Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission.Learn more.
How to stream the Xbox One to Windows 10
August 06, 2025
One of the coolest gaming features packed intoWindows 10is the Xbox app. It lets you remotely access your Xbox One console and stream games to a Windows 10 PC. This comes in handy when everyone is watching a boring movie on the living room TV where your Xbox One is connected, but you’d rather play Metro Exodus or Tom Clancy’s The Division 2.
So how does it work? In this guide we show you how to stream the Xbox One to Windows 10.
With Microsoft’s method, you absolutely cannot “officially” stream your Xbox One console over the internet like the PlayStation 4. As we’ve seen with Sony’s console, playing across the internet can produce quality and latency issues, sometimes to the point where streaming just isn’t worth the effort. This is why Steam and Microsoft chose to lock game streaming to your local network.
However, thereisa method to stream theXbox Oneto a Windows 10 PC across the internet, but it requires knowing how to access your router’s control panel and how to edit the settings. We provide those instructions at the end.
Use Ethernet or Wireless AC
For the best results, stream the Xbox One across your local network using a wired Ethernet connection. Of course, not everyone wantsEthernet cablesstrung across the house, as it’s visually ugly, even when draped along the walls and corners. The plus side with all these cables is that you won’t see the performance dips associated with wireless connectivity.
If Ethernet isn’t an option, fall back on a Wireless AC 5GHz access point. A mesh network is good due to the way it creates a blanket of connectivity versus the standard router that broadcasts from one point like a radio tower. A Wireless N 5GHz connection works as well, but you’ll see limited performance using a 2.4GHz connection on either network.
Microsoft also suggests using Powerline adapters as an alternative to wired connections. You need at least two units that plug directly into your wall’s power outlets to create a network connection through the electrical system. One unit can then plug into your modem or router via an Ethernet cable while the other unit plugs into the Ethernet port on the Xbox One. Unfortunately, Powerline technology heavily depends on your home’s wiring and breaker box, thus you may see better results using wireless connectivity instead.
Finally, you can plug an Xbox One controller into your Windows 10 PC to play games remotely. You can also plug a headset into your Windows 10 PC and communicate as usual with your Xbox One friends.
Let’s begin our guide on how to stream the Xbox One to Windows 10!
- Press theXbox buttonon your controller.2. Scroll right tohighlight the “gear” iconand access theSystem panel.3. ChooseSettingsas shown above.
You’re done on the console side. Now let’s move on to Windows 10.
Windows 10
- If you don’t have the Xbox app already installed on your PC,head here.2. After installation,sign into your Xbox Live account.3. Select the console icon on the left menu labeledConnectionas shown above.
Now that you’re linked, the Xbox app Connection panel should show a Now Playing screen. You’ll also see options for initiating the stream, testing the stream, and turn on the Xbox One. The More link opens a menu to disconnect the console, connect automatically, turn off the console, and forget the console.
you may easily change the quality of the Xbox One stream if the resolution is too low, or if the resolution is too high and causing network issues. Within the Xbox app, perform the following:
1.Click on the “gear” iconlocated on the left-hand menu. This opens theSettingspanel.2. Click on theXbox Onecategory.3. Next toVideo encoding level, select Very high, High, Medium, or Low.
With your Xbox One console streaming to your Windows 10 PC on the local network, you can alter a few settings to access the console remotely from across the internet. This will require knowing how to edit settings in your modem or router.
Play from anywhere across the internet
- If you haven’t already, follow the previous setup instructions for the Xbox One and Windows 10. Make sure this connection works correctly before moving forward.2. Go into your router andassign a “static” IP addressto your Xbox One console. This method varies by manufacturer.3.Locate the port forwarding panelin your router andreserve the three portslisted below. Make sure the forward-to address is thesame static IP addressyou assigned to the Xbox One. Use your console’s name as the rule description if needed. Here are the ports:
4.Locate your home’s external IP address. You can typically find this in the router, but you can also typeWhat is my IPin Google’s search field to discover your public IP address.5. Pull your Windows 10 PC off the network currently used by your Xbox One.6. Open theXbox app.7. Click on theConnectionicon on the left-hand menu.8. ClickAdd a device.9.Enter your home’s IP addressin the field as shown above.10. Click on theConnect button.
For additional guides on how to use Windows 10, check out these how-to articles:
Thank you for being part of our community. Read ourComment Policybefore posting.
