The New Xbox app update comes with a neat sidebar upgrade

by Alexandru Poloboc

With an overpowering desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter, anchor,… read more

Published on January 26, 2023

We’re aware that Xbox app users felt that the software hasn’t been updated or modernized in any way shape or form for quite a while.

On that note, the time has finally come for another Xbox app update on Windows PCs, so you can rest assured that your prayers have been answered.

The January update, build 2301.1001.5.0, that Microsoft detailed today carries a handful of improvements and bug fixes over from the Insider preview version to the app’s public track.

Before we begin though, remember that we can help with issues such as your Xbox controller not connecting to your phone, or the 0x80a40026 error code.

Check out what the new Xbox app update brings

Looking towards the goodies we are getting through this update, know that the sidebar has received an upgrade to show more information at a glance.

Thus, games on it will now display data such as recently receiving an update, days since last played, achievements completion status, and pending invites depending on what is relevant.

Note that a new module has also appeared on the Game Pass home page to notify players of available EA Game Trials.

Furthermore, you will sometimes see this module on Home, and you can always find the list through the dedicated EA Play hub in the app.

And, speaking of the home page, the Xbox app’s Coming to Game Pass section has been spruced up to bring more attention to it.

As you imagined, there are also some bug fixes included in this new build. Some of the nuisances that you had to struggle with are going away.

The bug fixes that are included in the latest update improve text readability on game pages solve the Game Pass tab sometimes being blank, and more.

Fixes

• Adjusted the size and weight of some fonts on game pages for better readability.
• Fixed an issue where install sizes were not present after recently installing a game.
• Fixed a bug where some devices would fail to load content on the Game Pass tab.
• Fixed a bug where your ‘Cloud Gaming Jump Back In’ list would infinitely load when on an ARM device.
• Fixed certain scenarios that would leave you stranded, and need to restart the app.
• Fixed several Vietnamese and Philippines localization issues.

Please keep in mind that there is a single known issue this time, and it is isolated to the Desert high contrast theme on Windows.

According to user reports, using the theme is seemingly making the Guide button and the Show Stream menu disappear while using remote play.

Tell us about other potential issues you might have found after downloading and installing this most recent Xbox app update in the comments section below.