GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

No, You Don't Need to Pay for Xbox Live on Windows 10

Microsoft confirms an Xbox Live Gold subscription is not required to play games online using the new Xbox app for Windows 10.

By on

322 Comments
Click To Unmute
Xbox on Windows 10
  1. Hades 2 Is Already An Exciting Sequel With Confident Changes | Technical Test Impressions
  2. Firearms Expert Reacts to Fallout 76's Guns
  3. Fallout 4 Next Gen Update Comparison
  4. Why Are Video Game Adaptations Good Now? | Spot On
  5. Fallout 4 Steam Deck Verified Gameplay
  6. ALIEN: Rogue Incursion - Announcement Teaser Trailer
  7. Stellar Blade - 13 Things I Wish I Knew
  8. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl — Official "Not a Paradise" Trailer
  9. Honkai: Star Rail - "Then Wake to Weep" | Version 2.2 Trailer
  10. Devil May Cry: Peak Of Combat | Dante: Blazing Tempest Gameplay Trailer
  11. SAND LAND — Official Launch Trailer
  12. Sea of Thieves Season 12: Official Content Update Video

Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

Sign up or Sign in now!

Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
This video has an invalid file format.
00:00:00
Sorry, but you can't access this content!
Please enter your date of birth to view this video

By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

It might not come as much of a surprise, but Microsoft has now officially confirmed that you will not need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to access online multiplayer when the service comes to PC via Windows 10 later this year.

An Xbox Live Gold subscription ($60/year) is required on Xbox 360 and Xbox One to play games online and to take part in some sales and other promotions.

No Caption Provided

Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb confirmed the news this week. On Twitter, Hryb said: "Not charging. Xbox Live Gold will not be required for online multiplayer gaming using our service on Windows 10 PCs and Phones."

Xbox Live for Windows 10 was announced during a January Microsoft event. Many of the Xbox Live features already available Xbox, including chat, friends lists, and the Activity feed, will also be available on PC. In fact, some PC gamers can already try out these features, provided they are part of the Microsoft Insider testing program.

When it launches later this year, Xbox Live for Windows 10 will also support Xbox-to-PC streaming, cross-platform play with Xbox One, and GameDVR. Windows 10 is set to launch sometime this fall, though a specific launch date has not yet been announced.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

PC
Join the conversation
There are 322 comments about this story
322 Comments  RefreshSorted By 
GameSpot has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to toxic conduct in comments. Any abusive, racist, sexist, threatening, bullying, vulgar, and otherwise objectionable behavior will result in moderation and/or account termination. Please keep your discussion civil.

Avatar image for Rekson
Rekson

32

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Rekson

I'm confused, does that mean that if I own a PC and an Xbox One, I no longer have any reason to pay for Xbox Live because I can just stream to my PC and play online for free?

Upvote • 
Avatar image for godfather830
godfather830

419

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 65

User Lists: 0

godfather830

<< LINK REMOVED >> No, I think there will still be two separate stores: one for WIndows 10, and one for the Xbox. What they're saying here is that there will be games that are on both. And for those games, if you buy it on one, you can also play it on the other.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for busterfriendly
BusterFriendly

242

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

BusterFriendly

<< LINK REMOVED >> No, it means if you buy an online capable PC game through the Microsoft store, you don't need an Xbox Live subscription to play it online. Why anyone would think you would, I don't know, but someone apparently asked.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for suicidesn0wman
suicidesn0wman

7490

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 10

User Lists: 0

suicidesn0wman

<< LINK REMOVED >> The game would still run off of the Xbox and its online service, so the answer is no.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Hvac0120
Hvac0120

2038

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Hvac0120

There may be a future where Xbox Live is no longer about gaming online, but about the other services provided; such as Games w/Gold, Early Access, Extra Discounts, Giveaways, and whatever else they can justifiably include as part of a subscription.

I'm happy for the confirmation regarding online multiplayer on PC for XBL enabled games.

