Reddit users have found ways to increase their Xbox to PC streaming quality in the past, but one Reddit user, kaczorws, recently compiled the directions and provided the Xbox App mod script to do it.
Stream your Xbox One games to your Android, Mac, iOS and Apple TV devices so you can play anywhere, anytime. Download for Mac Download for Android Someone else using the TV? Stream your Xbox One games to your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV so you can play anywhere, anytime. Play games installed on your Xbox console, including Xbox Game Pass titles, to any compatible Android or iOS device. Currently excludes backward compatible titles from Xbox 360 or Original Xbox. Xbox Wireless Controllers accompanying the Xbox Series X and Xbox One X, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller. Before now, if you fancied playing console games on your Mac, you'd need to use PlayStation 4's Remote Play to do so. Windows 10 users have been able to stream Xbox One titles to their PCs since.
- New Video Every Sunday!!I hope this helps someone out! I figured this out from a couple of different videos, but not from one single video, so I figured I wo.
- Xbox one connecting the HDMI to a mac laptop. Hi so i was just wondering if it would be possible to connect my xbox one into my mac laptop through an hdmi cord and get a picture from it so i could be able to play my xbox through my laptop monitor. I see that my laptop has an hdmi port and my xbox has a cord that would be able to connect to it.
The full thread can be read here, but I’ll list the directions below and summarize the gist of it. I highly recommend reading the full post on Reddit as it provides more details into the process. Note: It appears the only way to stream with higher bitrates is through the use of a LAN cable connection.
Essentially, the bitrate when streaming peaks at around 25mbps, with an average of 15-20mbps. With the modifications that kaczorws provided, they found that they can reach bitrates of 60mbps. Unfortunately, this is still a little too much for an Xbox to handle. Kaczorws discovered after some testing that you can maintain a bitrate of 30-35mbps without running into any errors and still make it look better than the default Very High settings.
Tweaking some values in the settings.json file will yield higher bitrates. The default is set to 12,000,000 but changing it to 70,000,000, for example, gives bitrates between 30-40mbps. The following are directions on how to attain this:
Xbox App Mod Script
(Direct link to download: https://github.com/kaczorws/xboxappmod/releases/tag/v1.0)
This script (written in PowerShell) does the following:
- Modifies the Windows hosts file to prevent downloading latest version of Xbox App config by Xbox App (makes a backup first)
- Modifies the actual Xbox App config file (makes a backup first)
- Launches Xbox App and waits for the process to end (you can actually start playing at this step 🙂 )
- Once Xbox App is closed, reverts the changes of hosts file and config file (by restoring backup files)
Xbox App config file (settings.json) values are modified within Very High profile settings (GAME_STREAMING_VERY_HIGH_QUALITY_SETTINGS).
Script uses its own config file (config.xml) so you may customize its values which will then be applied to hosts file and Xbox App config file.
Please refer to the Readme file of the script on how it works, prerequisites etc.
The most important things:
- Download the script
- Modify config.xml with desired values (I would leave default “Quality” and “Resolution” and only change the “Framerate” to correct one but feel free to experiment on your own – just remember to monitor the bitrate)
- Set Windows Execution Policy to Unrestricted (see “Prerequisites” section of Readme file)
- Run “start.bat” file.
- When streaming starts, remember to change to ‘Very High’ profile.
- Enjoy Xbox streaming in better quality! 🙂
Directions provided by kaczorws
Hi Parallels fans – my name is Megan, and I’m the Social Media Community Manager for Parallels, and I am SUPER excited to talk about streaming Xbox One games to your Mac via Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac! I am a gamer at heart, and as much as I’d like to game on my Mac, Macs are just not yet the ultimate gaming machines (despite our ongoing efforts here at Parallels). So at home, I have a number of rigs and consoles – one of my favorites being the Xbox One. Mac allow apps from anywhere missing. When Microsoft announced that the Xbox Ones were upgrading to Windows 10, AND they were implementing a streaming option on a local network from Xbox One to Windows 10 PC, I was curious, but it didn’t pique my interests. It wasn’t until I found a Parallels user on Reddit talking about streaming to their Mac via a Windows 10 virtual machine that I got really excited!
