If you are a fan of video games, high chances are that you are playing them on Xbox. And, if you are using the Xbox 360, you may want to stream the Xbox 360 games or media to Windows PC.
While Microsoft made it easier to stream Xbox games to Windows 10 through the Xbox Console Companion app, with Xbox 360, it’s different. We have previously covered how to stream Xbox One games to Windows PC, and this post will focus on how to stream Xbox 360 to Windows 11 PC.
Can I Stream my Xbox 360 to my PC?
Previously, there wasn’t a way to stream games or media from Xbox 360 to Windows PC. However, users could stream them using the Windows Xbox app, an Xbox One connected to it, and by playing a backward-compatible Xbox 360 game.
However, there are a few ways to stream games and other content (audio/video) now.
How to stream Xbox 360 to Windows PC
Before we move on to explain how to stream Xbox 360 to Windows PC, here’s how to set it up on Windows PC:
Prepare your Xbox 360 for streaming
Some equipment and software required to stream Xbox content to Windows 11 PC are a PC or laptop with a USB port, a Windows 10/11 operating system, an Xbox 360 controller, an Xbox Live account, and the Xbox app. You can also choose to download the Xbox app for Windows from the Microsoft Store. Once installed, you would need to create an Xbox Live account.
Here’s what to do next to prepare your Xbox 360 to use your Windows PC as a remote display to stream games and media:
- Turn your Xbox 360 on, and press the Xbox button.
- Next, sign into your Xbox Live account, and navigate to Profile & System.
- Now, click on Settings > Devices & Streaming > Device Connections > Allow Game Streaming to Other Devices.
Now, connect the Xbox controller to the PC or laptop via a USB cable. Windows will automatically detect the controller and install the required drivers. Now, if you are wondering how to stream Xbox 360 to Windows PC, move on to the next section.
- Use the Xbox app and the Xbox Game Pass
- Stream Xbox 360 on Windows PC via Cloud Gaming.
- Play Xbox games on PC using Xbox Play Anywhere.
- Stream games on PC using the Xbox Play To feature.
- Using the Xbox emulators
1] Xbox app and the Xbox Game Pass
While the Xbox app comes preinstalled with Windows 11, for Windows 10 you need to download the Xbox app from the Microsoft Store.
Note – The Xbox Console Companion app can be used only for Xbox One generation consoles.
Before you proceed to stream Xbox content to Windows 11/10 PC, here are the system requirements to run the Xbox app:
- OS: Windows 10/11, version 22H1 or above
- Processor: Intel Core/AMD Ryzen 5 (Quad-core or above)
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050; Radeon RX 560
- Memory: 8GB RAM, 3GB VRAM
- Storage: Up to 150GB
You can now play ANY Xbox game by streaming from console to PC using the Xbox app.
The Xbox Game Pass offers an Ultimate unlimited version for $15/month, which allows you to play on both Xbox and PC. Or, you can pay $10/month for PC-only access. Best of all, with a game pass, you can access the latest Xbox Game Studios titles on the release day.
The Ultimate subscription is perfect for cloud games offering access to unlimited games including Xbox Play Anywhere titles. Moreover, the Ultimate account also includes the Xbox Live Gold membership required to play most multiplayer Xbox games online on an Xbox console.
Read: Xbox Game Pass for Console vs PC vs Ultimate.
2] Stream Xbox 360 on Windows PC via Cloud gaming
The Xbox Cloud Gaming service allows you to play Xbox Game Pass games on smartphones, tablets, PC, and Xbox consoles. This is the best way to stream Xbox 360 or any Xbox games directly to your Windows PC without any game downloads or installing any updates.
Xbox cloud gaming requires a fast and reliable internet connection that runs at a speed of either 20 Mbps or higher, a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. To set up Xbox cloud gaming, launch the Xbox app > sign in with your Microsoft account > click on Cloud Gaming on the left > and Join Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
In the left sidebar menu, select Cloud Gaming.
Read: Cloud gaming is not working on Xbox app
3] Play Xbox games on PC using Xbox Play Anywhere
Whether you want to play Forza Horizon 3, or Resident Evil 7, Xbox Play Anywhere allows you to stream and play your favorite Xbox 360 games on Windows PC. All you need to do is to buy an Xbox Play Anywhere digital game and play it on Xbox and Windows 11/10 PC at no additional cost.
So, you can either choose to stream Xbox Games from the console to Windows 11/10 PC and play, or use the Xbox Play Anywhere service. While streaming from console to PC will allow you to play any games on PC, the Xbox Play Anywhere service will allow you to play its selected range of games.
Read: Where is Xbox Play Anywhere files located on PC?
4] Stream games on PC using the Xbox Play To feature
The PlayTo feature on Xbox 360 enables your console to stream content (music/video) from other devices, such as a Windows-based PC or tablet. It lets you stream Xbox 360 content like games to Windows 11/10 PC.
Firstly, make sure that Play To is enabled on Xbox 360 and that the console has the most recent software update. At the same time, the Windows PC should possess the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compliant playback capabilities. Also, you would need a local network connection between the Xbox 360 and the DLNA-compatible device. Once the above requirements are met and you have connected the Xbox 360 console to the DLNA-compatible Windows PC, the PC is ready to stream Xbox content.
Read: How to play your favorite Xbox 360 games on Xbox One
5] Using the Xbox emulators
One of the easiest ways to stream Xbox 360 games to your Windows PC is to use the best free Xbox emulators. For example, you can use the CXBX, Xenia, or the VR Xbox emulator for a smooth streaming experience. Simply download the emulator > extract it to a folder > execute the file and mount it > run the emulator and load the game. That’s it, and that’s how you can play Xbox games on your PC.
How to connect Xbox 360 to a Windows computer?
One way to connect your Xbox 360 to the Xbox network with a Windows PC is by using a router. However, you can also connect the console either using the Windows Internet Connection Sharing option or through a network bridge connection.
How to play Xbox remotely on a PC?
To set up a remote play on Xbox and to play games from your console to a Windows PC, you would need:
- Xbox app.
- Xbox One or later consoles.
- Windows 10/11 OS.
- Bluetooth 4.0 and higher.
- Fast and stable internet connection running at either 7-10 Mbps or should be connected to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network.
- Preferably an Xbox Wireless Controller connected via Bluetooth or a USB cable.
Now, to set up Remote Play, you would need to enable the Sleep power option on your console:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Go to Profile & System> Settings > Devices & Connections> Remote features.
- Select the Enable remote features checkbox.
- Under Power Options, select Sleep.
To set up Remote Play on your Windows device, open the Xbox app > click on profile picture > View profile > Where I play > Add a console > follow on-screen instructions.
