Exercise — Enhance your gameplay with Windows and Xbox app features

  • 3 minutes

In this exercise, you'll practice using Windows and Xbox features during gameplay to improve performance, capture highlights, and connect with other players. This hands-on walkthrough reinforces how the Xbox app and Windows work together to support a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

Continue in the role of the PC gamer from our scenario. You can now access your games from a single library in the Xbox app, but you want to get more out of each session—smoother gameplay, quick access to system controls, and an easy way to capture your favorite moments—all without interrupting your game.

Task

Launch a game from the Xbox app and use Windows and Xbox features during gameplay to optimize performance and capture a gameplay moment.

Steps

  1. Launch a game from the Xbox app: Open the Xbox app and select a game from your unified library. Launch it to begin your session.

  2. Open the Game Bar during gameplay: While the game is running, open the Game Bar by pressing the Windows logo key + G on your keyboard or the Xbox button on your Xbox controller. This lets you access relevant tools and social features without leaving your game.

  3. Review system performance information:

    This screenshot shows the location of the performance tab in the Game Bar.

    Locate the performance tools available through the Game Bar and observe how your system resources are used while the game is running. Note the current frames per second (FPS) and CPU/GPU usage displayed in the Performance widget.

  4. Capture a gameplay highlight:

    This screenshot shows the location of the capture tab in the Game Bar.

    Press Windows logo key + Alt + Print Screen or the Share button on your Xbox controller to take a screenshot. Press Windows logo key + Alt + G or press and briefly hold the Share button to record the last few moments of gameplay. This lets you capture your play experience without pausing or exiting the game. You can also use the Capture widget to review recently saved media.

  5. Access social features during gameplay:

    This screenshot shows the location of the Xbox social tab in the Game Bar.

    Open the Xbox Social section of the Game Bar to view your friends list, start a conversation, or invite others to join your game. This keeps your gaming experience connected without switching applications.

  6. Return to the Xbox app after your session: Exit the game and return to the Xbox app. From there, you can launch another game, review your library, or continue exploring features—all from the same central hub.

Result

You've enhanced your gameplay using built-in Windows and Xbox features. By launching games from the Xbox app and accessing performance tools, capture features, and social experiences during gameplay, the Xbox app becomes more than just a launcher—it serves as a command center for PC gaming.