Microsoft’s July Xbox Update Brings Big Improvements to Cloud Gaming — Here’s What’s New
Microsoft’s July Xbox Update Brings Big Improvements to Cloud Gaming — Here’s What’s New
Microsoft’s Xbox team is rolling out another wave of meaningful updates this July — and this time, the focus is clear: enhancing the PC experience and making cloud gaming more flexible than ever.
While many of these features were tested with Xbox Insiders over recent weeks, they’re now officially available to all users. From streaming your own games in the cloud to smoother controls and expanded rewards, the latest update brings real improvements to how players interact with Xbox beyond the console.
Stream Your Own Games in the Cloud — Finally
One of the most anticipated features is now live: Game Pass Ultimate members can stream supported games from their Xbox Store library, even if they don’t currently own a console.
This “Stream Your Own Game” functionality lives in the Cloud Gaming section of the Xbox PC app, making it easy to jump into titles you already own — no downloads, no waiting. As long as the game supports cloud play, you can launch it directly from your library.
And the catalog keeps growing: over 250 games are now available to stream, including fan favorites like Assassin’s Creed II, LEGO Batman 3, and Saints Row: The Third. Upcoming additions include RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business, Tetris Effect: Connected, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.
You can check the full list of supported titles directly in the app or on Xbox’s official cloud gaming page.
Your Gaming History, Across All Devices
Another quiet but powerful addition: cross-device play history is now rolling out to all users after a successful Insider trial.
This means you can finally see a unified timeline of what you’ve been playing — whether it was on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or via Cloud Gaming. No more guessing which game you left off on — it’s all tracked in one place.
It’s a small touch, but one that makes the Xbox ecosystem feel more connected than ever.
Microsoft Rewards Comes to the Xbox PC App
Gamers who play to earn can now do more directly from the app. Rewards with Xbox has launched in the Home section of the Xbox PC app, making it easier to track points, complete challenges, and redeem rewards — all without leaving your gaming session.
This feature is currently available in select markets and only for users aged 18 and over. It includes personalized offers, progress tracking, and quick links to active promotions, giving players more visibility into how they can earn points just by playing.
It’s a step toward deeper integration between Microsoft’s gaming and loyalty platforms — and a sign that Rewards is becoming more central to the Xbox experience.
More Retro Games Coming to Retro Classics
Fans of classic gaming aren’t being left behind. The Retro Classics app, a collaboration between Xbox and Antstream Arcade, is adding seven new titles to its growing library:
- Caesar
- Conquests of Camelot: The Search for the Grail
- Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers
- Hard Head
- Okie Dokie
- Skate Boardin’
- Skeleton+
These retro picks bring more variety to the app, especially for players who love puzzle games, point-and-click adventures, and nostalgic arcade-style challenges.
Better Controls for More Games
Control flexibility is also improving. Mouse and keyboard support is expanding to more titles, with Police Simulator: Patrol Officers now fully compatible — a big win for PC-first players.
Meanwhile, touch controls are rolling out to South of Midnight, making it more accessible for tablet users and those playing on touch-enabled devices.
These updates reflect Microsoft’s ongoing effort to make Xbox games feel native across different platforms — whether you’re using a controller, keyboard, or touchscreen.
Final Thoughts: A Smoother, Smarter Xbox Experience
The July Xbox update might not come with flashy visuals or next-gen hardware, but it delivers something just as valuable: refinement.
By focusing on usability, accessibility, and cross-platform continuity, Microsoft is quietly building a more seamless gaming ecosystem — one that works better whether you’re on console, PC, or streaming from the cloud.
For Xbox fans, especially on PC, this update is worth checking out. It’s not just about new games — it’s about making the entire experience feel more personal, connected, and
