Steam Comes to Xbox App for PC—Microsoft Expands Its Gaming Reach
Microsoft is taking another big step in its “Xbox everywhere” campaign, starting with a powerful update to the Xbox app on Windows that finally brings Steam game integration into the fold. The move marks a key shift in Microsoft’s strategy: embracing third-party platforms while positioning Xbox not just as a console, but as a gaming service accessible from virtually anywhere—including your Windows PC.
The feature is now live for users enrolled in the Xbox Insider Program, accessible through the Microsoft Store’s Insider Hub. Once updated, the Xbox app can detect games installed from Steam and display them in your Xbox library and “Most Recent” sidebar list. Microsoft says this makes it easier to jump into all your games from a unified interface—even if you didn’t buy them through Microsoft.
It’s part of a larger effort to prep for the ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld gaming PC made in collaboration with Asus that will launch later this year. Though it carries Xbox branding, the device runs full Windows 11, making seamless integration across storefronts essential. Microsoft is promising further support for “other PC storefronts,” and its mention of Battle.net—also Microsoft-owned—hints at broader ambitions.
Still, the rollout hasn’t been perfect. Even some Insider users report that their Steam libraries aren’t showing up in the app just yet, suggesting either a gradual server-side rollout or bugs in the early beta release. And while Steam is obviously part of the plan, Microsoft carefully avoids calling it out by name in official announcements—possibly a nod to Steam’s independence in a competitive ecosystem.
Regardless, this is a clear move toward turning the Xbox app into a central hub for all PC gaming, not just for Microsoft Store and Game Pass titles. As Microsoft continues to lean heavily on subscriptions, software, and services, it’s trying to make the case that “This is an Xbox”—no matter what device you’re using.