Xbox game keys are full titles delivered as codes. Redeem one on a Microsoft account and the game is added to the library, ready to install on Xbox and, where the title supports it, on Windows from the same purchase.

Because the licence sits on the account rather than the console, it follows you onto any Xbox you sign into.

What is an Xbox game key?

A one-time activation code redeemed against a Microsoft account. Once used, the game belongs to that account permanently and the code cannot be reused elsewhere.

This is ownership, not access. Unlike a Game Pass title, a purchased game does not leave the library when a subscription ends or when it rotates out of the catalogue.

Things worth checking

• Console generation. Some titles are Xbox Series X and S only, while others cover Xbox One as well.
• Play Anywhere. Where a game supports it, one purchase covers both Xbox and Windows.
• Edition. Deluxe and ultimate editions differ by bundled content rather than by the base game.
• Region. Codes redeem only on a Microsoft account registered to the matching country.

How to redeem

On the console, open the Store from the Home screen, choose Redeem Code under Categories, sign in if prompted and enter the 25 character code. In a browser, microsoft.com/redeem does the same. The title is added immediately and can be installed straight away.

Redeem on the account that will play it, since Microsoft does not move digital purchases between accounts afterward.

Check the region before buying

A key bought for the wrong region will be rejected at redemption and cannot be exchanged. The region is stated in each product title on this page, so match it to the account rather than to where you are.