PC gaming account & Microsoft Store account FAQ

The Xbox app on PC relies on two Microsoft accounts: the Microsoft Store account and the Xbox account (your PC gaming account).

 

• The Microsoft Store account provides access to owned games, subscription benefits, and other Xbox app purchases made by that account.
• The Xbox account is used for game streaming access, in-game purchases, achievements, and friends.

 

In most cases, it’s best if the Microsoft Store and Xbox accounts are the same. When a mismatch is identified, the Xbox app will report it with a pop-up banner and a link to review possible changes. For the best experience, you’ll want to set your Xbox account as the Store account.

 

If you have a Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass for PC subscription and are seeing a message in the Xbox app to purchase one anyway, make sure your account with the subscription is signed in as the Store account.

1. Launch the Xbox app and sign in with the Microsoft account you use for Xbox.
2. Select your gamerpic, then select Settings.
3. Under Account, select Change my Microsoft Store account.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and sign in to the Store with the Microsoft account you use for Xbox.

 

If you’re planning to play games or use subscriptions purchased by someone else who uses that PC—a parent, for example—you’ll need to add their account as the Microsoft Store account in the Xbox app settings. Otherwise, games already installed using that account won’t launch because they weren’t purchased using your Xbox account.

 

To change the Microsoft Store account for sharing purchases and licenses in the Xbox app for PC:

1. Launch the Xbox app and sign in with the Microsoft account you use for Xbox.
2. Select your gamerpic, then select Settings.
3. Under Account, select Change my Microsoft Store account.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and sign in to the Store with the Microsoft account for the games or subscription you’ll be using.