24 free PC games to download from Microsoft

Trying to discover the best free PC games available in the Microsoft Store in 2024, I researched and compiled a fairly long list of games that are completely free to download and enjoy on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This selection includes games from a wide range of genres like high-speed racing, strategic puzzles, family-friendly games for children, classic arcade fighting, and even massively multiplayer online role-playing games. If you’re eager to discover some of the top PC games available for free on your Windows PC, tablet, or laptop, keep on reading: NOTE: If you need help downloading and installing games from Microsoft, here’s a handy guide: How to download PC games from the Microsoft Store.

Introductory notes

Every PC game featured on my list is available for free, at no cost, with full versions ready for download. I’ve tested all these games, and they are all compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11. While I didn’t finish most of them, I believe they’re all worthy of playing. They offer a good gaming experience, and you’ll certainly find at least one or two that you’ll enjoy. It’s worth noting, however, that some titles may include ads or optional in-app purchases. I didn’t rank the games in this compilation in any particular order, so you’re free to discover your new favorite game at any point on the list, whether it’s the first or the last entry or somewhere in between. Oh, and if you’re looking to download games for PC that are free and can be played offline too, check the Microsoft free games in the list (except for Minesweeper), as well as Asphalt 8: Airborne, Beach Buggy Racing, Angry Birds 2, Candy Crush Soda Saga, and Tiny Troopers 2: Special Ops. The others won’t start unless you have a working internet connection. Having said all that, let’s start the list of free PC/laptop games:

1. Microsoft Solitaire Collection

The Microsoft Solitaire Collection offers a suite of timeless Solitaire games, including variations such as Klondike, Spider, FreeCell, TriPeaks, and Pyramid. Solitaire has been a staple in Windows operating systems for over three decades, and this Microsoft free games collection continues to be a favorite among users worldwide. Microsoft Solitaire Collection Download: Microsoft Solitaire Collection

2. Microsoft Jigsaw

Microsoft Jigsaw offers an engaging puzzle experience on Windows devices. With various game modes like Classic Jigsaw or Jigsaw Jam, it features intuitive controls suitable for both mouse & keyboard and touchscreens. You can enjoy a vast selection of puzzles, play on different difficulty levels, and even create personal puzzles from your own photos. Microsoft Jigsaw Download: Microsoft Jigsaw

3. Microsoft Mahjong

Microsoft Mahjong revitalizes the traditional tile-matching game with enhanced graphics and sound. It offers different difficulty settings and free game modes to meet the expectations of players of all skill levels. Plus, there’s a variety of visual themes in the game to make it more appealing. Microsoft Mahjong Download: Microsoft Mahjong

4. Microsoft Ultimate Word Games

Microsoft Ultimate Word Games offers a trio of free word challenges: traditional Crosswords, fast-paced Wordament, and the clever Jumble. Each game provides daily puzzles to solve, with Crosswords featuring various sizes and difficulties, Wordament testing your ability to uncover words within a 4x4 letter grid, and Jumble tasking you with constructing words from a given set of letters. Microsoft Ultimate Word Games Download: Microsoft Ultimate Word Games

5. Microsoft Sudoku

Microsoft Sudoku is a logic puzzle game with diverse difficulty levels and some innovative features. If you’d like to sharpen your mind, get this free game and enjoy solving a multitude of unique puzzles (suitable for all ages) with six difficulty options. If you want a change of style, you also get new playing modes like Charms and Irregular. Microsoft Sudoku Download: Microsoft Sudoku

6. Microsoft Minesweeper

Minesweeper, just like Solitaire, is another staple in Microsoft’s Windows operating systems. This renowned classic puzzle experience is now available in the Microsoft Store with enhanced graphics, sound, and a new adventure mode. Moreover, the best part is you can download this free game on your laptop or PC; unless you want to get rid of the ads shown in it, you can play it at no cost. Microsoft Minesweeper Download: Microsoft Minesweeper

7. Microsoft Treasure Hunt

Speaking of Minesweeper, there’s also another free game from Microsoft that’s similar: Treasure Hunt. Building upon the classic Minesweeper experience, this game adds an adventurous twist: you get to navigate your hero through perilous traps and creatures to amass treasure. Each level offers secret tools and weapons to aid in this quest. Engaging and nostalgic, it's a game that promises to captivate both new adventurers and fans of the original Minesweeper. Microsoft Treasure Hunt Download: Microsoft Treasure Hunt

