Microsoft Xbox PC app now supports steam games and other digital stores

A new home for PC gamers

Switching between launchers to find your favorite games has always been a hassle. Now, Microsoft wants to make things easier by giving Windows players one spot to see everything they own.

The Xbox PC app has been updated so you can find your games from Steam, Epic, Battle.net, and more right alongside your Xbox titles. This change turns the app into a true hub where everything is organized together, saving you time and clicks when you just want to play.

Steam games show up automatically

For years, Steam has been the main library for PC players. Now those games can be discovered automatically by the Xbox app once installed (in supported preview builds), with no manual setup required on your part.

You will also see them in the Most Recent section, so jumping back into your favorite adventure only takes a single click. Microsoft designed it this way so players never need to juggle between launchers when all they want is to get back into the game quickly.

Epic store titles join the mix

Installed titles from Epic Games Store can now be surfaced in the Xbox app (in current preview builds).

This move eliminates one barrier between players and their collection. With so many launchers competing for attention, Microsoft’s approach of pulling everything into one clean interface feels like a welcome relief for anyone tired of managing multiple apps.

Battle net support arrives

Blizzard fans often have a separate launcher just for titles like World of Warcraft or Overwatch. That library now flows directly into the Xbox app.

This means you can see and launch those popular games in the same place as your other PC titles. Microsoft’s approach helps unite communities that previously lived on different storefronts, making the Xbox app a much more complete gaming destination.

GOG and classic libraries included

Microsoft has indicated plans for GOG and classic game integration to also appear in users’ Xbox libraries. For players who collect older hits, this makes the app even more valuable.

You can filter and manage how these games show up, ensuring your personal library looks just the way you want it. By blending modern blockbusters with retro gems, the Xbox app creates a broader space where all types of PC gaming come together.

Fullscreen design for handhelds

The update was created with handheld gaming devices in mind, such as the upcoming Xbox Ally. A full-screen mode makes browsing easier on smaller screens.

This design makes sense since many players now enjoy portable Windows machines. By preparing the app for handhelds, Microsoft is giving people a consistent experience no matter where they choose to play.

New my apps section

A separate area inside the Xbox app called My Apps now lists third-party software. Here you can quickly reach browsers, utilities, or even rival storefronts.

This feature turns the Xbox app into more than a game launcher. It becomes a central spot for everything you might need while gaming, reducing the need to constantly minimize and shuffle through windows on your PC or handheld.

Control your own library

Not everyone wants every game from every launcher showing up all at once. Microsoft included an option to customize which storefronts appear in your library.

By toggling these settings, you can make the Xbox app show only the sources you care about. This flexibility helps keep your collection neat, whether you want a big master list or a smaller, focused view.

Recent play history sync

Microsoft may soon sync your recent play history across console, PC, and handheld devices. A Jump back in list will show where you left off.

This feature saves you from searching for your last played title. No matter the device, you can continue exactly where you stopped before, creating a smoother and more personal gaming journey.

Cloud playable titles coming soon

Microsoft has hinted that support for cloud‑playable titles (i.e. streaming without full download) may arrive in a future update, though a firm release date has not yet been confirmed.

This opens the door to trying new games quickly, especially on handhelds with limited storage. With streaming, your library becomes more flexible and lets you play even the biggest releases without worrying about space.

Built for speed and convenience

One of the biggest goals of this update is to reduce the time it takes to launch a game. By pulling everything into one place, Microsoft removes unnecessary steps.

The idea is simple but effective. Instead of bouncing between multiple apps, players can hit play once and be inside their world faster. That speed matters when your free time is limited.

Competition with other launchers

Apps like GOG Galaxy and Playnite already let players combine libraries from different stores. Microsoft’s Xbox app now joins that group with its own spin.

Unlike the others, this app connects more closely with consoles and handhelds. That cross-device advantage gives Microsoft a unique edge, especially for players who move between different screens regularly.

A cleaner interface for gamers

The updated app clearly shows where each game came from, with the storefront listed under the title name. This helps keep things organized.

Players can also spot differences between Xbox Game Pass titles and games they bought elsewhere. The design balances simplicity with clarity, which makes it easy for anyone to navigate without feeling overwhelmed by clutter.

Handheld friendly launch

The update arrives just weeks before the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally handheld device on October 16. This timing shows Microsoft built the features with new hardware in mind.

Players who buy the device will instantly benefit from a unified game list and streamlined access. It creates a better out-of-the-box experience for those wanting to game on the go without dealing with multiple launchers.

Limitations still remain

While the app can launch non-Xbox games, it does not always pull extra details such as cover art or descriptions. Some entries may look plain.

You can still launch the game directly, but the display is minimal compared to titles purchased through the Microsoft Store. Even with these gaps, the overall convenience of having everything in one place outweighs the smaller issues.

If you’ve been eyeing some Xbox gear, now might be the time to make a purchase, as the Xbox gear is getting more expensive.

Building the future of PC gaming

This update marks a big step in Microsoft’s effort to make the Xbox app the heart of PC gaming. By blending multiple libraries, the company is shaping a platform that feels unified and modern.

It may not be perfect yet, but the foundation is strong. The more updates that follow, the closer the Xbox app will come to being the single destination where players can enjoy everything they own.

Curious how Xbox is making it easier to pick up your game on any device? Read Xbox makes cross-device play seamless by syncing your game history everywhere.

If you’re excited about this change, share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you plan to use it.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.