Microsoft has begun rolling out a reworked version of its Xbox app for Windows PCs, pitching it as faster to open, quicker to navigate and easier to use for finding games and friends.
The update is arriving first for members of the Xbox Insiders testing program, according to a report by XiaomiToday. It lands at a moment when the major PC game launchers are openly competing on speed, with Epic Games and Valve both recently promoting performance gains on their own platforms.
Microsoft's Performance Claims for the New App
Microsoft says the updated app can start up to 60% faster than before. Core areas including Home, Store and Game Pass are said to load up to 50% faster, while windows inside the app reportedly open up to 65% faster.
The company has not shared detailed benchmarks or explained how it tested these numbers. Real-world results are likely to depend on individual hardware and how people use the app.
A Simpler Library and Friends Up Front
Alongside the speed work, the interface has been reorganized. The Library now offers more straightforward navigation, better filters and extra ways to organize a game collection.
The Friends section is being promoted into the main navigation. That change lets players see what friends are playing, start chats and join parties without digging through layers of menus.
Unified Search and a Visual Refresh
Search has been consolidated so that games, installed titles, add-ons and other players can all be found from one place. Previously, finding different types of content could require separate paths through the app.
Microsoft is also updating game cards, the Home page, Settings and in-app animations. In its announcement, the company said Insiders would see improvements "designed to make everyday actions faster and easier."
Cloud Gaming Library and Desktop Mode
One of the more substantial additions is a dedicated Library tab for cloud gaming. It gathers games a user owns together with titles available through Xbox Game Pass in a single view.
Players can browse, sort and filter that collection by recently played titles, genre, supported input methods and other categories, which could make streaming games easier to discover.
A new Desktop mode is designed to use screen space more effectively on PCs and larger monitors. Users can choose dark or light themes, plus five new high-contrast options aimed at different visual preferences and accessibility needs.
Testing First, With Wider Plans Ahead
For now, the redesigned app is limited to the Xbox Insiders program. Microsoft has not given a date for a broader public release, though the update is expected to reach more users once testing concludes.
The company also intends to carry parts of the new design over to its web platform, TVs and VR headsets, suggesting a push toward a more consistent Xbox experience across devices.
What the Launcher Speed Race Means for PC Players
The timing reflects a broader contest among PC storefronts. Epic Games recently claimed its new launcher could start 46% faster than Steam, and Valve followed with a Steam update focused on startup performance.
For players, that competition is translating into quicker, more polished software across platforms. For Microsoft, which relies on Game Pass and cloud gaming to grow its PC presence, a launcher that feels fast and easy to navigate is increasingly a basic requirement rather than a bonus.
Source: XiaomiToday
