Buzz
Unlike Nintendo and Sony, which mandate regional accounts for purchasing digital games from foreign storefronts or accessing certain online features, Microsoft adopts a more flexible approach.
Accessing another country’s Microsoft Store is straightforward—whether you’re purchasing new games, unlocking geo-restricted content, or downloading regional variants of your existing games and apps. This can be done from any device connected to the Microsoft Store, without the hassle of creating a new Xbox account or transferring your account to a different region, as was necessary on earlier Xbox models. Simply adjust the language and location settings of the Microsoft Store temporarily.
Step-by-Step Guide to Modifying Microsoft Store’s Location and Language Settings
You can modify the Microsoft Store’s region through multiple methods: via your Xbox console settings, through the settings on your Windows PC, or directly on the Microsoft Store website using your browser of choice.
Via the Microsoft Store Website:
Navigate to the Microsoft Store website.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the language option beside the globe icon.
Choose a location from the dropdown menu.
The page will refresh automatically, applying the new settings.
Using Your Windows PC:
Access the Windows Start menu.
Navigate to Settings > Time & Language > Region.
Pick a new location from the “Country or region” dropdown.
Exit the Settings menu.
Launch the Microsoft Store, and it will reflect the storefront corresponding to your selected region.
Be aware that choosing a country with a different language might alter the language settings on your device and within the Microsoft Store. While Google Translate can assist in navigating these menus, the overall layout and options remain consistent across all regions.
Purchasing, Downloading, and Playing Games from International Regions
Once you’ve accessed the Microsoft Store, you can explore, buy, and download games. However, a valid payment method is required to finalize transactions. While some banks and credit cards operate internationally, many do not, and those that do may impose conversion fees. An alternative is to purchase Microsoft Store gift card codes in the required currency, which are easily obtainable from Play Asia and various online retailers.
After downloading your games, you can play them using your primary account as usual. Online features are accessible as long as you have an active Xbox Live or Game Pass subscription, even if your payments are made in U.S. dollars.
However, this is typically the norm. In rare cases, certain games or apps may restrict access despite your console being set to the correct region. If this occurs, using a VPN for your home router might help you appear as if you’re connecting from within the required country.
