Play games on Surface
Applies To
Surface
Note: Some products might not be available in your country or region.
Important: Xbox wireless is disabled on Surface Studio models and Surface Book models for Qatar countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) and Japan to be compliant with RF legal requirements in these countries.
When it’s time to unwind, lose yourself in an Xbox game on your Surface. It’s powerful enough to render your games in stunning detail. And the high-resolution PixelSense™ screen pulls you right into the action.
Connect a controller
If you have a Surface Studio model, Surface Book 2 15”, or a Surface Book 3 15" and an Xbox Wireless Controller or an Xbox One Wireless Controller, here’s how to connect your controller to your Surface.
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On your controller, press and hold the Xbox button and the Connect button to make the controller discoverable. (The Connect button is on the top of the controller.)
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On your Surface, do one of the following depending on which version your Surface is running:
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On Windows 11: Select the Start button, then select Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Everything else. Choose the Xbox Wireless Controller and follow additional instructions if they appear, then select Done.
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On Windows 10: Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device > Everything else. Choose the Xbox Wireless Controller and follow additional instructions if they appear, then select Done.
To find out if your Surface device can be upgraded to Windows 11, see Which Surface devices can be upgraded to Windows 11?
If you have another Surface device, here’s how to connect an Xbox One Wireless Controller.
If you’re having problems connecting your Xbox controller to your Surface, see Connect and troubleshoot Bluetooth on your Xbox One Wireless Controller for troubleshooting info.
Find games to play
There's a couple of ways to get started to play games on your Surface device:
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Select the Start button > Xbox to see the games that you already have.
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Go to the Store to get more games and install the ones you have on other devices.
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Play Xbox console games from the cloud with Xbox Game Pass. To learn more about getting started and find out which Surface devices are supported, see Xbox Gaming (Beta) with Xbox Game Pass.
Stream from Xbox One
If you have an Xbox One console, here’s how to stream games and TV to your Surface.
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