Microsoft has expanded its Xbox PC app on Windows to include games from other major storefronts such as Steam and Battle.net. The update introduces an aggregated library, allowing users to view and launch games installed across multiple platforms from a single location.
The feature has been in testing with Xbox Insiders for several months, but is now available to all Xbox PC app users. Microsoft said the change is aimed at making the app a central hub for PC gaming while also preparing for the upcoming Xbox Ally devices, which will rely on a full-screen version of the app.
“When you install a game from a supported PC storefront, it automatically appears in ‘My Library’ within the Xbox PC app, as well as the ‘Most Recent’ list of titles in the sidebar so that you can jump back into your favourite games with just a click,” explained Jason Beaumont, vice president of experiences at Xbox.
New features designed for handheld gaming
Alongside the new library integration, Microsoft has introduced a My Apps section. This addition allows players to install and quickly launch third-party software, including browsers, utilities, and rival storefronts. The move is seen as particularly useful for handheld gaming devices, where switching between applications and platforms needs to be fast and simple.
Microsoft said the design of these new features was heavily influenced by the growing market for portable gaming hardware. The aim is to reduce friction for players by ensuring they can move seamlessly between different gaming ecosystems without needing multiple launchers.
Upcoming cloud gaming and history sync
Later in September, Microsoft will expand the app further by adding cloud-playable games and synchronised game history. This update will connect recent activity across Xbox consoles, PCs, and handheld devices, allowing players to pick up where they left off regardless of platform.
The feature is already being introduced on Xbox consoles and will soon appear in the PC app. “Once this feature is released, look for the ‘Jump back in’ list on the Home screen of your console, PC, or handheld to find your recent play history and pick up where you left off,” Beaumont said.
With these updates, Microsoft is positioning the Xbox PC app as a more comprehensive gaming hub, competing not only with rival launchers but also with other services that attempt to unify PC gaming experiences.
