Microsoft is giving its Xbox PC app a major makeover, introducing a redesigned interface and significant performance improvements aimed at making the gaming platform faster and easier to use.

The updated app is now available to Xbox Insiders for testing, with Microsoft promising quicker loading times, streamlined navigation and a more consistent experience across mouse, keyboard and controller inputs.

According to Microsoft, the redesigned app launches up to 60% faster, while key sections including Home, Store and Game Pass load up to 50% quicker.

In-app windows are also said to open up to 65% faster, addressing one of the biggest frustrations for PC gamers using Microsoft’s gaming platform.

The improvements come as Microsoft faces increasing competition from established PC gaming storefronts including Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Beyond performance, the company has made substantial changes to the app’s layout and navigation.

The Library section now features improved filtering, simpler navigation and additional tools for organising games, making it easier to manage growing collections.

Microsoft has also moved the Friends section into the main navigation menu, providing quicker access to social features including messaging, multiplayer parties and friends’ gaming activity.

Search has been expanded to bring together games, installed titles, downloadable content and player profiles in a single interface.

Other changes include refreshed game cards, updated Home and Settings pages, and smoother animations throughout the app.

Microsoft is also bringing a similar redesign to Xbox Cloud Gaming, extending the improvements beyond Windows PCs.

The refreshed cloud gaming interface introduces a dedicated Library tab showing supported titles, including games purchased by users and those available through Xbox Game Pass.

A new desktop mode is designed to improve navigation on larger screens, while updated appearance settings include dark and light themes alongside five high-contrast options.

The redesigned Xbox Cloud Gaming web experience will become available to more users over the coming weeks, with early access already available through Microsoft’s cloud gaming website.

Microsoft is also preparing to introduce the updated interface to Xbox Cloud Gaming apps on supported smart TVs and VR headsets.

However, the company has not confirmed when those updates will arrive or when the redesigned Xbox PC app will be released to all users.

For now, gamers wanting to try the changes can join the Xbox Insider Program through the Xbox Insider Hub on Windows.

The overhaul forms part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to deliver a more unified Xbox gaming experience across PCs, televisions and cloud-connected devices.