Xbox has revealed that it is testing a feature on its PC app that allows users to access third-party starters, such as Battle.net and GOG Galaxy, directly from Microsoft's own app on Windows 11 devices supported. Xbox stated that the feature is now available for Xbox -inSiders enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview program to test and provide feedback.
The Xbox PC app for Windows gives users access to games purchased in Microsoft's ecosystem, along with a growing selection of PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate titles, including Wound And the coming GEARS OF WAR: RELOADED. The Xbox PC app also supports titles included in the Xbox Play Anywhere program, and can also serve as a starter for Xbox Cloud Gaming titles available for Game Pass Ultimate Subscriber. Feature updates to the Xbox app are also added over time, along with a PC game preview program that users can register for and test upcoming changes before public release.
Xbox's PC app can soon install and start third-party apps
Less than two months before the ROG Xbox Ally Handheld range hits store shelves, the Xbox user has a chance to test an upcoming function. According to Microsoft, the Xbox PC app will receive an update that adds a new section to the library window called “My Apps”, which allows popular applications to be installed and launched directly from the Xbox PC app. The update is now available for Xbox Insiders to try as part of the PC Gaming Preview program. The new window will appear between the sections “My Games” and “Play later” in the library, and a limited selection of applications is now available to test. The three apps displayed in Microsoft's posts are Battle.net, Microsoft Edge and GOG Galaxy.
Microsoft stated that the tab new apps in the Xbox PC app were made with the intention of making games on Windows 11 Handheld devices like Rog Xbox Ally easier to access and manage. While GOG Galaxy and Battle.net were the only third-party apps shown in Microsoft's example, the MY apps page will be updated over time to support other stores. Whether this includes other popular PC stores such as Steam or Epic Games Store remains to be seen.
However, Microsoft has not said when the Xbox PC PAP update will be in public. Given that Windows 11 has surpassed its predecessors as the most widely used Microsoft operating system in 2025, only time will tell you how much the Xbox PC app will be used when the update hits the mainstream users.
- Date founded
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April 4, 1975
- Head office
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Redmond, Washington, USA
- CEO
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Satya Nadella
- Subsidiaries
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Activision Blizzard, Microsoft Studios, Mojang Studios, Microsoft Game Studios, Xbox Game Studios
