Below is a snapshot of the Web page as it appeared on 4/25/2024 (the last time our crawler visited it). This is the version of the page that was used for ranking your search results. The page may have changed since we last cached it. To see what might have changed (without the highlights), go to the current page.
Bing is not responsible for the content of this page.
What is the Xbox network and how do I get started? | Xbox Support
What is the Xbox network and how do I get started?
Note Xbox Live is now called the Xbox network.
When you sign in to your Microsoft account on your Xbox console, you’re automatically connected to the Xbox network at the basic level. If you don’t already have a Microsoft account, you can create one for free. To get started, visit:
The Xbox network is the online service for all things Xbox. With an Xbox profile, you can experience the hottest games, apps, HD movies, and TV shows on your console.
You can also access online multiplayer gaming for more than 50 free-to-play games, party chat, and Looking for Group—all without needing an Xbox subscription.
How do I connect my Xbox console to the Xbox network?
You can connect your console to the Xbox network with a wired or wireless connection.
Wired connection: A wired network connection is the fastest and most reliable way to connect to the Xbox network. For a wired connection, you use a network cable to connect your console to a router or modem.
Wireless connection: You can use a wireless network connection to connect your console to the Xbox network without using cables. With a wireless connection, you can freely move your console further away from your network hardware (the router, gateway, or modem). You don’t need to set up a separate network connection with your router or gateway to connect your console to the internet.
For more info about how to connect your console to the Xbox network with either a wired or wireless connection, visit:
As mentioned, not all services and features of the Xbox network require an Xbox subscription to access. However, if you have a gift card or code for an Xbox subscription, you can redeem it on your console or on the web. For more info, go to:
How can I get access to play online multiplayer games on Xbox consoles?
An Xbox Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate subscription is required to play online multiplayer games, except for Free to Play titles, which don’t require a subscription.
Xbox subscription members can take advantage of home console sharing. The first time that you sign in on an Xbox console, that console becomes your home Xbox. With the My home Xbox feature, you can:
Share games and downloadable content that’s bought from the Microsoft Store with anyone else who signs in on your console (this includes games that are downloaded as part of your subscription)
Share your Xbox subscription with anyone else who signs in on your console
If you have more than one Xbox console, or if you sign in on multiple consoles, we recommend that you designate the most frequently used console as your home Xbox. To find out how, visit:
You can also play downloaded games while offline on your home Xbox. You'll need to ensure that your console is set as your home Xbox before you go offline. To learn more, go to:
No. For example, if you play Minecraft on a Windows device, Android device, Nintendo Switch, or iOS or iPadOS device, you can join multiplayer games with players on any of those platforms.
For more info on playing games on your Windows device, go to:
