For many satisfied customers, Microsoft's premiere game subscription service Xbox Game Pass is the best deal in gaming. However, sometimes we all need to take a step back and reevaluate our auto-renewals.
If you've burned through the library of games on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, or simply want to save a few bucks each month, here's how to cancel your Xbox Game Pass subscription.
How to cancel Xbox Game Pass
Whether you picked up an Xbox Game Pass trial or plan to cancel a paid subscription, it's easy to back out. Microsoft has shaken up the process over the years, eliminating the ability to cancel directly through the Xbox console interface, which understandably frustrated many fans. Still, all you need is a device connected to the web to initiate the cancellation process.
It's worth stressing that cancelling an Xbox Game Pass subscription revokes all benefits from the subscription. Former Xbox Game Pass members lose access to the Xbox Game Pass games list, including all titles currently installed on your devices. Unless you're purchasing games permanently digitally through the Xbox Store or as a physical disc-based copy, you'll need to renew your subscription to play them again on your Xbox Series X|S or PC.
Cancelling an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription also means you lose access to supplementary benefits like online multiplayer in non free-to-play games. You also lose access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Game Pass Perks, and the supplemental EA Play. Ubisoft+ Classics, and Fortnite Crew subscriptions.
Obviously, you can always re-subscribe (or simply downgrade to a different tier) depending on your exact needs.
These are the steps to cancel Xbox Game Pass from the web. While often easier to cancel Xbox Game Pass through PC, mobile, or through the integrated Microsoft Edge browser available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles.
- Navigate to account.microsoft.com/services.
- Sign into your Microsoft account.
- Navigate to the Xbox Game Pass subsection of the page.
- Click Manage.
- Choose Cancel subscription.
- Choose Turn off recurring billing.
- Select Confirm cancellation.
Upon cancellation, your subscription will run until the current paid period concludes. If you choose to purchase an Xbox Game Pass subscription again, search for "Xbox Game Pass" on the Microsoft Store and complete the on-screen steps.
With Xbox automatic cloud saves, your game save data will also be easily recoverable if you decide to pick up where you left off in an Xbox Game Pass game.
Should you cancel Xbox Game Pass in 2025?
Microsoft has aggressively positioned Xbox Game Pass as a fundamental pillar of the Xbox brand. With an impressive rotating library of titles, including the biggest Xbox Game Studios releases on day one, Xbox Game Pass is certainly a compelling offering for gamers who primarily play on Xbox. However, it's understandably not a service for everyone.
There are more first-party games than ever, with 2025 alone seeing the launch of South of Midnight, Avowed, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, and more.
On top of that, there are new features spread across the different tiers. All tiers of Xbox Game Pass now get Cloud gaming and access to PC versions of titles. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gets Ubisoft+ Classics, as well as a Fortnite Crew subscription (which includes the Battle Pass and some V-bucks). That's a lot packed into one subscription.
At the same time, Xbox Game Pass has undergone serious price hikes at the top end, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate being raised by a whopping 50% in the U.S. on Oct. 1, 2025, going from $20 a month to $30 a month.
But for those who cycle between just a handful of usual games, you may not receive the long-term value from Xbox Game Pass compared to others. If you're only playing titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite, or FIFA regularly, dropping down to Xbox Game Pass Premium is a much cheaper alternative to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
If you're playing on PC, you enjoy online experiences like Sea of Thieves without being subscribed at all.
How to save on Xbox Game Pass
Considering ending your Xbox Game Pass subscription due to the monthly cost? Xbox Game Pass Essential starts at a fixed $10 monthly fee. PC Game Pass clocks in at $16.49 a month, while Xbox Game Pass Premium is $20 a month. Finally, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $30 with each monthly billing cycle.
But if you choose to stay, some storefronts provide the opportunity to save on your subscription. Many third-party outlets offer frequent discounts on redeemable codes for those purchasing upfront monthly and yearly subscriptions.
The best Xbox Game Pass deals often provide small savings over the usual rates, ideal for those looking for opportunities to trim their monthly costs.
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