Troubleshooting Xbox Console Companion app game streaming on Windows 10

Note Before you begin troubleshooting any of the following issues, you'll want to first verify that you have the latest version of the Xbox Console Companion app on Windows 10.

Users in the European Union and Korea using a Windows 10 N or a Windows 10 KN will also need to install the Media Feature Pack for N and KN versions of Windows 10 to use this feature.

Solutions

My Xbox One isn't visible in the Xbox Console Companion app on Windows 10

Make sure to turn on your Xbox One and connect it to the same subnet as your Windows 10 PC. If it’s turned on and connected to the same network, you may need to specify the IP address of the Xbox One. You can find the Xbox One’s IP address by pressing the Xbox button to open the guide, going to System > Settings > Network > Network settings, and then selecting Advanced settings.

Open the Xbox Console Companion app on your PC. In the navigation pane, select Connection, enter the Xbox One IP address into the Xbox One not listed? Enter your console’s IP address box, and then select Connect.

A text box labeled 'Xbox One not listed? Enter your console's IP address' is highlighted on the 'Connect to your Xbox One' screen. An IP address has been entered in the box.

If this doesn’t work, your Xbox One probably isn't on the same subnetwork as your Windows 10 PC. Check that both are on the same network.

Important Make sure you don’t share the same SSID (network name) for both your 2.4 GHz network and your 5 GHz network.

Some wireless routers will default to using a single name (SSID) for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, while others will default to two separate names that help you identify the frequency band. If your router uses the same network name for both networks, you can configure the router to assign different names to each network. By creating separate names for each, you can explicitly configure the PC and the Xbox One to use a specific network and frequency band.

Finally, try restarting your PC and your Xbox One console, as this can sometimes fix connectivity issues.

I can't connect to my Xbox One from my Xbox Console Companion app on Windows 10

Check that your Xbox One console allows Xbox Console Companion app connections. You’ll find this on the console by pressing the Xbox button to open the guide, going to System > Settings, selecting Preferences > Xbox app connectivity, and then selecting Allow connections from any device.

On the Preferences screen, the option 'From any SmartGlass device' is selected under 'SMARTGLASS CONNECTIONS'.

If you still can’t connect, try restarting your Windows 10 PC and your Xbox One console.

I can't start game streaming from my Windows 10 PC

Check that your Xbox One console allows game streaming. You’ll find this on the console by pressing the Xbox button to open the guide, going to System > Settings, selecting Preferences > Xbox app connectivity, and then selecting Allow game streaming to other devices.

On the Preferences screen, the option 'Allow game streaming to other devices (beta)' check box is selected under 'SYSTEM & APP'.

I’m receiving the error message, “To continue, sign in on your console using this account”

You must be signed in to the Xbox Console Companion app with the same gamertag as the one that’s signed in on the Xbox One console. Your profile must exist on the Xbox One. Try signing in directly on the console. (Usually, your profile will automatically sign in when you connect to the console.)

I'm having trouble signing in to the Xbox Console Companion app on Windows 10

If you're having trouble signing in, see How to sign in to the Xbox Console Companion app on Windows 10.

While game streaming, I’m having too much lag or latency, or my audio/video glitches frequently

Wireless network quality will have an impact on your game streaming experience. Try the following solutions in this order:

If possible, connect both your Xbox One console and your PC over a wired Ethernet connection.
If a wired connection isn’t possible, try lowering the quality level. For information on how to change your quality, see How to use game streaming in the Xbox Console Companion app on Windows 10.
To try to improve your game streaming experience, see Improve Xbox Console Companion app for Windows 10 game streaming performance.
Finally, try the Test streaming option for additional suggestions for your specific network configuration:
- Select Connection, select your Xbox One console, and then select Test streaming. The Xbox Console Companion app will test the streaming connection and report its results.

The option 'Test streaming' is emphasized on the 'Connect to your Xbox One' screen.

I can’t watch TV or other protected video content

Some content, such as protected video or protected HDMI video, can’t be streamed to your PC. However, you can watch this content on your console.

I can’t play a game that requires Kinect

Unfortunately, you can’t stream a game that requires Kinect, even if you have the Kinect for Windows PC. You can still play those games on your console.

My flight stick/racing wheel/arcade controller/gaming accessory doesn’t work

At this time, we do not support any controllers other than official Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers.

Game bar keeps popping up when I hit the Xbox button on my controller

You can stop Game bar from opening when the Xbox button is pressed in Windows Settings. Press the Start button, select Settings > Gaming > Game bar, and then clear the Open Game bar using this button on a controller: checkbox.

On the 'Settings for Game bar' screen, the option to 'Open Game bar using the Xbox Guide button on a controller' has a check mark next to it and is emphasized.

I can’t record Game DVR on my Xbox One or broadcast to Twitch while game streaming

We do not support using the console to broadcast to Twitch or record Game DVR at the same time as game streaming.

My controller stopped working

Try stopping game streaming, and then disconnecting and reconnecting the controller.

If this still doesn’t work, look at your Device Manager to make sure Windows is recognizing that your controller is plugged in.

My controller doesn't work immediately after starting game streaming, or on the console immediately after ending game streaming

Some games do not handle transitioning the controller between the Windows 10 PC and the Xbox One console. If that’s the case, try restarting the game to fix this issue.

My game chat audio isn't working

Make sure your audio device for both input (microphone) and output (speakers) is set correctly on your PC. Under Control Panel, select Sound. You’ll find these settings on both the Playback and Recording tabs.

If you have trouble hearing audio or seeing video, see Troubleshoot game audio or video issues on Windows 10.

Video is darker/lighter than it appears on my television

Computer screens and TVs can display video at different brightness levels. Often games offer a “Brightness” or “Gamma” setting that you can use to adjust the brightness of the game. Your PC’s monitor may require a different setting than your TV.

Audio and video regularly freeze (every 30 seconds, 45 seconds, or minute)

If you have a poor network connection or an older wireless network card driver, it can initiate scans of wireless networks in the background. Some, but not all, wireless cards can be asked not to scan as frequently.

For Intel Wi-Fi devices:

Right-click on the Start icon.
Select Device Manager.
Expand Network Adapters.
Right-click on Intel <name of wireless card>.
Select Properties from the menu.
Select the Advanced tab.
Select Roaming Aggressiveness from the Properties list.
Change value to 1. Lowest from the dropdown list.

This will put the Intel driver in the lowest scanning mode.

For Qualcomm (Atheros) Wi-Fi devices:

Right-click on the Start icon.
Select Device Manager.
Expand Network Adapters.
Right-click on Wi-Fi Adaptor.
Select Properties from the menu.
Select the Advanced tab.
Change Scan Valid Interval to 120. (The default is 60.)

This will increase the roaming interval for the Wi-Fi driver to 120 seconds.

Related Issues

How to use game streaming in the Xbox Console Companion app on Windows 10
Improve Xbox Console Companion app for Windows 10 game streaming performance
Troubleshoot game audio or video issues on Windows 10
How to install Xbox games on Windows 10

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