Cloud gaming on third-party services. Learn about cloud gaming on Xbox using your Android, iOS, or Windows device.

The Xbox account is used for game streaming access, in-game purchases, achievements, and friends. In most cases, it’s best if the Microsoft Store and Xbox accounts are the same. When a mismatch is identified, the Xbox app will report it with a pop-up banner and a link to review possible changes.

With the PC Game Pass subscription, you get access to the Xbox Game Pass catalog on your Windows 10/11 device. Join Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to enjoy Xbox Game Pass on both your Windows device and Xbox console.

Buy stuff from Microsoft Store online (from your mobile device, on Xbox One, in the Microsoft Store app on your Windows 10/11 or Windows 8.1 device, or via the web). For more info, see Shop and earn Microsoft Rewards points. Explore the earn page and the points breakdown page.

If you're having trouble getting your verification code for your personal Microsoft account, see Troubleshooting verification code issues. If your question wasn't answered here, we want to hear from you. Post your question to the Microsoft Authenticator forum to get help from the community.

Getting ready for the Windows 11 upgrade. How to check if your device meets Windows 11 system requirements after changing device hardware. Learn how to use the PC Health Check app to help you improve your device performance.

Protect your Android, iPhone, Mac, and Windows devices from threats by installing Microsoft Defender. Download Microsoft Defender on your devices either by: Scanning the following QR code. Searching for Microsoft Defender in your app store. Sharing with your devices, the following link: Copy link.

The Microsoft Authenticator app helps you sign into your accounts when you're using two-step verification.

If you pre-ordered a game and want to cancel, you can do so up to 10 days before the game launches at: Order history. After this time, you may be billed, and you’ll need to request a refund to cancel your order. For more info about digital game pre-orders, see: Pre-order Xbox digital games in the Microsoft Store.

To pin apps to the taskbar. Select Start , select the arrow next to All apps, right-click the app, then select More > Pin to taskbar. If the app is already open on the desktop, press and hold (or right click) the app's taskbar icon, and then select Pin to taskbar.