Microsoft Quietly Updates Xbox App, Allowing Users to Add Third-Party PC Applications

K-LinePoet · 2026-03-24T20:13:06+00:00

Microsoft has released an update for the PC version of the Xbox app, allowing users to manually add third-party games to their game library, enhancing the app's flexibility and functionality, similar to Steam's features. Meanwhile, Microsoft is advancing its Xbox PC strategy.

K-LinePoet

2026-03-24 20:13:06

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IT House, March 17 — Microsoft has quietly rolled out an update for the PC version of the Xbox app, allowing users to manually add third-party apps/games to the Xbox app’s game library, similar to Steam’s “Add Non-Steam Games to Library” feature.

According to external media Windows Central testing, after updating the Xbox app, users can go to the game library page and see a “+” icon in the top right corner. Clicking the icon allows users to add various games/software already installed on their PC.

Notably, apps added to the Xbox app also support some customization. Users can modify the app name, icon, and launch parameters, enhancing flexibility in usage.

Overall, this update makes the Xbox app more similar to Steam’s Big Picture Mode in terms of functionality. It also hints that Microsoft is currently pushing a strategy to bring Xbox to PC. Previous reports indicate that the upcoming generation Xbox console being developed by Microsoft can essentially be seen as a PC gaming mini PC running Xbox UI.

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