Microsoft Could Soon Integrate Steam Games Into the Windows Xbox App

Microsoft may be preparing to integrate Steam and other game launchers into the Xbox app on PC, signaling a major shift in how players access their game libraries. A leaked mockup image, briefly posted by Microsoft, showcased a redesigned Xbox app UI spanning across TVs, tablets, and handheld devices, with a Steam filter appearing alongside installed games.

The leak was first spotted by The Verge in a Microsoft Game Dev blog post. However, when the publication reached out for comment, the image was swiftly removed. Microsoft has yet to make an official statement, but sources familiar with the company’s plans suggest that the Steam integration is not an accident and is part of a broader strategy to consolidate PC gaming experiences within the Xbox ecosystem.

According to reports, the updated Xbox app will allow users to view and manage all installed games on their PC, including those from Steam and the Epic Games Store. This move aligns with previous remarks from Xbox chief Phil Spencer, who has expressed interest in bringing PC game stores like Epic Games Store and Itch.io to Xbox consoles.

Beyond the rumored Steam support, the leaked UI suggests Microsoft is aiming for a seamless gaming experience across multiple devices, resembling the console-like layout of the Xbox dashboard. This could be an attempt to enhance the gaming experience on Windows-powered handheld devices, especially as Valve’s SteamOS gains traction as an alternative to Windows on portable gaming hardware.

Insiders also claim that Microsoft is working on deeper synergies between Xbox and Windows gaming development. The company reportedly wants to transition future Xbox consoles to a Win32 development environment, potentially moving away from the existing Xbox One/Series X|S “ERA” architecture. If implemented, this could expand software compatibility between Xbox and Windows, but might also require older Xbox games to run through emulation.

With Microsoft’s growing focus on cross-platform gaming and integration, this potential Steam support could be just the beginning of broader changes in the Xbox and Windows gaming landscape.