Microsoft has rolled out a significant update for the Xbox app on Windows 11, enhancing its functionality and bringing it closer to becoming the ultimate hub for gaming on the platform. This update is designed to streamline the gaming experience for users, making it easier to access and launch games from various sources.
Starting today, the updated Xbox app allows gamers to view and launch all their installed Windows games, regardless of where they were acquired. The introduction of the aggregated gaming library consolidates your game collection, displaying titles from multiple PC storefronts, including your Xbox library, Xbox Game Pass, Battle.net, and other prominent platforms. Notable storefronts such as Steam, Epic Games Launcher, and GOG are also supported, making it a comprehensive solution for gamers.
The new Xbox app empowers users with the ability to filter which games appear in their library. If you prefer not to see games from specific sources, you can easily toggle these options off. This customization ensures that your gaming experience is tailored to your preferences, allowing for a cleaner and more organized library.
With the updated Xbox app, launching any game installed on your Windows 11 device has never been easier. You no longer need to navigate through various storefronts or launchers to start your game. This streamlined process is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy gaming on handheld devices, as it simplifies the experience of launching games with a controller.
The new Xbox app features a 'My Apps' tab, offering a quick and convenient way to launch other storefronts if you're looking to acquire games from outside the Microsoft Store. This functionality will be especially useful with the upcoming handheld gaming mode, which has been previewed and is set to debut on the anticipated Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X this fall.
Looking ahead, Microsoft has announced that the Xbox app will soon enable synchronization of your cloud-playable games across devices. This feature will allow you to effortlessly pick up where you left off, whether you're on a PC or console, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
All of the improvements unveiled today will be accessible on every Windows 11 PC, whether it's a laptop, desktop, or handheld device. This major update positions the Xbox app as a central hub for gaming, making it a must-have for gamers in the Microsoft ecosystem.