Streaming from Xbox One to Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac
If you have an Xbox One, though, you’ve now got a decent alternative for streaming games to your Mac in the form of the new OneCast app. For just $10 (regular price $20) and a decent internet.
To get started, you’ll need to adjust your settings in your Xbox One. If you haven’t yet, go into your settings and check that your Xbox One can stream to other devices. (Video below!)
- Streaming just audio keeps latency even lower - doesn't take a fast connection to stream audio compared to video. Alternatively, if your Mac has a line-in, you may be able to plug a standard audio cable from a controller (maybe a second controller if you have one, so no wires from the one in your hands), to the line-in on the computer.
- Showbox is one of the best free streaming apps. It is really growing in popularity, and with the recent shutdown of Terrarium TV, this is one of your best alternatives. Showbox is an Android-only app, and it’s meant to be run exclusively on that platform.
- The Xbox app is amazing the first time you see it. You can access you account on the go and do so many things. However, the app’s downfalls become apparent very soon. First of all, you need a wifi connection to access the app, it will not work with cellular data. So, the whole aspect of xbox on the go is completely thrown out of the window.
- Running this on high sierra and appears to be less of a performance killer than parallels on windows 10, it works surprisingly well. On a side note, you guys really should support iOS and Mac OS a bit more, even your suggestion website has brought up a native xbox app for mac (Many customer would even pay for this).
Once your Xbox One is prepared to stream, go to your Mac and start your Windows 10 virtual machine in Parallels Desktop for Mac.
When you go to the start menu for Windows 10, Click on the green Xbox One app.
Once in the app click on the bottom left (second from the bottom) icon for devices, and then add your device. Keep in mind, for this to work your Mac and your Xbox One have to both be on the same network. (If you’re lucky, Windows 10 will already have found your Xbox One on the same network. If not, you’ll need to add the IP Address your Xbox One is on.)
Stream Xbox To Macbook Pro Without
You’ll need your Xbox One controller connected to your Mac – so either plug in the micro USB cable to your Mac, or invest in one of the new Xbox One blue tooth controllers! When your Mac recognizes your Xbox One and that you have a controller connected, you are all good to go!
I think I know what you’re going to ask…
I know the first question is going to be Why would I want to go from my 32″ television thats connected to my Xbox One, to my 15″ MacBook Pro?
Fair question. Let me ask, have you ever wanted to play one of your Xbox One games that’s in the living room, while lying in bed? Do you argue with your roommates about who gets to play the Xbox One of the PS4 on the big TV each night? Have you wanted to play one of your Xbox One games, but it might not be appropriate for the kids to watch while playing in the living room? This streaming option is a great solution to all of these problems!
It’s obvious that if you’re streaming to a Macbook thats mobile, then you can take your Xbox One games as far as your Wi-Fi will let you. (My personal favorite is lazy weekends when I want to stay in bed and stream to my Mac) The other questions I posed are really more about playing your Xbox One when the TV isn’t going to be available. This is the option that has been a life saver in my house and marriage since we argue over who is gaming at what time. Since the PC gaming rig is connected to the same TV that the Xbox One is, my husband and I have butted heads about who gets to play. But now, try this! Turn on the TV and the Xbox One and then connect to stream to your Windows 10 Virtual Machine via Parallels Desktop for Mac. Then, while keeping the Xbox One powered on, change the input on the TV to (in our case) the PC gaming rig, and now we’re both playing!
I’ve streamed to my Mac puzzle games like Tumblestone (I hope you picked it up when it was free with Xbox Gold – great puzzle game!) as well as high graphic games like Halo 5 and Fallout 4. Here is the fine print you’re going to need to know streaming to your Parallels Desktop for Mac Windows 10 virtual machine: It’s not the virtualization that will slow you down, the real kicker is how fast your network speed it. If you are streaming wirelessly to your Macbook Air, you’re going to find a lot of lag between you and your Xbox. Our recommendation is to hard wire both Xbox One, and your Mac.
