Microsoft is bringing PC gaming apps and stores to its Xbox app on Windows
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Microsoft has initiated testing a handheld-friendly update to its Xbox app, enabling PC gamers to swiftly install and launch third-party apps such as browsers, gaming utilities, and even competing storefronts. The new “My apps” feature is under trial on the Xbox app for Windows 11, offering a streamlined method to access applications without needing to open the main Microsoft Store or search for downloads if you’re using a gaming PC.

“My apps is a new tab within the Xbox PC app’s library that allows players to locate, view, and download third-party applications and most commonly used storefronts,” explains Devin Dhaliwal, a product manager for Xbox experiences. The feature consolidates gaming apps in a single location, enhancing the new aggregated gaming library to simplify the process of finding, downloading, and launching games from various sources.

Microsoft has previously integrated Steam, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, and other PC games into a unified library within its Xbox app. This new my apps feature will be particularly advantageous on handheld PCs, helping users minimize their interaction with the Windows desktop interface. “My apps enables players on an ROG Xbox Ally or other Windows 11 handhelds to more easily navigate between applications from the Xbox full screen experience,” Dhaliwal adds.

I’ve taken a brief look at the My apps view today, which lists Battle.net, Chrome, and GOG Galaxy. While Chrome and Battle.net are already installed and launch without issue, GOG Galaxy attempts to download and install directly within the Xbox UI. However, this process failed during my testing, indicating the presence of bugs typical in beta versions.

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