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How to Add Microsoft Store Games to Steam on Windows 10

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Adding Microsoft Store games to Steam on Windows 10 sounds like it should be as easy as dragging a game icon into your Steam Library and calling it a day. Unfortunately, Windows has other plans. Microsoft Store games often live inside protected app folders, use UWP or packaged app formats, and sometimes behave like they are hiding behind a velvet rope guarded by a tiny digital bouncer.

The good news is that you can still add many Microsoft Store games, Xbox app games, and Game Pass titles to Steam. The slightly less glamorous news is that the best method depends on how the game was installed, whether it has a normal executable file, and whether Steam can detect it like a regular desktop program.

This guide explains how to add Microsoft Store games to Steam on Windows 10 using practical methods that actually make sense: the normal Steam method, the Explorer shortcut method, PowerShell AppID method, and UWPHook, a popular helper tool for UWP and Xbox Game Pass games. By the end, your Steam Library can feel more like one tidy gaming hub and less like your games are scattered across the digital equivalent of kitchen junk drawers.

Why Add Microsoft Store Games to Steam?

Steam is not just a storefront. For many PC gamers, it is the control center. It handles game launching, controller layouts, Big Picture Mode, Remote Play, library organization, screenshots, custom artwork, and the comforting feeling that all your games are in one place instead of hiding across five launchers like introverts at a party.

Adding a Microsoft Store game to Steam can help you:

  • Launch Microsoft Store games from the Steam Library.
  • Use Steam Big Picture Mode for couch gaming.
  • Apply some Steam Input controller settings.
  • Organize non-Steam games into collections.
  • Give your library custom artwork and cleaner presentation.
  • Reduce launcher-hopping when switching between games.

However, it is important to understand one thing right away: adding a Microsoft Store game to Steam does not turn it into a Steam version of the game. Steam will not manage Microsoft Store updates, Steam achievements will not magically appear, and Steam will not become proof that you own the game. You are creating a launch shortcut, not performing a platform conversion ritual under a full moon.

Before You Start: What Makes Microsoft Store Games Different?

Traditional Windows games usually install into folders like C:\Program Files, C:\Games, or a custom directory you choose. Inside that folder, you can often find a familiar .exe file. Steam loves that. Steam sees an executable, adds it as a non-Steam game, and everyone has a peaceful afternoon.

Microsoft Store games can be different. Many are packaged as Microsoft Store apps and may install into the protected WindowsApps folder. This folder is restricted for security and app integrity reasons. Even if you are the administrator, Windows may block access or prevent you from launching files directly from that folder. This is one of those moments where Windows politely reminds you that “administrator” does not always mean “supreme wizard.”

Because of that, directly browsing to a Microsoft Store game executable is not always possible. Some games installed through the Xbox app or Microsoft Store are more accessible than older UWP-style apps, but results vary by title. That is why this guide includes multiple methods.

Method 1: Add the Game Using Steam’s Built-In Non-Steam Game Option

This is the simplest method and should always be your first try. It works best for Microsoft Store or Xbox app games that appear as normal desktop programs or have accessible executable files.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Open Steam on your Windows 10 PC.
  2. Click Games in the top menu.
  3. Select Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.
  4. Look through the list of detected programs.
  5. If your Microsoft Store game appears, check the box next to it.
  6. Click Add Selected Programs.

If the game does not appear in the list, click Browse and look for the game’s executable file. This method is easy when the game uses a standard installation path. It is less helpful when the game is locked inside the protected WindowsApps folder.

When this method works best

This approach is ideal for games that were installed through the Xbox app but use a more traditional folder structure. Some newer PC Game Pass titles are easier to locate than older Microsoft Store apps. If you can find the game’s .exe file without fighting Windows permissions, this method is the cleanest option.

What to expect

Once added, the game appears in your Steam Library under non-Steam games. You can rename it, change its icon, add custom artwork, organize it into collections, and launch it from Steam. You may also be able to use Steam Input features, though controller support can vary from game to game.

Method 2: Use Explorer.exe and a Microsoft Store App Shortcut

If Steam cannot directly see the game, you can sometimes launch it through Windows Explorer using the app’s internal shortcut path. This method is useful for UWP-style Microsoft Store games that do not expose a normal executable file.

Step 1: Add Explorer.exe to Steam

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Go to Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.
  3. Click Browse.
  4. Navigate to C:\Windows.
  5. Select explorer.exe.
  6. Click Add Selected Programs.

At this point, Steam will show Explorer as a non-Steam game. That sounds silly, because launching File Explorer from your gaming library is not exactly peak entertainment. The trick is to rename the shortcut and give it launch options that point to the Microsoft Store game.

Step 2: Find the game’s AppID with PowerShell

To launch a Microsoft Store app correctly, you need its AppID. Here is a simple way to find it:

Open PowerShell and run that command. Windows will list installed Start Menu apps and their AppIDs. If you want to narrow the list, search for part of the game name. For example:

Replace Halo with part of your game’s name. When you find the correct entry, copy the AppID. It usually looks like a package name followed by an exclamation point and an app identifier.