I’ve listened to all our customers on twitter, I know gaming is really important to you. (Me too!) I really hope streaming from your Xbox One to your Mac gets you a little more gaming time in your day. Commend below and let me know what you’re playing! Me and a few of the Parallels team here in Seattle are always looking for what new game we should be trying out!
Hi Parallels fans – my name is Megan, and I’m the Social Media Community Manager for Parallels, and I am SUPER excited to talk about streaming Xbox One games to your Mac via Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac! I am a gamer at heart, and as much as I’d like to game on my Mac, Macs are just not yet the ultimate gaming machines (despite our ongoing efforts here at Parallels). So at home, I have a number of rigs and consoles – one of my favorites being the Xbox One. When Microsoft announced that the Xbox Ones were upgrading to Windows 10, AND they were implementing a streaming option on a local network from Xbox One to Windows 10 PC, I was curious, but it didn’t pique my interests. It wasn’t until I found a Parallels user on Reddit talking about streaming to their Mac via a Windows 10 virtual machine that I got really excited!
Streaming from Xbox One to Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac
To get started, you’ll need to adjust your settings in your Xbox One. If you haven’t yet, go into your settings and check that your Xbox One can stream to other devices. (Video below!)
Xbox One Streaming Mac
/change-app-defaults-mac/. Once your Xbox One is prepared to stream, go to your Mac and start your Windows 10 virtual machine in Parallels Desktop for Mac.
When you go to the start menu for Windows 10, Click on the green Xbox One app.
Once in the app click on the bottom left (second from the bottom) icon for devices, and then add your device. Keep in mind, for this to work your Mac and your Xbox One have to both be on the same network. (If you’re lucky, Windows 10 will already have found your Xbox One on the same network. If not, you’ll need to add the IP Address your Xbox One is on.)
You’ll need your Xbox One controller connected to your Mac – so either plug in the micro USB cable to your Mac, or invest in one of the new Xbox One blue tooth controllers! When your Mac recognizes your Xbox One and that you have a controller connected, you are all good to go!
I think I know what you’re going to ask…
I know the first question is going to be Why would I want to go from my 32″ television thats connected to my Xbox One, to my 15″ MacBook Pro?
Xbox One Streaming App Mac Free
Fair question. Let me ask, have you ever wanted to play one of your Xbox One games that’s in the living room, while lying in bed? Do you argue with your roommates about who gets to play the Xbox One of the PS4 on the big TV each night? Have you wanted to play one of your Xbox One games, but it might not be appropriate for the kids to watch while playing in the living room? This streaming option is a great solution to all of these problems!
Streaming Xbox One
It’s obvious that if you’re streaming to a Macbook thats mobile, then you can take your Xbox One games as far as your Wi-Fi will let you. (My personal favorite is lazy weekends when I want to stay in bed and stream to my Mac) The other questions I posed are really more about playing your Xbox One when the TV isn’t going to be available. This is the option that has been a life saver in my house and marriage since we argue over who is gaming at what time. Since the PC gaming rig is connected to the same TV that the Xbox One is, my husband and I have butted heads about who gets to play. But now, try this! Turn on the TV and the Xbox One and then connect to stream to your Windows 10 Virtual Machine via Parallels Desktop for Mac. Then, while keeping the Xbox One powered on, change the input on the TV to (in our case) the PC gaming rig, and now we’re both playing!
Can I Stream Xbox To My Mac
I’ve streamed to my Mac puzzle games like Tumblestone (I hope you picked it up when it was free with Xbox Gold – great puzzle game!) as well as high graphic games like Halo 5 and Fallout 4. Here is the fine print you’re going to need to know streaming to your Parallels Desktop for Mac Windows 10 virtual machine: It’s not the virtualization that will slow you down, the real kicker is how fast your network speed it. If you are streaming wirelessly to your Macbook Air, you’re going to find a lot of lag between you and your Xbox. Our recommendation is to hard wire both Xbox One, and your Mac.
I’ve listened to all our customers on twitter, I know gaming is really important to you. (Me too!) I really hope streaming from your Xbox One to your Mac gets you a little more gaming time in your day. Commend below and let me know what you’re playing! Me and a few of the Parallels team here in Seattle are always looking for what new game we should be trying out!