What motivation is there to require it on PC? Other gaming services would be preferable by gamers and developers and Microsoft would lose out. They have to keep it free to stay on par with the competition. It would be impossible for Microsoft to restrict all online gaming across Windows without a huge population of gamers jumping ship and/or refusing to upgrade.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for JDWolfie
JDWolfie

1952

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

JDWolfie

I'm confused. Is this for the cross-platform or for the ability to stream to your Xbox? I'm not exactly sure what the Xbox app does.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for busterfriendly
BusterFriendly

242

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

BusterFriendly

<< LINK REMOVED >> On the PC game side, it replaces the need for Steam.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for win10do
Win10do

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

Win10do

<< LINK REMOVED >> It is bassically features that allow you to hook up with friends that are on Xbox one and PC tracking Gamer score with PC and Xbox games. you can diwnload it in a click of button, however i dont belive it includes the Xbox store because Windows 10 Includes Windows store which will be get a huge Update in the insider programe this month where we can test the windows app and Windows store to get the full picture.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for jrtexx
JRTexx

30

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

JRTexx

<< LINK REMOVED >> Probably the same thing Smartglass does, also with extra things like stream your Xbox games on your PC.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for jrtexx
JRTexx

30

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

JRTexx

Why would anyone even assume this? It's called "Xbox Live Gold" you know... for "Xbox"

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >> Xbox App.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for jrtexx
JRTexx

30

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

JRTexx

Doesn't answer my question.


Also, Xbox Smartglass does not use Xbox Live Gold. Your reply was as pointless as people assuming that you need gold.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >> The app is called XBOX app. That name and what it is supposed to do (if I understand it correctly) may be part of the reason their was some confusion.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for jrtexx
JRTexx

30

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

JRTexx

<< LINK REMOVED >> Just re-read my last comment, k?


It will save time repeating myself. Ta.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> I did read it. Here's another thing I should probably point out, MS is known for bad policies and practices. Example, they made it harder for people who wanted to install Linux on their PCs around the time Windows 8 was released.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for jrtexx
JRTexx

30

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

JRTexx

<< LINK REMOVED >> You sure you read it? doesn't seem like it.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> Yes, I did. Like I pointed out, MS has attempted a number of bad policies in the past, so it wouldn't surprise some people if they tried to do it. Think about what they were wanting to pull with the XBox One for a second. Always online DRM, Manditory Kinect, No used games, etc. Which is why someone might have thought to ask. Better to be cautious and ask than to find out about a nasty surprise later.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for busterfriendly
BusterFriendly

242

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

BusterFriendly

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> Being able to share games with friends and family with the online stuff is an outstanding policy. It's just the people that sell old discs for a huge markup (Gamestop) would lose their cash cow and did a negative marketing to convince people that was bad. It's just pushing back progress to support obsolete business models.


No idea what the nonsensical Linux comment was about.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> That kind of thing got taken away on PS3 and locked down on PS4. I don't think it would have worked. Also, not everyone has great internet yet. Part of the problem is data caps.

As for the Linux thing, here's a link to get you started if you want to know more:

<< LINK REMOVED >>

Upvote • 
Avatar image for straightcur
straightcur

1521

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

straightcur

So, if you own an Xbox console, you get screwed. Seems fair

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >> Same can be said about PS4 owners as well.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for sampson3121
sampson3121

756

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 6

User Lists: 0

sampson3121

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> why?

Upvote • 
Avatar image for xzerocarnagex
XzerocarnageX

566

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

XzerocarnageX

i dont mind that i buy xbox live, its cheap as chips really. I mean i fouldnt afford a top notch 3-4 grand pc so buying a decent console that has a subscription doesnt do my head in at all. Only think i hate what devs are doing now n what i do not fall victim to like many do is all this bull crap of buying a game, then paying for a season pass (which is all fine) but the the devs bring other content out for the game and charge for it, that does take the pee more than abit.. publishers and devs are milking customers more than ever and it needs to stop..

