption instructions. This is a nice touch to make the gift feel more personal.
Step 5: Complete The Purchase
Proceed to checkout. You will need to sign into your Microsoft account if you haven’t already. Confirm the payment with your saved method or enter new card details. Review the order summary, including the recipient’s email, and complete the purchase.
Step 6: Your Friend Receives The Code
Once the payment is processed, Microsoft will send an email to the address you provided. The email contains the unique 25-character code, a link to the redemption page, and your personal message. The delivery is usually instant, but it can sometimes take a few hours.
How Your Friend Redeems The PC Game Pass Gift
Your friend’s job is simple. They need to follow the instructions in the email they recieved. If they cannot find the email, ask them to check their spam or junk folder.
- They should click the “Redeem Code” link in the email or go to redeem.microsoft.com.
- They will be asked to sign in to their Microsoft account. This is crucial—the subscription will be attached to whatever account they use to redeem the code.
- They enter the 25-character code from the gift email and select “Redeem.”
- The service will confirm the subscription has been added. If they had an existing subscription, the gifted time will be added onto the end of their current subscription period.
After redemption, they can download the Xbox app for PC, sign in with the same Microsoft account, and immediately start browsing and installing games from the PC Game Pass library.
Important Considerations And Troubleshooting
While the gifting process is generally smooth, there are a few important details and potential pitfalls to be aware of. Knowing these will help you avoid common problems.
Regional Restrictions And Account Regions
Microsoft digital gift codes are often region-locked. This means a code purchased in the United States may only be redeemable on a Microsoft account set to the United States region. You must purchase the gift from a Microsoft Store that matches your friend’s account region.
Your friend can check their account region in their Microsoft account settings. It’s a good idea to confirm this before you buy the gift to prevent a redemption error.
Active Subscriptions And Stacking Time
If your friend already has an active PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate subscription, the gifted time will “stack.” This means the new subscription period is added to the end of their current one. They do not lose any remaining time.
However, there is a maximum limit to how much you can stack. For most subscriptions, you can stack up to 36 months of service. This is useful for gifting multiple months or years at once.
What If The Gift Email Doesn’t Arrive?
If your friend hasn’t received the gift email within 24 hours, you should first check your own Microsoft order history. Log into your Microsoft account, go to ‘Order History,’ and find the gift purchase. There is often an option to “Resend” the gift email or to view the code yourself.
If you can view the code, you can simply copy and paste it into a direct message to your friend. They can still redeem it manually at redeem.microsoft.com. Always keep your order confirmation email as proof of purchase.
Choosing Between PC Game Pass And Ultimate
When you go to buy the gift, you’ll see two main relevant options: PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Here’s the key difference:
- PC Game Pass: Provides access to the full PC Game Pass library on Windows computers only.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Includes everything in PC Game Pass, plus the console Game Pass library for Xbox, and access to Cloud Gaming (to play on mobile devices, etc.). It also includes perks like in-game content and member deals.
If your friend only games on a PC, the standard PC Game Pass is perfect. If they also own an Xbox console or are interested in cloud gaming on their phone or tablet, Ultimate is the better, more comprehensive gift.
Alternative Gifting Methods
The Microsoft Store is the official and most reliable method, but there are a couple of alternative ways to give the gift of PC Game Pass. These can be useful in certain situations.
Purchasing A Digital Code From A Retailer
Many online retailers, like Amazon, Best Buy, or Newegg, sell digital codes for PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. You purchase the code from their website, and they provide it to you digitally, often immediately.
You can then send this code to your friend manually. This method is handy if you have a credit with a specific retailer or if the Microsoft Store is having technical issues. Always ensure you are buying from an authorized retailer to avoid invalid or used codes.
Using The Xbox Console To Gift A Subscription
If you have an Xbox console, you can also purchase a Game Pass subscription gift through the Microsoft Store on the console. The process is very similar: find the subscription, select “Buy as gift,” and enter your friend’s email address.
This is a convienient option if you are primarily a console user yourself. The result is the same—your friend receives a redeemable code via email.
Gifting A Physical Card From A Store
While less common for the PC-specific plan, you can sometimes find physical Game Pass Ultimate gift cards at stores like Walmart, Target, or GameStop. These cards have a scratch-off code on the back.
You can buy the physical card and give it to your friend in person or mail it. They scratch off the coating and redeem the code online. This is a good option for a traditional gift-giving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are clear answers to the most common questions about gifting PC Game Pass.
Can I Gift PC Game Pass To Someone In Another Country?
Yes, but you must buy the gift from the Microsoft Store that corresponds to their account’s region. A code from the US store will not work for an account set to the UK. Check with your friend about their Microsoft account region before purchasing.
Can I Get A Refund For A Gifted PC Game Pass Subscription?
Refund policies for digital gifts can be strict. If the code has not been redeemed, you may be able to request a refund through Microsoft support. If the code has already been redeemed, refunds are typically not available. Always refer to the Microsoft terms of sale for the most accurate refund information.
Does The Gifted Subscription Auto-Renew?
No. A gifted subscription is a one-time pre-paid code. It does not turn on auto-renewal on your friend’s account. When the gifted subscription period ends, their access will simply stop unless they manually purchase a renewal. This is different from a direct purchase, which often enables auto-renew by default.
What Information Do I Need From My Friend To Gift PC Game Pass?
You primarily need their correct email address. You do not need their Microsoft account password or gamertag. The email is used to deliver the digital redemption code. It’s also helpful to know if they already have a subscription, so you can explain how stacking works.
Can I Schedule The Gift Email To Arrive On A Specific Day?
The Microsoft Store does not currently offer a scheduling feature for gift emails. The email is sent shortly after purchase is complete. If you want it to arrive on a specific day, like a birthday, you will need to time your purchase accordingly or purchase a code from a retailer and send it yourself at the right moment.
Final Tips For A Successful Gift
To ensure everything works perfectly, keep these final tips in mind. They wrap up all the crucial information from this guide.
- Double-check the recipient’s email address for typos before confirming the order.
- Consider gifting Game Pass Ultimate if you are unsure of your friend’s gaming setup, as it covers both PC and console.
- Inform your friend to check their spam folder if they don’t see the gift email.
- Remember that the subscription is tied to their Microsoft account, so they must use the correct account to redeem it.
- Keep your order confirmation email until your friend has successfully redeemed the code, just in case there’s a problem.
Gifting PC Game Pass is a thoughtful and exciting present for any PC gamer. By following the official steps and keeping region details in mind, you can provide instant access to a vast library of games. The process is designed to be quick and digital, getting your friend into the game with minimal delay.