Microsoft adds manual game importing to Xbox PC app
Microsoft has added manual game and app importing to the Xbox PC app, allowing users to place third-party software directly inside the Xbox Library. The update means the app is no longer limited to Microsoft Store or Xbox-distributed content, at least for basic launcher functionality.
Users can now manually add almost any Windows executable file to the library. That includes games installed through Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, as well as emulators, modded games, older PC titles, and other standalone applications. In practice, if a program has a working .exe file, it can be added to the Xbox app.
Source: Windows Central
How to add any .exe file to Xbox App
- Open the Xbox App on PC.
- Go to the “My Library” section.
- Look for the small “+” icon in the top right corner.
- Click the “+” icon.
- Choose from the suggested apps, or select the option to browse your files manually.
Once added, the shortcut appears inside the Xbox interface and can be launched directly from there.
Microsoft also allows some customization after import. Users can change the game or app name, edit the launch path, add command line arguments, and update artwork. That gives the feature more flexibility than a basic shortcut system and makes it easier to organize mixed libraries.
Source: Windows Central
This could be useful for handheld gaming PCs such as the ASUS ROG Ally, especially when paired with Xbox Mode or the Full Screen Experience. It also helps users who split their libraries across multiple launchers and want a single front end for access. The feature still depends on executable-based imports, so it is not identical to Steam’s broader non-Steam shortcut system, but it is a clear step toward making the Xbox PC app a more universal launcher.
Source: Xbox, Windows Central
