How to Claim Xbox Game Pass on a New Laptop?

If you recently bought a new laptop, you might have noticed an offer for Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft often partners with major laptop manufacturers to include free or discounted trials of Game Pass with new devices. This gives users instant access to hundreds of games without any upfront subscription cost. Whether you are a casual gamer or a hardcore fan, Xbox Game Pass on your laptop opens doors to titles like Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, and Minecraft, all ready to play without downloading separate game clients. Many new laptops, especially Windows-based ones, now come with these promotions, making it easier than ever to jump into gaming right after unboxing.

Understanding what Xbox Game Pass offers and why some laptops include free trials is essential. The promotion is part of Microsoft’s strategy to expand the Game Pass user base. Brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and Acer frequently participate in this offer, often pre-installing the Xbox app to make activation simple. 

This guide will walk you through checking eligibility, finding the offer, claiming the subscription, and activating it on your device.

How to Find if Your New Laptop Has the Xbox Game Pass Offer?

Determining if your new laptop has a Game Pass promotion can be done in a few simple ways.

Check the Microsoft Store

This is one of the most reliable methods, as it offers that are digitally tied to your new device are listed here.

• Click the Microsoft Store icon on your taskbar, or find it using the Windows search bar.
  
• Sign in with your Microsoft account.
  
• Click the Library icon in the bottom-left corner of the window.
  
• Select the Included with device tab to see any available offers, including Xbox Game Pass.
  Promotions may also appear on the Store’s home page under the Xbox section, often highlighted with banners for free Game Pass trials.

Check the Xbox App

Many new laptops come with the Xbox app pre-installed and ready to use.

• Open the Xbox app from your Start menu or taskbar.
  
• When you launch it for the first time, you may see a pop-up announcing, “You’ve got free PC Game Pass!”
  
• If you miss the pop-up, navigate to the Game Pass section in the app’s main menu to check for available offers.

There are a few other ways also such as during the Windows setup, a pop-up appears with “Your device comes with free PC Game Pass”, and in some cases, retailers include a promotional code or specific instructions in the box or purchase receipt. 

How to Claim Xbox Game Pass on a New Laptop

Claiming Xbox Game Pass on your new laptop is simple, but the exact process may vary depending on how the offer was bundled with your device. Some offers can be redeemed directly through the Microsoft Store or the Xbox app, while others appear during the initial Windows setup. In certain cases, your device may also come with a digital or physical code.

Please note that most promotional offers must be claimed within a specified time frame, typically within 180 days of setting up your device. Below are the primary methods for claiming your subscription.

Method 1: Using the Microsoft Store

1. On your new laptop, open the Microsoft Store from the taskbar or search for it in the Windows search bar.
   
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account if you have not already.
   
3. In the store, click on the Library button at the bottom-left corner.
   
4. Select the Included with device tab.
   
5. Find the Xbox Game Pass offer and click Claim or Get.
   
6. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may be asked to enter a payment method for recurring billing after the trial ends. Don’t worry, you can cancel this anytime through your Microsoft account.

Method 2: Using the Xbox App

1. Open the Xbox app on your laptop. If it is not pre-installed, download it from the Microsoft Store.
   
2. Sign in with the Microsoft account you want to link to your subscription.
   
3. On first launch, you may see a pop-up notification that says “You’ve got free PC Game Pass!”. Click Claim Now.
   
4. If you don’t see the pop-up, navigate to the Game Pass section in the app.
   
5. Look for the promotional offer and follow the prompts to claim your subscription.

Once activated, you can browse Game Pass titles in the app, install them to your preferred storage location, and start playing immediately.

Method 3: During Initial Windows Setup

Some laptops display the offer during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) when you first set up Windows.

1. While setting up your new laptop, look for a screen that says “Your device comes with free PC Game Pass.”
   
2. Select Claim and follow the instructions to link it to your Microsoft account.

This is the quickest way to claim the offer, but if you skip it, you can still use the Microsoft Store or Xbox app afterward.

Method 4: Redeeming a Code

If your laptop includes a digital or physical code, you can redeem it as follows:

1. Open the Xbox app or the Microsoft Store.
   
2. Click on your profile icon and go to Settings.
   
3. Select Redeem a code.
   
4. Enter the 25-character code and follow the instructions to activate your subscription.

Activating and Managing Your Subscription

After you claim the offer, your Xbox Game Pass subscription should be active. Here’s what to do next:

1. Open the Xbox app and sign in with the Microsoft account you used to claim the offer.
   
2. Go to the Game Pass section to view available games.
   
3. Select any game, click Install, and choose a storage location. Once downloaded, you can launch games directly from the app.
   
4. To manage your subscription, visit your Microsoft account services page. From here, you can check your subscription duration, renewal date, and cancel recurring billing if you do not wish to be charged after the free period.

Important Reminders

• Most offers must be redeemed within 180 days of setting up your device.
  
• A payment method is usually required to activate the free trial. This sets up recurring billing, but you can cancel anytime.
  
• If you do not want to be charged after the trial, set a reminder to cancel before the free period ends.
  
• You can reinstall games or manage storage anytime through the Xbox app.

By following these steps, you can quickly claim and activate your Xbox Game Pass on a new laptop, giving you access to hundreds of high-quality PC games right away.

Tips Before Activating

Before you activate Xbox Game Pass on a new laptop, keep a few tips in mind:

• Ensure your laptop has enough storage space. Many modern games require tens of gigabytes to install.
  
• Make sure your Windows updates are current. Game Pass relies on the latest Microsoft services and app updates for smooth functioning.
  
• If you plan to play high-end games, check that your laptop’s GPU, RAM, and CPU meet the game requirements. Game Pass includes both lightweight titles and AAA games, so performance may vary.
  
• Consider your internet speed. Installing and updating games requires a stable and fast connection.

Following these tips ensures a smooth setup and optimal gaming experience without interruptions.

FAQs

Can I claim Xbox Game Pass on any new laptop?

No. Only specific laptops from brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and Acer are eligible, and the operating system must be Windows 10 or 11.

Do I need a Microsoft account to redeem the trial?

Yes. A Microsoft account is required to link the Game Pass subscription and manage your games.

What happens after the trial ends?

Once the free trial expires, you will need to pay the standard subscription fee to continue accessing Game Pass games. You can cancel anytime before the trial ends to avoid charges.

Can I play Game Pass games offline?

Some games allow offline play after initial download, but most require periodic online verification through the Xbox app.

How long does it take to claim the Game Pass?

Activation is usually instant, but downloading games depends on your internet speed and game size.

Are all Xbox Game Pass games available on laptops?

Yes, but only PC-compatible titles will be available. Console-only games require an Xbox console or Xbox Cloud Gaming on Windows.

Conclusion

Claiming Xbox Game Pass on a new laptop is an easy and rewarding process. From checking eligibility to activating your subscription, each step ensures you can start playing your favorite games immediately. By following this guide, you can maximize the benefits of free trials, explore hundreds of games, and enjoy seamless gaming on your new device.

Remember to check storage, system requirements, and internet connectivity before starting.