You can share Game Pass for PC across two computers using the same Microsoft account, but only one person can play at a time

Game Pass for PC is tied to your Microsoft account, not to a specific computer. If you sign in with the same account on a second PC, that computer gets access to the full Game Pass library. However, you cannot play on both machines simultaneously — only one active session per account is allowed. If someone starts playing on the second PC while you are playing on the first, your game will pause or disconnect.

The setup takes about five minutes and requires nothing beyond your existing Game Pass subscription. You do not need a second subscription, and you do not need to change any account settings. The catch is that whoever uses the second computer will see your game library, your save files, and your play history.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign in to the second PC with your Microsoft account to give it access to your Game Pass library without buying a second subscription.
  • Only one person can play a Game Pass game at the same time across both computers, even if they are different games.
  • The person on the second PC will see all your games, saves, and achievements unless you create a separate local account for them.
  • If you want two people to play simultaneously, you need two separate Game Pass subscriptions on two different Microsoft accounts.
  • Game saves sync across both computers if you sign in with the same account, so progress carries over automatically.

Setting up Game Pass on a second computer

Open the Microsoft Store on the second PC. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Sign in. Enter the email address and password for the Microsoft account that has the Game Pass subscription. Once you are signed in, navigate to the Game Pass section of the Store and you will see the full library available to read.

You do not need to change anything in your Game Pass settings or account preferences. The subscription automatically extends to any PC where you sign in with that account. Downloads and installations work the same way as on your original computer — select a game and click Install.

If the second PC is shared with other people in your household, consider creating a separate local account for them on Windows. They can then use that local account to play, while you sign in with your Microsoft account when you want to play. This keeps your saves and achievements separate from theirs.

Why only one person can play at a time

Microsoft's licensing terms allow one active Game Pass session per subscription. This is the same rule that applies to Netflix or Spotify — you can install the app on multiple devices, but only one stream can run at once. If a second person tries to start a game while you are actively playing, the system will detect the conflict and either pause your game or disconnect you.

This limitation exists because Game Pass is a subscription service, not a purchase. You are renting access to the library, and that access is limited to one person at a time. The restriction applies even if you are playing different games on different computers — the account itself can only have one active session.

What happens to saves and achievements

Game saves stored in the cloud sync automatically between both computers. If you play a game on your first PC and reach a checkpoint, then switch to the second PC and sign in with the same account, you can pick up where you left off. This works for most Game Pass titles because they use cloud saves by default.

Achievements and play history also sync across both computers. Your profile will show the same games played and the same progress on both machines. If you want to keep saves separate — for example, if someone else is using the second computer and you do not want them to see your progress — you will need to use a separate local Windows account for them instead of signing in with your Microsoft account.

The difference between account sharing and a second subscription

Sharing your account on a second PC is free and uses your existing subscription. The downside is that only one person can play at a time, and whoever uses the second computer sees all your personal data. This works well if you are the only person playing, or if household members take turns.

A second Game Pass subscription costs the same as your first one — the current price varies by region and subscription tier. With two separate subscriptions on two different Microsoft accounts, two people can play simultaneously on two different computers. Each person has their own library view, saves, and achievements. This is the only way to have two active Game Pass sessions at the same time.

Signing out and switching accounts

If you want to stop sharing Game Pass on the second PC, sign out of your Microsoft account in the Microsoft Store. Click your profile icon and select Sign out. The second computer will no longer have access to Game Pass unless you sign back in or sign in with a different account that has an active subscription.

You can also manage which devices have access to your account through the Microsoft account website. Go to account.microsoft.com, select Security, then Device security. You will see a list of devices signed in with your account. You can remove a device from this list, which will sign it out remotely.

Common problems and what to do

If you see a message that says "You are signed in elsewhere," it means someone is already playing a Game Pass game on another device with your account. Wait for that session to end, or sign out on the other device, before you can start playing on the current one.

If games will not read on the second PC, check that you are signed in with the correct Microsoft account and that the account has an active Game Pass subscription. You can verify this by going to the Game Pass section of the Microsoft Store — if you see the full library and a Play button instead of a price tag, the subscription is active on that account.

If saves are not syncing between computers, make sure both PCs are signed in with the same Microsoft account and that cloud saves are enabled in the game settings. Some older games do not support cloud saves and will require manual file transfer if you want to move progress between computers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play on two computers at the same time with one Game Pass subscription?

No. Only one person can have an active Game Pass session at a time, even if they are playing different games. If you try to start a game on a second computer while someone is playing on the first, the system will disconnect one of the sessions.

Will the other person see my game saves and achievements?

Yes, if they sign in with your Microsoft account. All saves, achievements, and play history are tied to the account, not the computer. If you want to keep your data private, create a separate local Windows account for them and have them use that instead.

What if I want two people to play Game Pass games at the same time?

You will need two separate Game Pass subscriptions on two different Microsoft accounts. Each account gets its own subscription, and each can have one active session. This is the only way to have simultaneous play on two computers.

Do I need to read games on both computers?

No. Each computer has its own storage, so you only need to read games on the computers where you actually want to play them. You can read different games on each PC if you want to save space.

What happens if I cancel my Game Pass subscription?

Both computers will lose access to the Game Pass library when ready. Games will no longer launch, and you will not be able to read new titles. Any games you have already downloaded will remain on the hard drive, but you cannot play them without an active subscription.