![Chat Chat](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/msZ4uDgQddU/maxresdefault.jpg)
Console gaming can be convenient and fun, but the monthly charge for using the online services can be a major thorn when comparing it to the freedom that PC gamers enjoy. Fortunately, Microsoft is working to close that gap by making some Xbox online services available for free users, and the Xbox Party Chat is but one of them.
Adding friends to Xbox Live for chatting and messaging is done via the Xbox Social Widget, which you open by selecting the far-right icon that looks. Simply enter the Gamertag of the friend you want to add into the search bar. Right click, then select follow. Hit the X in the search box. Feb 09, 2021 Many newer Windows 10 computers and laptops come pre-installed with the Xbox Game Bar, but if not, you can search for it in the Microsoft Store. If you want to join an Xbox party and chat with everyone in that chat, open the social widget from the Xbox Game Bar, right-click a friend that's in the party you want to join, and select Join Party. PalmettoBling Xbox Ambassador Replied on April 11, 2020 First thing to check is the settings for Game Bar. In the settings there is a Party Chat tab for setting the volume. Check it in there, see if you can set that higher. In addition to that, what I use on my PC for audio is a Windows 10 app (that is free and AMAZING) called EarTrumpet. To join the PlayStation party chat, follow these steps: Install the PS Remote Play application on your PC. Make sure your PC and PS4 are connected to the same wireless network. To connect to the PC and join the party chat, put your console in standby or sleep mode. Using USB or Bluetooth, connect your PS4 to your PC.
Xbox Party Chat, Now Free for All
News of this development broke on Brad Rossetti's Twitter. Rossetti works in the Xbox and PC gaming section of Microsoft and currently handles the Xbox Preview Program.
The Xbox Preview Program allows gamers to check out and test new features planned for the console. It's a great way to see what's on the horizon for Microsoft's console and try out the new additions before anyone else.
Rossetti recently tweeted out an interesting update for people on the Xbox Insiders plan. As it turns out, the company is experimenting with dropping the Xbox Live Gold requirement for Party Chat.
Not only that, but you can also play multiplayer free-to-play games without needing an Xbox Live Gold subscription. Other consoles allow free users to play multiplayer games like Fortnite, so this is a welcome addition for sure.
If you're part of the Alpha Skip Ahead or Alpha programs, you can get started with these features rightaway. If not, you'll have to wait for a little for the feature to roll out to other users. There's no clear roadmap on when that will be, but hopefully, it'll come sooner rather than later.
MAKEUSEOF VIDEO OF THE DAY
At any rate, it should be music to the ears of Xbox fans who have had a rocky time with the service recently. Users narrowly avoided having to pay more for Xbox Live Gold, so having something given to them for free is a nice change of pace.
Related: Microsoft U-Turns Over Xbox Live Gold Price Hike
![How to use xbox party chat on pc windows 10 How to use xbox party chat on pc windows 10](https://www.windowscentral.com/sites/wpcentral.com/files/styles/xlarge/public/field/image/2017/04/party-chat-overlay-enable-xbox.jpg)
You're Now Free to Talk
While other console companies are monetizing more of their online services, Microsoft seems to be doing the opposite. You'll soon be able to use Xbox Party Chat without an Xbox Live Gold membership, but you'll have to wait for the feature to come out testing first.
If you want to see all the new additions to the Xbox before anyone else, it's worth checking out the Xbox Insider program. Recently, Insiders got a sneak peek at suspending their game to help boost download speeds.
Image Credit: sezer66 / Shutterstock.com
Xbox Now Lets You Suspend Your Game to Speed Up DownloadsXbox App Setup
The update adds a 'Suspend my game' option designed to speed up game downloads and updates.
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