Step 3: Edit the Steam shortcut

  1. In Steam, right-click the Explorer shortcut you added.
  2. Choose Properties.
  3. Rename it to the game’s name.
  4. Keep the target as C:\Windows\explorer.exe.
  5. In Launch Options, enter the app path in this format:

For example, the structure may look like this:

Now launch the shortcut from Steam. If the AppID is correct, Windows should open the Microsoft Store game. If nothing happens, double-check the AppID, remove extra spaces, and make sure the game is properly installed.

Method 3: Use UWPHook for Microsoft Store and Game Pass Games

UWPHook is a popular utility designed specifically to help add UWP, Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass games to Steam. Instead of manually hunting for AppIDs and editing launch options, UWPHook scans installed UWP apps and exports compatible shortcuts to Steam.

This method is especially helpful if you have several Microsoft Store games and do not feel like spending your evening copy-pasting app package names that look like they were invented by a robot with a keyboard allergy.

General UWPHook workflow

  1. Install your Microsoft Store or Xbox app game first.
  2. Close Steam completely.
  3. Open UWPHook.
  4. Let it scan your installed UWP and Xbox games.
  5. Select the games you want to add.
  6. Export the selected apps to Steam.
  7. Restart Steam and check your Library.

After Steam restarts, the selected Microsoft Store games should appear as non-Steam shortcuts. You can then rename them, add artwork, group them into collections, and launch them from Steam like other non-Steam games.

Is UWPHook safe to use?

UWPHook is widely known in the PC gaming community, but it is still a third-party tool. Download it only from its official project page or trusted release source. Avoid random download mirrors, “driver booster” sites, or any page that looks like it was assembled during a thunderstorm by pop-up ads.

Also remember that UWPHook does not crack games, bypass ownership, or give you free access to paid titles. It simply creates Steam shortcuts for games already installed on your PC.

Method 4: Create a Desktop Shortcut and Add That to Steam

Some Microsoft Store apps let you create a Start Menu or desktop shortcut. If you can create a shortcut that launches the game, you may be able to add that shortcut to Steam indirectly.

Try the AppsFolder shortcut method

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Type shell:AppsFolder and press Enter.
  3. Find your Microsoft Store game.
  4. Right-click it and choose Create shortcut if available.
  5. If Windows offers to place the shortcut on the desktop, accept.

If the shortcut appears on your desktop, test it first. If it launches the game correctly, you can try adding it to Steam as a non-Steam game. Depending on the app format, Steam may still prefer the Explorer method, but this is worth trying because it takes less time than making coffee.

How to Customize the Game After Adding It to Steam

Once the Microsoft Store game appears in Steam, you can make it look like it belongs there instead of wearing a fake mustache at a family reunion.

Rename the shortcut

Right-click the game in Steam, choose Properties, and edit the name. Use the proper game title so it looks clean in your Library.

Add custom artwork

Steam allows you to change custom artwork for non-Steam games. You can add a custom grid image, hero image, logo, and icon. This is especially useful in Big Picture Mode, where blank gray tiles make your library look like it forgot to finish loading.

Organize into collections

Create a collection called “Microsoft Store,” “Game Pass,” “Windows Games,” or anything else that helps you stay organized. This is useful if you have many games from different launchers.

Configure controller settings

Right-click the game and check Steam Input settings. Some Microsoft Store games work well with Steam controller profiles, while others may ignore them or handle controllers directly through Windows. Test each game before assuming everything will work perfectly.

Common Problems and Fixes

The game does not appear in Steam’s program list

This is normal for many Microsoft Store games. Try the PowerShell AppID method or UWPHook instead. Steam’s non-Steam game scanner is better at finding traditional desktop programs than packaged Store apps.

The game launches, but Steam Overlay does not work

Steam Overlay support is not guaranteed for Microsoft Store games. Some UWP-style apps, fullscreen modes, anti-cheat systems, or launcher layers may prevent the overlay from appearing. Try borderless windowed mode if the game offers it, but do not be shocked if the overlay remains stubborn.

The game launches the Microsoft Store instead of the game

This usually means the AppID or shortcut target is wrong, or the game is not fully installed. Open the game once from the Start Menu or Xbox app first, then try the Steam shortcut again.

Steam controller settings do not apply

Steam Input may not hook into every Microsoft Store game correctly. Make sure you launch the game through Steam, not directly from the Start Menu. If that fails, check whether the game already supports your controller natively.

I cannot open the WindowsApps folder

That is expected. The WindowsApps folder is protected, and changing ownership or permissions can cause problems with Microsoft Store apps. In most cases, do not force your way into the folder. Use AppID shortcuts or UWPHook instead. Your future self will appreciate not having to repair broken app permissions at midnight.

