Xbox January 2026 Update Brings Xbox App on Arm-Based Windows 11 PCs

Windows on Arm has been picking up momentum over the past year, with Microsoft now openly talking about it. Windows 11 handhelds have become more capable, DirectX improvements have boosted graphics performance, and Arm-powered PCs are no longer just about battery life. Microsoft has just made that clear with the Xbox January 2026 update.

Windows on Arm gets the Xbox app, bringing Game Pass catalog and cloud gaming

As part of the latest update, the Xbox app is officially available on all Arm-based Windows 11 PCs. That’s a milestone for anyone looking to pursue gaming on Windows on Arm. With Xbox app support now available on Arm devices, you can download and play games directly through the Xbox PC app.

In a specific documentation from earlier today, Microsoft claimed that more than 85% of the Xbox Game Pass catalog is already compatible with Arm-based Windows 11 PCs. But the company isn’t stopping there just yet, as it has plans to expand support even further.

For games that still don’t run locally, Xbox Cloud Gaming remains the only option. Speaking of that, Microsoft has also recently expanded its cloud gaming service to new regions, including India and more. That’s not all; if you’ve got the latest Hisense TVs, you can enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming on those devices too.

As far as gaming on Windows on Arm is concerned, Prism plays a massive role. For those unaware, it’s Microsoft’s emulator for running x86 and x64 apps on Arm devices. Notably, it now also supports AVX and AVX2 instructions. That change alone adds support for many modern PC games that previously struggled or failed to launch on Arm devices.

Game Save Sync Indicator, Windows Performance Fit, and more

Microsoft is rolling out the Game Save Sync Indicator across PC and handheld experiences. This feature gives you real-time visibility into your cloud save status, so you’ll always know when your gameplay progress is synced.

The company has also brought in Windows Performance Fit to guide players. As the name suggests, the feature helps players figure out which games would perform well based on a device’s hardware. This way, players can feel more confident before hitting download.

Last but not least, Microsoft has also walked through Epic Anti-Cheat support. With EAC now available on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, popular titles like Fortnite and Gears of War: Reloaded can finally run as intended, removing one of the biggest hurdles for multiplayer gaming on Arm devices.

Behind the scenes, Windows and Xbox continue working closely with OEMs, silicon partners, and game studios. The idea is to improve compatibility, enhance performance, and make gaming feel seamless across desktops, handhelds, and Arm-based laptops.

All that said, Microsoft is hinting that Arm-based Windows PCs are no longer on the sidelines of PC gaming. They’re very much part of the roadmap, and Microsoft is set to do pretty much everything to take that momentum even higher.