Xbox App on PC Gets Major Upgrade: Launch Steam Games, Emulators & Any App

Microsoft continues its effort to blur the lines between console and PC gaming. A significant new feature has been rolled out to the Xbox application on Windows computers, drastically expanding its capabilities.

As part of the ongoing preparations for the anticipated Project Helix platform, users now have the ability to manually add games and applications from outside the traditional Microsoft ecosystem directly into their Xbox library. This means that through a single, unified interface, you can now launch not only titles from Game Pass but also games acquired from Steam, various emulators, and even productivity software like iTunes or Audacity.

The process for adding these external applications is remarkably straightforward: a new "+" icon has appeared in the "My Library" section, which, when clicked, opens an add menu. While the system conveniently suggests programs already installed on your machine, it also provides the flexibility to manually specify any .exe or .cmd file on your system.

Furthermore, robust customization options have been integrated. Users can easily change the names of added applications, modify their file paths, and upload custom cover art. This ensures that all third-party applications integrate seamlessly and maintain a consistent visual appearance with the rest of your curated Xbox library.

This new functionality is particularly crucial for Project Helix, an upcoming platform designed with a hybrid interface that will allow users to smoothly switch between a dedicated "Xbox mode" and a full Windows desktop experience. The ability to incorporate third-party applications into the Xbox interface will significantly reduce the need to frequently revert to the desktop, simplify control when using a gamepad, and potentially boost overall performance by minimizing background load.

Microsoft's overarching vision is to transform the Xbox application into a truly universal hub for all games and applications, irrespective of their original source or platform.