Microsoft just made PC gaming a whole lot easier. The Xbox app for PC now integrates your Steam library, allowing you to view, launch, and manage your Steam games directly from the Xbox interface. This is a major step towards a seamless experience for gamers who juggle multiple launchers. Let’s dive into what this update means, how to use it, and why it’s great news for PC gamers.
What Is Xbox App Steam Integration?
The new Steam integration in the Xbox app means you no longer have to switch between launchers. Whether you’re playing Starfield via Game Pass or Elden Ring via Steam, you’ll now see everything in one place. This feature allows players to:
- Connect their Steam account with the Xbox app
- View their entire Steam library
- Launch Steam games directly from the Xbox app
- Track playtime for Steam games
- Enjoy a centralized hub for game discovery, play, and friends list
Source: Microsoft Announcement
How to Connect Steam with the Xbox App
Linking your Steam account to the Xbox app is easy. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Update your Xbox App – Make sure you’re running the latest version.
- Open the Xbox App on your Windows PC.
- Click on Settings > Linked Accounts.
- Select Steam and log in.
- Grant permission to access your library.
- Done! Your Steam games will now show up in the Xbox app.
This integration is read-only, meaning you can see and launch games, but game installs and updates still go through Steam.
Why This Matters for Gamers
This move by Microsoft is not just a convenience – it’s a game changer for PC gamers:
1. One Unified Game Library
No more clicking through Steam, Battle.net, Epic, and Xbox. Your library is centralized.
2. Social Features Cross Over
See which friends are online—whether they’re using Steam or Xbox—without switching apps.
3. Track Playtime & Game Activity
Get insights on how much time you’ve spent on Counter-Strike or Cyberpunk 2077 all from one dashboard.
4. Easier Game Discovery
With Xbox Game Pass + Steam titles combined, the Xbox app becomes a powerful launcher and recommendation engine.
What About Other Launchers?
Currently, the integration is exclusive to Steam. However, Microsoft has hinted at possible support for other platforms like Epic Games Store and GOG in the future.
External confirmation here: Windows Central Report (external link)
Xbox App Features – What’s New?
With this update, here are all the current features of the Xbox App for PC:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Game Library | View Xbox and Steam games in one place |
| Game Pass | Full access to Game Pass for PC |
| Social Integration | See Xbox friends and chat directly |
| Cloud Saves | Sync progress between devices |
| Game Streaming | Remote play from Xbox consoles |
| Game Management | Install, update, and organize titles |
You still launch Steam games using the Steam client in the background, but everything starts from the Xbox app.
Cross-Platform Gaming Gets Better
Microsoft is clearly committed to breaking platform barriers. First, they brought Game Pass to the cloud. Now, with Steam integration, it seems like their next step is making the Xbox app the ultimate PC gaming hub, regardless of where you buy your games.
Gamers want flexibility, and this is a bold move in the right direction.
What’s Next?
Microsoft has not officially confirmed timelines, but future updates might include:
- Integration with Epic Games Store
- Full achievement tracking for third-party games
- Cross-launcher cloud save syncing
- Steam chat support inside Xbox
Stay updated on future developments via Tech24Seven .
FAQs: Xbox App Steam Integration
Q1: Can I install Steam games via the Xbox app?
A: No. Installation still happens via the Steam launcher. Xbox only serves as a launcher overlay.
Q2: Is this feature available to everyone?
A: Yes, it is rolling out globally with the latest Xbox app update for Windows.
Q3: Can I use Steam achievements in the Xbox app?
A: Not yet. Xbox app displays only basic info like playtime and installed status.
Q4: Does this affect Game Pass?
A: No, Game Pass remains unchanged and still offers hundreds of titles.
Q5: Is this feature free to use?
A: Absolutely. You just need an Xbox account and the Xbox PC app.
Final Thoughts
The Xbox app’s integration with Steam is a huge leap forward in simplifying PC gaming. While it’s still early and doesn’t allow complete control over Steam games, it signals a future where gamers don’t need 5 launchers just to play 5 games. With Xbox pushing this vision, we may finally see the day where all your games—regardless of where you bought them—live happily in one place.
Try the new Xbox + Steam experience now and take control of your gaming world.