This new Windows 11 update turns the Xbox app into an all-in-one game launcher

There's finally one gaming app to rule them all, or so Microsoft hopes, thanks to a new Xbox app update on Windows 11. From today, the Xbox app now shows you all of your installed games, no matter where you've bought or installed them, with third-party game storefronts such as Steam and Epic Games now supported.

This Windows 11 update is a helpful one for gamers, creating an aggregated library for your games that allows you to use the Xbox app to launch any of the games you've installed on your PC. It comes just weeks before the new Xbox Ally handheld launch, which will come with its own raft of handheld-friendly Windows 11 updates, along with specs that will help it rival the models in our best handheld guide so far.

Announced in a post on the Xbox website, Microsoft confirms that it's "bringing your gaming library, select third-party apps, and PC storefronts together" inside the Xbox app for convenience. The update is available today on Windows 11 gaming PCs, after previously being tested by Xbox Insiders.

The new features include an aggregated game library, which supports your existing Xbox library of games, Xbox Game Pass games, and Battle.net games, as well as storefronts including Epic, Steam, and GOG. These games will appear automatically in the app when it's installed, but you can also toggle on or off any listings you'd prefer to hide via the settings menu. You'll also be able to easily launch your individual storefront apps via the "My apps" tab separately.

According to Microsoft, cloud-playable games and play history will also become available in the Xbox app following a future update later this month, via a "jump back in" list on the Home screen. Given that the Xbox Ally X release date is just weeks away, it looks as though Microsoft is rushing out of the stables with a number of gamer-friendly features that will also appear on its new handheld platform.

We're looking forward to giving those Xbox handhelds a thorough test once they launch. Until then, make sure to check out our Asus ROG Ally X review to see our thoughts on the last Asus-manufactured handheld to hit the market.

Looking for a bigger gaming rig? Check out our best gaming laptop guide next, which features a list of models from top gaming companies that will suit any budget.

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