What Adding Microsoft Store Games to Steam Will Not Do

Adding a Microsoft Store game to Steam is useful, but it has limits. It will not transfer your license to Steam. It will not unlock Steam achievements. It will not make Steam download updates for that game. It will not add Steam Workshop support. It will not turn a Game Pass title into a permanent owned Steam copy.

Think of it as putting a remote control in Steam. Steam can press the launch button, but Microsoft Store, Xbox app, Game Pass, or the original game service still handles ownership, updates, cloud saves, and account checks.

Best Method for Most Windows 10 Users

If you only need to add one game, start with Steam’s built-in Add a Non-Steam Game option. It is simple, official, and clean. If that fails, use the Explorer and AppID method. It gives you more control and does not require third-party software.

If you want to add several Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass games, UWPHook is usually the fastest option. It saves time, reduces manual setup, and is designed for exactly this kind of job.

For most Windows 10 gamers, the best order is:

  1. Try Steam’s normal non-Steam game option.
  2. Try the Explorer plus AppID method.
  3. Use UWPHook if you want a faster UWP/Game Pass shortcut workflow.

Important Windows 10 Compatibility Note

If you are using Windows 10, make sure you are on a 64-bit version of the operating system. Steam has moved away from supporting 32-bit Windows systems, and modern PC gaming in general is built around 64-bit Windows. Most Windows 10 gaming PCs are already 64-bit, but if you are using an older machine, this is worth checking.

To check your system type, open Settings, go to System, choose About, and look for System type. If it says 64-bit operating system, you are in the normal modern gaming lane. If it says 32-bit, you may run into Steam support and compatibility issues.

Real-World Experience: What It Feels Like to Add Microsoft Store Games to Steam

In real use, adding Microsoft Store games to Steam on Windows 10 feels like a small victory over launcher chaos. PC gaming is wonderful, but let’s be honest: modern game libraries can look like someone spilled alphabet soup across your desktop. Steam has one game, the Xbox app has another, Epic has a few, GOG is quietly existing in the corner, and the Microsoft Store is holding one title hostage behind a Start Menu tile.

The first thing most users notice is that the normal Steam method works beautifully for some games and completely ignores others. This is not usually your fault. When Steam can see a normal executable, everything feels easy. You add the game, rename it, maybe drop in some custom artwork, and suddenly your library looks polished. It is satisfying in the same way as organizing cables behind a desk: nobody else may care, but you know peace has been restored.

The confusion starts when Steam cannot find the game at all. This happens often with Microsoft Store apps because they are not always exposed like traditional desktop software. A user might install a game, confirm it runs from the Start Menu, open Steam, and then wonder why the game is invisible. That is where the AppsFolder and PowerShell methods become useful. They are not glamorous, but they work. Finding the AppID can feel a little technical the first time, but after doing it once, the process becomes much less intimidating.

UWPHook is usually the “thank goodness someone made this” solution. For users with multiple Game Pass titles, it can save a lot of manual effort. Instead of digging through app identifiers and launch options, you can scan, select, export, restart Steam, and move on with your life. That is especially helpful for people who use Steam Big Picture Mode on a TV or handheld-style Windows device. One library screen is simply easier than bouncing between launchers with a controller.

That said, the experience is not perfect. Steam Overlay may work in one game and vanish in another like it left for snacks. Controller configurations may apply cleanly, partially, or not at all. Some games launch through another service first, which means Steam is technically opening the door, but the Xbox app or Microsoft Store is still checking the guest list. This is normal. It does not mean you set it up wrong.

The best mindset is to treat Steam as a launcher hub, not a replacement for the Microsoft Store. Once you accept that, the setup becomes much more enjoyable. You are not trying to convert the game into a Steam-native title. You are giving yourself a cleaner way to launch it, organize it, and make your library feel less like a scavenger hunt.

My practical advice is simple: do not wrestle with the WindowsApps folder unless you absolutely know what you are doing. It is protected for a reason, and changing permissions can create more trouble than it solves. Use the safer shortcut methods first. Start with Steam’s built-in option, move to AppID shortcuts if needed, and use UWPHook when convenience matters. With a little patience, Microsoft Store games can sit comfortably inside Steam, even if they occasionally remind you they were raised in a different neighborhood.

Conclusion

Learning how to add Microsoft Store games to Steam on Windows 10 is mostly about understanding that not all Windows games behave the same way. Traditional games can often be added directly through Steam’s non-Steam game feature. Microsoft Store and UWP games may require an AppID shortcut or a helper tool like UWPHook.

The process is worth it if you want a cleaner library, easier controller access, Big Picture Mode convenience, or simply fewer launchers interrupting your gaming routine. Just remember the limits: Steam is launching the game, not taking ownership of it. Updates, licenses, cloud saves, and achievements still belong to the original platform.

Use the simplest method that works, avoid unnecessary WindowsApps permission changes, and test each game after adding it. Once everything is set up, your Steam Library becomes a much better command center for Microsoft Store games, Xbox app games, and Game Pass titles on Windows 10.