Steam / Game Pass etc

roger812 · Nov 9, 2023

Apologies for being a **** here but after years of playing AOE2 on my old Windows Desktop I've moved on with a Gaming Laptop running Windows 11 and I want to install and play AOE4.

I searched in Microsoft Store and get prompted to "Play with Game Pass - Join Now" or Buy for £14.99. I've also seen it somewhere for £34.99.

So what do I do for the best. I don't play loads of games, I just want to get AOE4 (I'll probably add Flight Simulator later if it makes a difference). I'd rather pay upfront than go for a monthly subscription.

And where does XBox fit into all this? I thought it was a console but I notice there's an XBox App on my laptop. Do the MS Games run through that on Win 11?

You'll see I'm confused!

Can anyone help or direct me to a beginners article of some sort please?

Thanks.

:)

SwordofWhedon

The Xbox app is part of windows

It's no different than running steam, or the epic game launcher, possibly slightly less burdensome because it's part of the operating system though I don't know that for a fact

roger812

Ok, thanks I think I get that.

Would running a game through the XBox App on Windows just unnecessarily add another application layer? Or have I misunderstood.

SwordofWhedon

Xbox is the umbrella under which all Microsoft gaming falls, whether it be on a game system or on PC. You can buy these games upfront, or pay the subscription

Smwutches

Game Pass is like Netflix for gaming. You can access a library of games and play them without having to purchase them individually. If you're only interested in a couple of games, then that subscription won't be the best idea for you. I'd just buy the games individually in that case.

Xbox has expanded to be more than just a console. You can use the Xbox app and/or the Microsoft Store app on PC to install games. You can run them through the Xbox app, but they should also just have an icon you can start like you would any other PC program.

KhajiBower34

Hello JackKirsop, I am an independent advisor and I will be happy to help you today. My name is Khaji

Dear, I understand your annoyance and I am sorry that you are going through this problem, but as an independent advisor I will try to help you. Remember that I handle somewhat limited information. I am a player like you, an organic person like you.

According to what I know, you are not alone in this problem, some users have reported similar problems with Game Pass games that crash when using GTX Graphics cards, I don't know if you will understand what I am telling you but it is the information that I drive then.

Here are some solutions that have worked for some users:

GPU Undervoltage: One user reported that they managed to fix the issue by undervolting their GPU when playing Xbox Game Pass games.

However, this may not work for everyone.

Closing Razer Cortex: Another user mentioned that closing Razer Cortex solved the problem

Reinstall graphics card drivers: Some users suggest uninstalling and then reinstalling graphics card drivers

Adjust 3D settings: Navigate to 3D Settings > Manage 3D Settings. Open the Settings tab of the program and choose the game from the drop-down menu

Clean boot PC: If there is a third-party application that starts when you boot your PC and could be interfering with the games you download from the Windows Store, it is recommended to start your PC with a clean boot

Thank you very much for your patience and understanding! If you need anything else, do not hesitate to contact us again.

Steam / Game Pass etc