Do You Keep Game Pass Games on PC?
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass program has revolutionized the gaming industry by offering players the opportunity to access a wide range of games for a flat monthly fee. As the program continues to expand, many gamers are now wondering if they can keep Game Pass games on PC. In this article, we’ll dive into the details and answer your most frequently asked question: "Do you keep Game Pass games on PC?"
Yes, You Can Keep Some Game Pass Games on PC
While not all games are available to keep through Game Pass, all games in the program allow you to install and play them as long as your subscription is active. This means that once a game is installed, it will remain on your system until you decide to play it or remove it, regardless of your subscription status.
Games That Aren’t Downloaded Stay Under Server Control
However, some games in the Game Pass program are not fully installed or streamed and must remain connected to the internet at all times. If you cancel your subscription or stop playing the game for an extended period, access to these games will likely be revoked.
Ownership of Games Isn’t Allowed
Currently, there is no option for players to purchase the right to keep a game for good, even if the game is still playable for the duration of the subscription**. Microsoft’s Business Model is centered around allowing players to access a pool of games for a month-to-month fee. For this reason, ownership rights for Game Pass games will likely remain the exception.
Save Your Progress by Canceling or Not Activating the Game Pass Program
Don’t assume that your progress will transfer seamlessly between the two worlds. Microsoft advises caution, stating that your gameplay data may be affected depending on the platform. Cancelling or not activating a Game Pass game will leave your progress intact.
| Game Type | Gameplay Progress? | Download Access? | License Transfer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Game | No changes guaranteed | Yes | No ownership option |
| Xbox-specific Game | Yes | Only through Xbox app | Transfer possible |
| Multiplayer Game | Progress varies game by game | Stream required | No transfer guarantee |
| Steam Version of Gears 5 | Keep your progress on Steam by canceling the game | Yes, you’ve already purchased it | Option to transfer, see link below |
Why Care About Game Pass and Games Ownership?
Game pass games are only available on PC while the subscription remains active. Losing access is not the only consideration concerned about storing large game libraries in public cloud storage or risk running into compatibility issues, in-game purchases and digital download rights. Keep those games you play and plan to play regularly for that long-term library storage that matters.
Why I Won’t Use Xbox Games on Steam?
Open Steam and start a game that supports Xbox account linking (for example, Gears 5). Sign in to Xbox Network when prompted. Select the account link option in the game menu. When the Steam account linking overlay appears, select Yes, continue. Note: if you don’t plan using your Xbox game account your progress and other perks may be tied to its activation.
In our opinion, there’s significant potential for long-term usage, and even longterm game library, without using the Game Pass platform that doesn’t keep its owned games on Steam and with Xbox games account that do keep its games but that can be problematic and costly for players, because to transfer ownership to PC they must be available, because progress would vanish by deactivating it. Your best bet would be creating your own save system when using Xbox and your subscription for long term libraries .