Microsoft Begins Testing Unified PC Game Library in Xbox App for Windows

Image: XBOX/STEAM

Microsoft has started testing a new feature that allows PC games from multiple storefronts—like Steam and Battle.net—to appear in one unified library within the Xbox app for Windows. This update is currently available to Xbox Insiders and is aimed at turning the Xbox app into a central hub for PC gaming.

The idea is simple: rather than jumping between different launchers just to find and play your games, Microsoft wants to bring them all together under one roof. So, if you've got games installed through Steam or Battle.net, they'll now show up in the “My Library” section of the Xbox app. These games will also appear in your “Most Recent” list on the sidebar, making it easier to get back into what you were last playing.

According to Manisha Oza, product manager for the Xbox platform, this update is designed to “make it easier than ever to jump back into your games.” And that’s not just marketing talk—this new system automatically detects supported games once they’re installed from any integrated PC storefront. No extra work required on the user's end, other than having the Xbox app installed.

The feature is part of a broader push by Microsoft to strengthen the Xbox ecosystem on Windows, especially with devices like the ASUS ROG Ally in mind. These handheld PCs are set to ship later this year with built-in support for the updated Xbox app, allowing players to navigate across games more easily using a controller—a move that also aligns with Microsoft’s competition against Steam Deck and SteamOS.

At the moment, Battle.net, Steam, Ubisoft, and EA Play seem to be the few third-party platforms joining the party, but Microsoft has confirmed that support for more storefronts will be added over time.

Image: Unified Xbox app library

If you're curious to try it out early, all you need to do is download the Xbox Insider Hub on your Windows PC and opt into the PC Gaming Preview program. From there, you’ll get access to the new Xbox app with the aggregated library feature enabled. You’ll also be able to tweak settings and hide storefronts from the view if you prefer a cleaner layout.

While this unified game library doesn’t completely eliminate the need to open individual launchers—since many games still require them to actually run—it does make navigating your collection a bit smoother. That’s especially handy when you're using a controller, something that will likely appeal to handheld gamers and couch players alike.