Microsoft Is Giving Away 25 Xbox Games Worth $500+ With Eligible Windows 11 PCs to Celebrate Xbox's 25th Anniversary

Microsoft has two gaming perks planned for Windows 11 users. Advanced Shader Delivery helps reduce initial loading times in supported PC games, while an upcoming Xbox anniversary offer bundles 25 games with select PC purchases.

Advanced Shader Delivery targets long loading times

Advanced Shader Delivery, or ASD, delivers precompiled shaders for supported games. Microsoft says this can reduce initial loading times, with titles such as Forza Horizon 6 and Gears of War: E-Day among the supported examples.

To benefit, Microsoft recommends installing the Xbox PC app before downloading a supported game. Users should also keep their graphics drivers updated. The company says the feature is designed to make starting a game faster. Actual results will depend on the title and hardware.

Eligible Windows 11 PCs get 25 games

Microsoft is also celebrating Xbox’s 25th anniversary with a digital collection of 25 games worth more than $500. The offer starts November 2, 2026, for eligible Windows PCs purchased from participating US retailers.

The collection includes The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, Minecraft Dungeons, and Gears of War: Reloaded.

Eligible buyers must claim the bundle through the Microsoft Store on their device. The offer runs through December 31, 2026, while supplies last, and the claim deadline is February 12, 2027. Once claimed, the games are linked to the buyer’s Microsoft account. However, some eligible PCs cannot run every game, and not every title is playable on Xbox consoles.