Upvote • 
Avatar image for mark_1313_13
mark_1313_13

55

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

mark_1313_13

<< LINK REMOVED >> $300 over 5 years is cheap as chips but you weren't willing to buy a $800 gaming PC that would CRUSH your xbone. Makes sense. You'd only get a 3000 PC if you want to play at 4k across 3 monitors at 60 fps. Even a modest $550 PC can out perform an xbone.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >> The more gamers let them get away with, the more stuff they'll try to pull. I drew the line with the PS+ requirement for online multiplayer on PS4.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for sampson3121
sampson3121

756

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 6

User Lists: 0

sampson3121

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> yeah, 17$ for three month is just crazing, next thing you know they will want us to pay for the electricity to turn the console on.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for derceto
derceto

774

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 60

User Lists: 0

derceto

"No, You Don't Need to Pay for Xbox Live on Windows 10...............For now."

Upvote • 
Avatar image for xzerocarnagex
XzerocarnageX

566

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

XzerocarnageX

<< LINK REMOVED >> And never will they wont change it

Upvote • 
Avatar image for tsunami2311
tsunami2311

1798

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

tsunami2311

that is not slap in the face to the console people, at all, It just re enforced what i been saying for years, Why do the console people have to pay play online when said game when comes to pc is free to play online.


All those people that bought into that scheme for the xbox when it was released are to blame for the issue of console owners now have to pay to play games online.

5 • 
Avatar image for kentray1985
kentray1985

1517

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

kentray1985

Most gamers bought a Xbox and paid for Xbox live then Sony followed.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >> Funny, I remember the PS3 outselling the 360.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for jrtexx
JRTexx

30

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

JRTexx

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> Nothing to do with what he said...

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> The 360 had a headstart, which could explain why there was more until sold at the same time. If you look at how many were sold during the same period of the console's life cycle (360's first year to PS3's first year), the head start is factored out.

Also, he mentioned he believed the PS3 era PS+ benefits were the reason for the PS3 outselling the 360. If that's true, requiring it for online multiplayer is unneeded for that reason.

As for the last remark, I'm not a fan of the PS4 or XBO, which is why I think of them as that.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for kentray1985
kentray1985

1517

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

kentray1985

Yeah at the end of its life cycle which you failed to add. How many free games and ps plus sells did they have to give ppl before the Ps3 start selling better than the Xbox 360. If you focus on sales like you fan boys do now with the ps4 and Xbox one the Xbox 360 had beaten Sony many months before they could ever think about making a profit with the Ps3

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >> Did you off set for 360's headstart? Also, let's pretend PS+ is the reason the PS3 sold better, then doesn't it seem like overkill for it to be required for online multiplayer. Also, my opinion of the PS4 and XBO are about the same: Beavis and But t-head are what I call them.

3 • 
Avatar image for kentray1985
kentray1985

1517

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

kentray1985

Who is that whacking off in my camper lmao

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >> I agree. I honestly wish things didn't end up this way. I can't believe people fell for the scam. Even worse is that PS4 owners defend the policy like corporate sheep.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Stogin
Stogin

436

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Stogin

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> Eh I've never seen anyone defend actually paying for the online service, the fact that you get the free games, sure. But I've never seen anyone say "YES!!! I can pay for online with PS4 now!!!"

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Jinzo_111887
Jinzo_111887

3245

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Jinzo_111887

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> Again, random, not free. They're tied to your PS+ subscription. You can go on the PlayStation Community forums and post a topic saying the PS+ requirement for online multiplayer isn't a good thing, and there will be people who defend the practice of. They might not say what you say, but there are people who will defend it.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for sampson3121
sampson3121

756

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 6

User Lists: 0

sampson3121

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> i have yet to find a company that doesn't offset the costs of a service, by making the customer pay for it. you know, like shipping and handling.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for suicidesn0wman
suicidesn0wman

7490

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 10

User Lists: 0

suicidesn0wman

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> That might be the most intelligent statement you've ever made on this site!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for sampson3121
sampson3121

756

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 6

User Lists: 0

sampson3121

<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> coming from you, i think ill need a drink... make it a double.

Upvote •