Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows – LIVE
Q: Can I sign in to Games for Windows – LIVE with my existing Xbox LIVE account?
A: Yes. If you have an existing Xbox LIVE account on Xbox 360, just use the same Windows Live ID to sign in to Games for Windows – LIVE. All of your stats and info—your gamertag, gamerscore, achievements, and friends—are available and accessible whether you're on your PC or on your console.
Q: Do I need to migrate my account from Xbox 360?
A: Nope. There's no migration or upgrade process when going from Xbox LIVE to Games for Windows – LIVE (or vice versa). Just sign in.
Q: What if I have Xbox LIVE on original Xbox, but not Xbox 360?
A: If you have an active Xbox LIVE account on original Xbox (that is, one you never signed in with on an Xbox 360 console or on Xbox.com), you'll need to migrate it first. Just register on Xbox.com to link your account to a Windows Live ID. You can then use the Windows Live ID to sign in to Games for Windows – LIVE.
Q: Do I have to recover my account on my Xbox 360 console after signing in to Games for Windows – LIVE?
A: No. While you may have to recover your profile when you move from one Xbox 360 console to another, you don't have to do that with Games for Windows – LIVE. That is, if you sign in to Games for Windows – LIVE on your PC, then sign in to Xbox LIVE on your console, the profile on your console will still work without having to recover it.
Q: What do I need to play with Xbox LIVE gamers from my PC?
A: You need a Games for Windows – LIVE game title that supports cross-platform gameplay on both Windows and Xbox 360.
Q: Do I need a headset to play on LIVE?
A: A headset, such as the Xbox 360 Headset, greatly enhances gameplay. (You also can use a desktop microphone.) You can play on LIVE without a headset, but you won't be able to use voice chat—that is, you won't be able to talk to other players through the service.
Annual Renewal
Q: I bought a LIVE membership last year and I am up for renewal soon. Will my current membership renew to a monthly membership or an annual membership?
A: If you started an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership on your console using a prepaid card, your membership will renew to an Xbox LIVE Silver Membership after one year and your gamertag will expire after six months of inactivity. If you want to automatically renew to an Xbox LIVE Gold monthly or annual membership, you must update your membership and provide an authorized payment method, such as a credit card, which can be automatically charged for renewals.
Games for Windows – LIVE is now completely free and does not require a subscription.
To update your membership:
- Go to your Xbox.com profile page.
- Click Modify Membership.
From here you can update your membership and specify a payment method.
Q: Can I use a code from a prepaid card to renew my current membership?
A: When you enter a code from a prepaid card to renew your current Xbox LIVE Gold Membership, your membership will continue through its current billing cycle. At the end of the membership term, your membership will automatically renew to the membership type determined by your prepaid card. You will have effectively "stacked" time onto your membership.
Games for Windows – LIVE is now completely free and does not require a subscription or prepaid code for multiplayer gaming.
Monthly Renewal
Q: I don't want to pay for a full year of Xbox LIVE next time out—I'd rather renew to a monthly membership. What do I need to do?
To renew to a monthly Xbox LIVE membership:
- Go to your Xbox.com profile page.
- Click Modify Membership.
Select a monthly membership. Once your current membership ends, you will be renewed to a monthly membership.
Prepaid Cards
Q: I don't want to use a credit card to pay for the LIVE service; I want to pay as I go. Can I do that?
A: If you created your Xbox LIVE Gold Membership using a prepaid card, your membership will automatically renew to an Xbox LIVE Silver Membership at the end of your membership period. You can use another prepaid card to restore your membership to a Xbox LIVE Gold Membership. Better yet, activate your prepaid card before your Xbox LIVE Gold Membership expires so that you don't miss out on all the benefits of your Xbox LIVE Gold Membership.
Games for Windows – LIVE is now completely free and does not require a subscription.
Online Gameplay Pass (Applies to Xbox LIVE only)
Q: What do I get with an Online Gameplay Pass?
A: If you have an Xbox LIVE Silver Membership, this pass lets you engage in peer-to-peer multiplayer action on Xbox 360 and other Xbox LIVE Gold Membership benefits for as long as stated on the pass.
Q: What does a pass get me if I have an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership?
A: Online Gameplay Passes can only be used with Xbox LIVE Silver Memberships. There are no benefits on Windows or for Xbox LIVE Gold members.
Refunds
Q: What happens if I cancel my Xbox LIVE Gold Membership?
A: If you have an annual Xbox LIVE Gold Membership that was purchased with a credit card and you cancel it within 60 days of creating it (based on settlement date when funds were assessed to your credit card), you will receive a full refund. This refund policy applies to LIVE Gold Memberships only.