How to unlock the best Xbox Cloud Gaming quality on Windows 11 with a few simple tweaks using this free tool

Better xCloud settings — (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Xbox Cloud Gaming has made it possible to play high-end games on almost any device, but the experience is still limited by fixed settings, restricted controls, and inconsistent performance. While the service continues to evolve, tech-savvy users often run into the same barriers, such as the lack of bitrate control, no visibility into network performance, and limited input flexibility.

That's where Better xCloud comes in, adding advanced controls to Xbox Cloud Gaming through the browser so you can improve quality, responsiveness, and overall performance. For anyone serious about cloud gaming on PC, it can significantly boost the experience without requiring new hardware.

Disclaimer

Important: According to the developer, Better xCloud is safe to use. However, it's still a third-party tool that Microsoft doesn't support. So use it at your own risk.

What is Better xCloud?

Better xCloud is an unofficial, open-source tool designed to improve Xbox Cloud Gaming, specifically through the browser.

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The tool is actually a script that you have to install using a script manager, such as Tampermonkey. Once installed, the tool modifies the web version of Xbox Cloud Gaming in real time, adding features that are not available by default.

On Windows 11, Better xCloud delivers higher, more consistent streaming quality with manual bitrate and resolution controls, lowers latency through server selection and network tweaks, and provides real-time diagnostics like ping and FPS.

It also expands mouse and keyboard functionality for PC-style gameplay and lets you tailor the interface for larger screens and multitasking, resulting in a more refined and responsive cloud gaming experience.

In this how-to guide, I'll outline the steps to install and set up Better xCloud to improve your gaming experience online using the web browser on Windows 11.

How to install Better xCloud on Windows 11

To install the Better xCloud script on Microsoft Edge, use these steps:

Open the Tampermonkey extension's official page.
Click the "Get extension" button and install it in the browser.

Tampermonkey install — (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Open the extension management page in Edge using this path: edge://extensions
Click the Details button for the Tampermonkey extension.
Turn on the "Allow User Scripts" toggle switch.

Tampermonkey enable allow user scripts — (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Open the Better xCloud script page.
Click the Install button.

Install Better xCloud script — (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Open the xCloud web interface using the Xbox Game Pass account.
(Optional) Click the server name next to your user profile picture (if necessary).

Better xCloud button in account — (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Quick note: This script currently works only in the legacy view of the experience. If you're in the new xCloud experience, click the "Exit preview" button before you can access the tool.

Change the suggested settings to improve your gaming experience.

The suggested settings should be optimal for most users. However, from the Better xCloud experience, you can force the service to use a different language and server, including region. You can change the target resolution and visual quality, as well as mouse and keyboard controls. Furthermore, you can also control audio, video, controller preferences, and more.

FAQs about improving Xbox Cloud Gaming on Windows 11

These are common questions regarding Better xCloud script for Microsoft Edge.

What is Better xCloud?

Better xCloud is an unofficial, open-source tool that enhances Xbox Cloud Gaming through the browser. It adds advanced controls like manual bitrate, resolution settings, real-time diagnostics, and improved mouse and keyboard support for a better PC gaming experience on Windows 11.

How does Better xCloud improve Xbox Cloud Gaming on Windows 11?

Better xCloud improves Xbox Cloud Gaming by delivering higher, more consistent streaming quality, lowering latency through server selection, providing performance diagnostics, and enabling mouse, keyboard, and interface customization for a more responsive PC experience.

How do I install Better xCloud on Windows 11?

Install Tampermonkey in your browser, enable "Allow User Scripts," then open the Better xCloud script page and click Install. Finally, open the Xbox Cloud Gaming web app to access Better xCloud features in the legacy interface.

Why can't I see Better xCloud options in Xbox Cloud Gaming?

The options may not appear if the script is disabled, the browser blocked it, or you're using the new Xbox Cloud Gaming interface. Switch to the legacy view, ensure Tampermonkey is active, and reload the page to see the features.

What are the best settings for Better xCloud on Windows 11?

Optimal settings vary, but most users benefit from higher resolution and bitrate, selecting the closest server for lower latency, enabling real-time diagnostics, and configuring mouse, keyboard, and interface options for PC-style gameplay.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

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Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 22 years of combined experience in IT and technical writing. He holds various professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA and has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.

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