Gifting digital games continues to be one of the most convenient ways to share new releases and holiday favorites. With the Microsoft Store available on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, Xbox on PC (including ROG Ally devices), and standard web browsers, the entire process is designed to be quick and accessible.
Players can send a digital code directly to friends or family, making it easy to deliver a last-minute gift without waiting for shipping or dealing with packaging. This updated 2025 guide outlines how gifting works across platforms and what to expect once the recipient gets their game.
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Sending Digital Gifts on Xbox Consoles
The Microsoft Store on Xbox consoles provides the most direct method for gifting. After choosing a game, the gift-wrap icon opens the Buy as gift screen, where users can select a friend from their Xbox list or manually enter an email address. The system requires that both the sender and the recipient are located in the same country.
Once the purchase is confirmed, the recipient receives an Xbox message and an email with a code that can be redeemed immediately on their console. The console experience also supports gifting add-ons and subscriptions, including Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Gifting Through Xbox on PC and ROG Ally
The Xbox app on PC mirrors the console process, making it easy for those playing on Windows or handheld devices like the ROG Xbox Ally. Searching for a game and selecting the “…” menu brings up the Buy as gift option. From there, the user can send the code to an Xbox friend or an email address. On the ROG Ally, the gifting process remains the same when navigating through the Store tab within the Xbox Full Screen Experience.
Using a Web Browser to Send Xbox and PC Gifts
For players who prefer shopping from a browser, the Microsoft Store online supports digital gifting through any desktop or mobile device. After signing in, users can choose a game, add-on, or subscription and select Buy as a gift from the dropdown menu. The web version only supports email delivery, but it still provides the same instant-code experience once the purchase is complete.
Gifting Through the Microsoft Store on Windows
The Microsoft Store on Windows offers another straightforward way to send digital content. By locating a game and selecting the Buy as a Gift icon next to the purchase button, users can enter the recipient’s email address and finalize payment. The Windows Store also focuses solely on email-based delivery, sending a redeemable code directly to the recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can digital Xbox gifts be sent to someone in another country?
No. The sender and the recipient must be in the same country for the gift to be redeemable.
How does the recipient redeem the game?
They receive a code by email and, if on Xbox, through console messaging. Redeeming the code activates the download.
Can subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate be gifted?
Yes. Subscriptions and add-ons can be gifted using the same process as full games.
Does gifting work on the ROG Ally handheld?
Yes. The Xbox app on the ROG Ally uses the same gifting workflow as on PC.
Is there a gifting option through web3 wallets or blockchain services?
No. Microsoft’s gifting system only supports purchases through the Microsoft Store on Xbox, Windows, PC, and web.
Can a digital gift be refunded or transferred to another user?
Microsoft’s refund policies vary by region, and redeemed codes cannot be transferred. Users should review the official Microsoft refund guidelines.