8. Roblox

Roblox, available for free on the Microsoft Store, invites you to create an avatar and explore a vast universe of user-generated worlds. It’s a game popular especially among children, as it offers them a platform to design their own games and craft various items like tools, weapons, and instruments. At first, it seems complicated, but it becomes more intuitive with time. Take care, though, as the platform also includes real money transactions against Robux, the game’s currency, which can be extremely quickly spent on avatar upgrades and accessories. Roblox Download: Roblox

9. Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis, a free-to-play action MMORPG, is one of the most interesting games available for download from the Microsoft Store. It offers high-quality anime-style graphics that require a good PC to enjoy fully, but the engaging missions and good storyline make it worthwhile. With its fast combat style, diverse character classes, and expansive character customization, this game is a must-try for fans of open-world online adventures. Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis Download: Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis TIP: If you own an Xbox, here’s how to buy and redeem Xbox Gift Cards and games from Amazon.

10. Killer Instinct

Killer Instinct stands out as a top-tier game available for free on the Microsoft Store. It offers a nostalgic nod to the arcade fighting genre’s 1990s heyday while delivering an updated and visually stunning gaming experience. With a variety of characters, each with its unique moves and fatalities, the game promises dynamic, fast-paced action. While it’s easy for beginners to embark on, mastering its combos is challenging. If you like arcade fighting and seek a quality game that’s available for free, you must try it. Killer Instinct Download: Killer Instinct TIP: If you prefer to buy games from Steam instead of the Microsoft Store, read this guide: How to buy Steam Gift Cards, Wallet Cards, or Steam games from Amazon.

11. Asphalt 9: Legends

Asphalt 9: Legends is one of the top-rated racing games in the Microsoft Store, offering an extensive collection of authentic cars from elite brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini and a large array of tracks worldwide. While the game guarantees an engaging arcade racing experience, it also includes in-app purchases and ads that may disrupt your experience. Asphalt 9: Legends Download: Asphalt 9: Legends

12. Asphalt 8: Airborne

Asphalt 8: Airborne, another hit arcade racer, also offers an immersive racing experience. With access to hundreds of high-performance cars from the likes of Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini, or McLaren, as well as over 50 high-speed tracks from diverse locations, it’s surely going to take up a lot of your time. Asphalt 8: Airborne Download: Asphalt 8: Airborne

13. Real Chess Online

Do you love the timeless strategy game of chess? Then you should try the free Real Chess Online game from the Microsoft Store. It’s a modern rendition with a beautiful 3D environment, where you can match wits against the AI or challenge players worldwide. Real Chess Online Download: Real Chess Online

14. World of Tanks Blitz

World of Tanks Blitz, a free MMO game by Wargaming, offers a collection of over 400 tanks from various nations for battles on Windows devices and mobile platforms. You’ll engage in combat across more than 30 arenas, communicate in-game, and earn achievements. While the game is free-to-play, optional purchases allow for vehicle upgrades and more. World of Tanks Blitz Download: World of Tanks Blitz

15. World of Warships

Do you prefer ships to tanks? World of Warships, developed by Wargaming, is a naval warfare game where you command a fleet of battleships, destroyers, cruisers, and carriers. The game features strategic team-based naval battles and offers excellent, customizable graphics that accommodate various device specifications. You can progress and enhance your fleet without purchases, though optional in-game transactions are available. It’s a tactical game that emphasizes skill and strategy, recommended for enthusiasts of the genre. World of Warships Download: World of Warships

15. Fallout Shelter

Fallout Shelter tasks players with managing a subterranean Vault as its overseer, ensuring the happiness and safety of its dwellers by assigning appropriate jobs, attire, and armaments. You’ll have to make a lot of strategic choices around resource allocation, like water, food, and space expansion, but all that is what leads to immersive gameplay. Bethesda has implemented some in-game purchases, but they’re unobtrusive, allowing for uninterrupted progress regardless of how much real money you’re spending. Fallout Shelter Download: Fallout Shelter

