To download games on a Windows 10 PC, open Microsoft Store and select Gaming. Pick a game, check its System Requirements, and select Get for a free game or the price for a paid one. When it’s done, open the game from the Start menu.
Applies to: Windows 10 PCs and laptops. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 28, 2026.
Before you start
- Get games from trusted places only, like Microsoft Store or the game maker’s official site. Free copies of paid games from other sites often hide harmful software. For an example of buying a game from its publisher, see how to download GTA San Andreas on Windows 10.
- Check that you have enough free space. See how to check disk space in Windows 10.
- The Store may ask you to sign in with a Microsoft account before you download.
Download a game from Microsoft Store
- Select Start and open Microsoft Store.
- Select Gaming at the top, then choose a game. You can also use Search.
- Scroll down to System Requirements and make sure your PC meets them.
- Select Get (or the price, for a paid game) and follow the steps.
The download starts right away. Big games can take a while.
Play the game
- Select Start and find the game in the list, or select Play in the Store.
- For smoother play, keep your graphics driver up to date. See how to update graphics drivers in Windows 10.
- Keep games up to date with Store updates. See how to update apps in Windows 10.
Other places to get PC games
- Xbox app: for PC Game Pass and Xbox games on PC. Get it free from the Microsoft Store.
- Steam: the biggest PC game store, with frequent sales.
- Epic Games Store: gives away free games regularly.
- GOG: older and classic games without copy protection.
- Publisher launchers: EA app, Ubisoft Connect, and Battle.net for those companies’ games.
Download launchers only from their official websites. Sites offering paid games for free often bundle malware.
Check the game will run first
Every store page lists minimum and recommended requirements. Compare them with your PC in Settings > System > About (processor and RAM) and Task Manager’s Performance tab (graphics). Also check the Windows version: some newer games require Windows 11, and Windows 10 no longer gets security updates without Extended Security Updates.
Choose where games are installed
Games can take tens of gigabytes. If your C: drive is small, send them to another drive:
- Microsoft Store games: go to Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved, and set New apps will save to another drive.
- Xbox app: select your profile picture > Settings > General and change the default install location. The app also asks where to install each game.
- Steam and Epic: both let you add a library folder on another drive in their settings and pick it when you install.
Track downloads and updates
In Microsoft Store, select Library (or the three dots > Downloads and updates in older versions) to see games that are downloading, pause or resume them, and select Get updates to update everything at once. Big downloads continue in the background, so you can close the Store while you wait.
Games bought in the Store are tied to your Microsoft account. Sign in with the same account on another PC and they show up in your Library, ready to install again.
If a download or game won’t work
- A Microsoft Store download is stuck. Pause and resume it in the Store’s Library. If it’s still stuck, run
wsreset.exefrom the Run box. - There isn’t enough space. Games can need 50 to 150 GB. Free up space or install to another drive if the store offers it.
- The game crashes on launch. Update your graphics driver and Windows, then restart.
- It runs slowly. Lower the game’s graphics settings, close background apps, and on a laptop, plug in the charger.
Frequently asked questions
Can I download games from other websites?
Yes, from the game maker’s official site or a well-known game store. Install them like any program. See how to install apps and software in Windows 10.
How do I remove a game I don’t play?
Uninstall it like any app to free up space. See how to uninstall programs on Windows 10.
Are the steps different on a laptop?
No. The steps are the same on a Windows 10 laptop or desktop.
Are free games safe to download?
Free games from official stores, such as the Microsoft Store, Steam, or Epic, are safe. Avoid sites that offer paid games for free, which often hide malware.
To play with a controller instead of a keyboard, see how to connect an Xbox controller to Windows 10.
If you stop using a game store, see how to uninstall Steam on Windows 10 to remove it without losing your games.
On Windows 11, here’s how to uninstall a Microsoft Store game when you’re done with it.
Microsoft’s reference is Get trusted apps and games from Microsoft Store. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: how to download GTA Vice City on Windows 10.
Related: how to download WhatsApp on a Windows 10 laptop.
Related: How to Play DOS Games on Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.