How to Change Offline Permissions on Windows 11

This article explains how to change Offline permissions settings, including turning it On or Off for Microsoft Store on Windows 11.

The Microsoft Store app is installed on Windows by default. The app is now one of the most used apps on PCs and helps you discover and install apps, games, movies, and even special offers – like unique movie discounts for Xbox Game Pass members.

Most games in the Microsoft Store on your Windows device support offline play. However, if you plan to be in an area without online coverage, you must prepare the Windows device to allow you to play offline.

Some games with network co-op or multiplayer features will not work while you’re offline, even with Offline permissions settings turned On.

Before you go offline,  you’ll need to prepare the device while you have an online connection. Also, ensure that the device you intend to use offline is set as the designated offline device.

Enable or disable Offline permissions in the Microsoft Store

As described above, if you intend to play games offline, you must prepare the device before going offline.

While connected online, ensure the device you intend to use offline is set as the designated offline device.

Note: You can only change your designated offline device three times per year.

To set your device as your designated offline device, first, ensure you’re online. Then, update your Windows device to see if there are pending updates.

Next, open the Microsoft Store and select Profile next to the search box.

On the Settings pane, select Offline permissions.

Then, turn the switch On to enable “Offline permissions.”

Once you set this, any devices previously designated as offline will be toggled to Off, and you’ll no longer be able to play games offline on those devices.

To disable it, turn the switch back to the Off position.

Prepare your game or games

Once your device is set up, you’ll need to launch each game you want to play offline while signing in to the Xbox network. You only need to do this once per game, and you’ll need to do this even if you’ve already launched the game on your device.

• Ensure you’re online and your device is set as your designated offline device. (See the steps above for details on how to do this.)
• Launch the game you want to play offline. When prompted, sign in to Xbox.
• Once you’ve started playing the game, you can exit anytime.

Repeat this process for each game you want to play offline. Once completed, you can go offline anytime and launch those games whenever you want to play them without signing in online.

You must turn off Offline permissions when you want to play online games again.

That should do it!

Reference:

Xbox Support

Conclusion:

• Offline permissions settings in the Microsoft Store app on Windows 11 can be enabled or disabled to allow offline gameplay for supported games.
• Ensure that the designated offline device is set while online to enable offline play, keeping in mind that it can be changed only three times per year.
• After setting up the device and enabling Offline permissions, each game intended for offline play must be launched and signed in to the Xbox network at least once online.
• Once the game has been launched and Xbox sign-in is completed, it can be played offline, allowing gaming without an internet connection.
• Remember to turn off Offline permissions when switching back to online gameplay.