17. Beach Buggy Racing

Beach Buggy Racing is a colorful game for all ages, where you engage in intense off-road kart races, outmaneuvering diverse opponents with special abilities and collecting unique power-ups. With a vast selection of upgradable vehicles, this free-to-play racing adventure offers plenty of excitement and fun. Beach Buggy Racing Download: Beach Buggy Racing

18. Angry Birds 2

Does Angry Birds 2 need any presentation? This is the ultimate bird-flinging, pig-busting game! It sounds fun and simple, but mastering the slingshot to topple towers and save eggs is quite challenging. Whether you’re new or a seasoned player, Angry Birds 2 is a fun game guaranteed to eat up hours of your day. Angry Birds 2 Download: Angry Birds 2

19. Dungeon Hunter 5

Dungeon Hunter 5 is an action-RPG with an engaging hack-and-slash gameplay and a fantasy narrative. As a bounty hunter in the shattered Kingdom of Valenthia, you’ll navigate through intense single and multiplayer missions, using a vast arsenal of 46 armors and 150 weapons, and customizing your character through spells and gear evolution. The graphics are nice and the combat system is dynamic, so if you’re an RPG gamer, you may like it quite a bit. Dungeon Hunter 5 Download: Dungeon Hunter 5 TIP: Downloading games from the Microsoft Store is easy. However, updating them might not always be intuitive. Therefore, here’s how to manually update apps and games from the Microsoft Store.

20. Destiny 2

Destiny 2 is an online multiplayer first-person shooter game developed by Bungie, where you defend humanity as a Guardian, harnessing elemental powers and customizing your playstyle with unique gear. This free game will engage you in a rich, cinematic narrative, where you can tackle cooperative missions, and compete in varied PvP modes. Whether you’ll choose to become a sturdy Titan, an arcane Warlock, or a nimble Hunter, you’ll have to use your distinct abilities to dominate the battlefield. Furthermore, you’ll want to team up for rewarding co-op play or challenge others in intense multiplayer matches. Destiny 2 Download: Destiny 2

21. Modern Combat 5: Blackout

Modern Combat 5, a free first-person shooter available on the Microsoft Store, offers an experience akin to Call of Duty or Battlefield, although with much simpler controls and lower graphics quality. Still, its engaging gameplay and structure, paired with a single-player campaign and a dynamic multiplayer mode, make it fun to play.

Modern Combat 5: Blackout Download: Modern Combat 5: Blackout

22. Candy Crush Soda Saga

Candy Crush Soda Saga is a vibrant, free-to-play puzzle game where you have to match candies and bottles to rescue Candy Bears. While the game starts off easy, it becomes more challenging at advanced levels, offering the option to purchase extra moves or tools if you’re lacking in patience. 🙂 However, you can play it only with the free resources provided, embracing the challenge and taking breaks when needed… Candy Crush Soda Saga Download: Candy Crush Soda Saga

23. Tiny Troopers 2: Special Ops

Tiny Troopers 2: Special Ops is a cartoon-styled real-time strategy game in which you command small troopers through click/tap-based controls to complete combat missions. With an arsenal ranging from standard firearms to specialized weaponry, you’ll tackle a variety of enemy units and obstacles. The game offers a free-to-play experience, but there are optional purchases for upgrades and ad content. Tiny Troopers 2: Special Ops Download: Tiny Troopers 2: Special Ops

24. Homescapes

Homescapes, a match-three game similar to Candy Crush, offers a relaxing gameplay experience in which you decorate a Victorian house and its surroundings. As you progress, you unlock various rooms and outdoor areas, which you can enhance. The game is player-friendly, allowing flexible playtimes without the pressure of constant engagement, and although it has ads, they’re not overly intrusive, so you can enjoy a pleasant gaming experience. Homescapes Download: Homescapes

What other free games from the Microsoft Store are you playing?

This is my list of the best free games available in the Microsoft Store. While I’ve highlighted my top picks, the Microsoft Store has many other good free games waiting to be discovered. Keep in mind, though, that ads and in-app purchases are common in free games, as the saying “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” holds true in this case also. Have you come across any free PC/laptop games for Windows 10 or Windows 11 in the Microsoft Store that you feel should make the cut? If I didn’t mention your go-to game, don’t hesitate to let me know about it in the comments section below. Others may like it too. 🙂