Updated — In Gaming → Standalone, PC Game Pass is available on Direct. It’s Microsoft’s PC-focused subscription with a rotating library spanning big AAA releases and indies, plus EA Play titles. The PC Game Pass free trial lets you sample the catalog, including headline games like Starfield and Halo Infinite, before paying.
Key details
| Service | PC Game Pass |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Direct |
| Trial available | Yes |
| Trial length | 14 days |
| Trial type | Standard; Promo |
| Credit card required | Yes |
| After the trial | $9.99/mo |
| Included plan(s) | PC Game Pass |
Start your free trial
What you get during the PC Game Pass free trial
The PC Game Pass free trial opens the door to a large, cross‑genre catalog designed for PC players. You can browse and play from 400+ titles, ranging from massive blockbusters to clever indies. The free trial includes access to catalog games from EA Play as well, making your two‑week test drive surprisingly deep.
Sample the latest Xbox Studios launches alongside critically acclaimed favorites. Examples include Halo Infinite, Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, Age of Empires IV, and Minecraft. Because the PC Game Pass free trial mirrors the paid plan’s content during the trial period, it’s a realistic way to see how the service fits your play style.
Highlights worth testing in your first 14 days
Big library + EA Play in one place
The PC Game Pass free trial bundles Microsoft’s PC catalog and the EA Play library under one subscription. That means you can bounce from strategy (Age of Empires IV) to racing (Forza Horizon 5) to shooters (Halo Infinite) and still have time to dip into EA Play titles. Treat the 14‑day window as a backlog sampler.
Day-one feel and indie variety
This service is best for PC gamers who want day‑one access to Xbox Studios games plus a wide mix of AAA and indie experiences. Use the PC Game Pass free trial to check how often new drops hit your personal must‑play list and whether the curation introduces you to smaller gems you might otherwise miss.
Cloud vs. download: try both
During the PC Game Pass free trial, test both play styles. Cloud play is instant—no installs. Downloads can deliver better performance on capable hardware. Try a fast‑paced game both ways to see which works best for your setup. If you download, remember items stop playing after your plan ends, so prioritize what you want to finish first.
Cancel or manage your plan
how to cancel PC Game Pass free trial
Cancel through your Microsoft account. Use the Manage / cancel — Direct link above to reach the official support page. Turn off recurring billing during the 14‑day window to avoid the $9.99/mo charge. The PC Game Pass free trial requires a credit card, so set a reminder if you want to end it on time. Once the plan ends, downloaded items stop playing.
length of PC Game Pass free trial
The standard PC Game Pass free trial is 14 days. Some offers may be labeled “Promo,” but use the listed term length shown at sign‑up. If you’re comparing deals, treat “Standard; Promo” as the indicator that the typical period is 14 days, with occasional promotional variations.
is there a PC Game Pass free trial
Yes. A PC Game Pass free trial is available Direct from Microsoft. You can start it from the official site, and a credit card is required. After the trial, the plan renews at $9.99/mo unless you cancel.
More questions people ask
Which devices can I use with PC Game Pass?
Most modern smart TVs, mobile, and web browsers via the official apps. During your PC Game Pass free trial, try the options that fit your home setup and see what feels best.
Do downloads work in the trial?
Often yes, but items stop playing after your plan ends. If you start a long campaign during the PC Game Pass free trial, plan time to wrap it up or be ready to continue with a paid month.
Cloud vs download—what should I test?
Sample both; cloud is instant, downloads can perform better on capable hardware. The PC Game Pass free trial is the ideal time to compare load times, input feel, and visual stability on your system.
Anything else to keep in mind?
Keep the PC Game Pass free trial focused: pick two or three must‑play games and experiment with cloud and downloads. If you don’t plan to continue, cancel before the 14th day using the link above.
Who the PC Game Pass free trial is best for
If you’re a PC player who likes to mix blockbuster releases with indies, the PC Game Pass free trial is a low‑risk way to evaluate the value. It’s especially useful if you want day‑one access to Xbox Studios games and a ready‑made backlog across genres. Even if you’re mainly curious about a single headliner like Starfield, the extra catalog (including EA Play) makes the two weeks worthwhile.
On the flip side, if you play only one game for months at a time, you might not need an ongoing subscription. In that case, the PC Game Pass free trial still works as a short sprint: try the service, finish a campaign or two, and decide whether to keep it active. With the price set at $9.99/mo after the trial, it’s easy to pause and return when new releases hit.
Tips to get the most from your trial
- Plan your two weeks: shortlist 3–5 games (for example, Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Age of Empires IV, Minecraft, or Starfield).
- Test both cloud and downloads on at least one title to compare performance.
- Set a calendar reminder a day before the 14‑day mark in case you want to cancel.
- Use the official link above to manage billing and avoid surprises.
- After the PC Game Pass free trial, reassess monthly based on what you actually play.
Handled this way, the PC Game Pass free trial is both a discovery phase and a performance test for your setup, helping you decide if the ongoing library is worth it for your tastes and schedule.
Updated 17/08/2025