Alex Ruben
How To Download and Install EA FC 25 on PC for Xbox Game Pass Subscribers
If someone’s trying to get EA SPORTS FC 25 running on a PC through Xbox Game Pass, it can feel a bit convoluted, especially with all the different apps involved. Here’s how to navigate that mess without pulling your hair out. These steps are pretty much what’s worked for folks — sometimes you run into hiccups, but generally, it’s easier than it looks.
Step 1: Make sure your Game Pass subscription is active
You need an active Xbox Game Pass, no ifs or buts. Without it, you’re not getting EA FC 25 unless you buy it outright. The easiest way is to check on the Xbox Game Pass page. If you’re not subscribed, sign up — it’s usually a couple of bucks a month, and that’s the whole point.
Step 2: Open the Xbox App
Find and launch the Xbox App on your Windows PC. If it’s not installed, grab it from the Microsoft Store. Sometimes it just doesn’t update automatically and makes you download it fresh, so check if it’s the latest version.
Step 3: Search for EA SPORTS FC 25
Once the app is open, type “EA SPORTS FC 25” into the search. If it doesn’t show up right away, it might be hidden in the Game Pass catalog, especially under the EA Play section. Click on that icon, and scroll through until you see the game. Sometimes titles get weird with regional restrictions or updates, so give it a good look.
Step 4: Install the game (and maybe the EA App)
Picking the game should bring up an install button. But here’s the weird part — if the game isn’t listed or won’t install, you might need the EA Desktop App. The first time, it might prompt you to download that. It’s kinda like the launcher for EA games now.
- If you see a button that says Install EA App, click it.
- It’ll open or link you to the setup. Let it run by clicking Let’s Go. Be prepared to allow permissions or click Yes when Windows asks for administrator rights.
- On some setups, it failed the first time — just close everything, restart the Xbox App, and try again. Windows has to make it harder than it should.
Step 5: Enable extensions inside the EA app — why?
This is hit-or-miss. Sometimes, if extension support isn’t enabled, the game won’t launch properly or sync saves. After installing EA Desktop:
- Click your profile icon inside the EA app (bottom left).
- Select Settings.
- Go to Library, then find the Extensions tab.
- Turn on the extension toggle for EA Desktop if it’s off. Some users report this helping with game recognition issues.
On some PCs, this extension toggle isn’t available or doesn’t do anything — other times, just restarting the app or PC seems to fix it.
Step 6: Troubleshooting install hiccups
If clicking install does nothing or the game stalls, try restarting the Xbox App. Sometimes, real weird stuff like queued downloads or pending updates cause it to freeze. Also, make sure Windows isn’t blocking any permissions — check your Windows security settings, especially if you see any errors about permissions or blocked files.
Step 7: Manage download location and settings
If the download is slow or installing on the wrong drive, you can change that mid-way:
- In the Xbox App, click Settings.
- Head to General and look for Game Install Location.
- Change to a faster SSD or a drive with more space. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Before confirming, you might want to check if you have enough space and your language preferences — usually, it’s a dropdown in the setup.
Step 8: Launching and playing
When the game finishes installing, you can launch it either from inside the Xbox App or via the EA Desktop app. It’s pretty straightforward, but sometimes you gotta wait a little longer after install finishes — Windows or EA might need a minute to set everything up in the background.
Extra tips & common issues
- Make sure your PC is beefy enough. EA FC 25 isn’t exactly a potato game — check the requirements before starting.
- Keep your apps up to date — both Xbox and EA Desktop. Old versions tend to break things or cause weird bugs.
- If you’re messing with regional settings or VPNs, sometimes that throws off the game detection. Try disabling VPNs or proxies if issues happen.
- Downloaded what looks like the full game but it’s just a demo? Double-check you’re not confusing game versions — some unlocks or early access versions can look like full releases if you’re not careful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I keep downloading the showcase version instead of the full game?
This happens if you’re accidentally clicking the demo or trial version. Double-check you’re selecting the full game inside the Xbox App or EA Desktop.
Do I need to purchase the game if I got it with Game Pass?
Not unless your subscription expires or you cancel. As long as the subscription’s active, you’re good to go.
What if EA Desktop won’t open or crashes?
Try reinstalling it — sometimes the initial setup goes sideways. Also, run it as administrator or check your firewall permissions.
Summary
- Make sure your Game Pass subscription is good and active.
- Open the Xbox App, hunt down EA FC 25, and try installing. Might need EA Desktop if it won’t start.
- Enable extensions in EA Desktop if needed.
- Restart apps if things freeze or don’t respond.
- Change install locations and settings if download problems pop up.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Because yeah, setting up modern game installs on Windows can be a pain.