Microsoft enables offline play on Windows 10 games

Microsoft has made it possible to play Xbox games on Windows 10 without having an active internet connection. Most games that appear in the Xbox Store have offline support, Microsoft promises.

Larry Hryb, better known as Major Nelson, tweeted know that offline mode is available on Windows 10. Microsoft has put more information on the Xbox support page. Games played via the Xbox service on Windows 10 should now support offline play, although Microsoft warns that it will not be possible with every game yet.

Before offline play is possible, Windows 10 users still need to do a few things. For example, in the Xbox Store, the device must be selected for offline use; that is only possible on one device, and can only be adjusted three times a year. After that, the game must be launched while the user is still online, to allow offline access as well. Also, gamers must upload their most recent save game via Xbox Live, which can take several minutes after logging in.

According to Microsoft, achievements earned during offline play will be synced the next time the user comes online. Notifications for achieved achievements therefore only appear when there is an internet connection again. Of course, while gaming, features that are only available online, such as co-op, cannot be used in offline mode.