Previously, Microsoft forced games to install into the WindowsApps folder at the root of the drive, locking the files so they couldn’t be changed or moved around at will. The updated Xbox app now lets you choose your save location. If you have existing games installed, you can move them to your secondary drive. I tested the app and successfully moved Forza Horizon 5, Gears 5, and Microsoft Flight Simulator to the secondary drive. I now have full access to these files and folders as well.
Microsoft is now giving testers access to a new Xbox app for Windows that greatly improves the process of installing games from the Windows Store. As we reported earlier this month, the updated app will allow PC gamers to install the title in any folder of their choice with full access to the game files. This is an option that helps solve many of the issues installing titles from Xbox Game Pass for PC, and it also means you can back up and restore your game files if needed.
Highlights
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Since the Xbox app is still in preview, this is a bug and may be fixed before general availability. Anyway, after years of problems and bugs for PC users, installing Windows Store games finally looks like Steam. If you’ve shunned Xbox Game Pass for PC because of the Windows Store, this new Xbox app should remove some of the headaches that come with it.
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Windows 10 and Windows 11 users can try out the new Xbox app from the Xbox Insider Hub app in the store. To get the updated Xbox app, you’ll need to join the “Windows Gaming” preview of the Xbox Insider Hub app. Microsoft lists a number of known issues with this initial release. This includes problems launching some games on external drives and many games that are not yet supported. I’m also unable to add games downloaded from the Windows Store to Steam, as a permission issue seems to prevent this.