How the new Xbox Game Bar works

On Windows 10 comes the Xbox Game Bar that allows you to share pictures and videos with your friends while you're gaming. Here's how it works

A few days ago Microsoft released the Spring 2019 update of Windows 10 that introduces new features and improves the performance of the operating system. There aren't a lot of new features brought by the Redmond-based company, it's mostly an update that goes to optimize processes and brings some improvements at the graphical level. Among the features that have undergone a makeover is also the Game Bar, "the game mode" that has been present on Windows 10 for a couple of years now and allows users to interact with other applications while they are playing.

With the May 2019 Windows 10 update, the "Game Bar" changes its name and becomes "Xbox Game Bar". With the name change also comes some services that continue on the path traced by Microsoft for a couple of years now, namely a greater integration between the Windows and Xbox worlds. With the Xbox Game Bar will be possible to start multiplayer games between PC and the console of Microsoft's house and interact with users in the friends list.

What is it and how does the Xbox Game Bar work

The Xbox Game Bar is a new tool that Microsoft has introduced on Windows 10 PCs with the May 2019 update. It replaces the Game Bar from which it takes most of the functionality. What changes from the past? Improved social features: you can chat immediately with online friends on your list, share pictures and short videos or start multiplayer games between PC and Xbox. The integration with Spotify is also improved: from the Xbox Game Bar you can choose which songs, podcasts or playlists to listen to while you're playing.

Another very useful feature present in the Game Bar is the transmission on streaming platforms of your screen and the capture of screenshots to share with your friends. Just press a button to start the live broadcast on Twitch or any other streaming service.

The user interface can be customized according to your needs, moving the different widgets higher or lower. Remember that to activate the Xbox Game Bar while you're playing a game, just press the "Windows+G" buttons: an overlay with all the features will appear.

If the Xbox Game Bar is still not present on your PC, then it means that the Windows 10 May 2019 update has not yet been released for your computer. You will have to wait for a couple more days.