Forza Horizon 3 was available on PC. It is not anymore. The game was removed from sale on September 27, 2020, after the licenses it relied on, covering vehicles, music, and brand partnerships, expired. Players who purchased it before that date still own it. Everyone else cannot buy it through any official channel.
It was never on Steam. It never will be. And there is no indication from Microsoft or Playground Games that it will return.
This guide explains the full situation, what happened, where the franchise stands today, and the best alternatives available for PC players who want to experience the Forza Horizon series.
Was Forza Horizon 3 on PC?
Yes. Forza Horizon 3 launched on September 27, 2016, simultaneously for Xbox One and Windows 10 PC via the Microsoft Store. It was one of the first entries in the franchise to release on PC at the same time as console, using Microsoft’s Xbox Play Anywhere program.
It was not released on Steam. The Forza Horizon franchise did not come to Steam until Forza Horizon 4, which launched on Valve’s platform in March 2021.
Why Was It Removed?
Forza Horizon 3 is no longer available for purchase since September 28, 2020, due to licenses with vehicle manufacturers expiring. It is considered End of Support by Microsoft.
Racing games license content from automotive manufacturers, music labels, and brand partners for a defined period. When those agreements expire, renewing every one of them is often not commercially viable. The alternative is delisting the game entirely.
Players who already own the game can continue downloading and playing it. Microsoft has no solution for the Platinum Plus Expansions edition as it was never easily available and is considered End of Support.
Is It on Steam?
No.
Forza Horizon 3 was removed from all official stores before the franchise came to Steam. It will not be sold on Steam.
The licensing issue that caused the delisting is not resolved by moving platforms. The expired agreements with vehicle manufacturers and music rights holders apply regardless of storefront.
Current PC Availability by Title
| Title | Microsoft Store | Steam | Game Pass PC | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 3 | Removed (Sep 2020) | Never released | No | Not purchasable officially |
| Forza Horizon 4 | Yes | Yes | No | Available (may be delisted in future) |
| Forza Horizon 5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Fully available |
Can I Still Get Forza Horizon 3?
If you already own it:
If you purchased Forza Horizon 3 before September 27, 2020, the game is permanently in your Microsoft Store library. You can download and install it at any time. Microsoft continues to honor existing purchases.
If you do not own it:
- Official channels: No option. The Microsoft Store and Xbox Store no longer sell the game.
- Third-party key resellers: Third-party sites sell keys for Forza Horizon 3 Windows 10. These keys activate on the Microsoft Store, not Steam. Purchasing from these sources carries risk: invalid keys, already-redeemed codes, and no official support if activation fails.
What to Do Instead
Option 1: Forza Horizon 5 (Best Choice)
Set in Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 is the most technically advanced entry in the franchise. It offers:
- Over 800 cars at launch, with ongoing additions
- The largest and most varied open world in the series
- Available on Microsoft Store, Steam, and Xbox Game Pass for PC
- Active developer support with seasonal updates
Option 2: Forza Horizon 4
Set in Great Britain with a dynamic seasons system that changes the world every week. Available on both Steam and the Microsoft Store. Important caveat: Forza Horizon 4 faces the same licensing risk as FH3 and may be delisted in the future when its own vehicle and music licenses expire.
Option 3: Xbox Game Pass for PC
Forza Horizon 5 is included with Xbox Game Pass for PC at no additional purchase cost. If you are not a subscriber, this is the lowest-cost path to experiencing the current best version of the franchise.
Forza Horizon 3 on PC: Decision Checklist
Before attempting to find a copy:
Check your Microsoft Store library first: you may already own it from before 2020
Confirm you want FH3 specifically, not a more current and accessible alternative
Research the specific reseller’s review history if purchasing a third-party key
Confirm the key format is for Microsoft Store, not Steam (FH3 was never on Steam)
Accept that there is no official refund path if the key does not work
Consider whether Forza Horizon 5 meets your actual needs before purchasing FH3 from a reseller
Pro Tips: Playing Forza Horizon on PC
- Forza Horizon 5 is the better game by nearly every metric: More cars, larger map, better performance optimization, active updates, and officially supported. If your goal is Forza Horizon on PC, FH5 is the answer.
- Do not pay inflated prices for a 2016 game: Third-party resellers price FH3 above its original retail price in some cases, for a game that is a decade old, without official support. That price-to-value ratio is difficult to justify when FH5 is readily available.
- Game Pass is the smartest entry point: A single monthly fee covers Forza Horizon 5 and hundreds of other titles. For players who have not tried the franchise before, this is the lowest-risk way to find out if Forza Horizon is for them.
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Forza Horizon and related marks are trademarks of Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and Microsoft Corporation. Used for informational and educational purposes only.
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