How to use the Windows 10 Microsoft Store efficiently in case you are a fan of XBox games
Looking for Xbox games then Windows 10 app store or commonly known as the “Microsoft Store,” comes as standard with Windows 10, offering a handful of great apps and games based on the Universal Windows Platform (UWP). UWP helps developers create games and programs with a single codebase for several different endpoints. For example, Sea of Thieves for PC uses the same code as it does for Xbox One and Xbox One X. For those who might be interested in picking up Microsoft Store-exclusive PC games, such as Gears of War 4 and beyond, the store can be a bit complex to navigate. So here is how to use the Windows 10 store in efficient manner in case you are a fan of Xbox games.
1. You can manage your game library
The game library on the Xbox app does bring in all the games installed on your PC, but you can’t uninstall, update, or manage the installations from that location, which is thus it’s negative side. You also can’t view your purchased titles from this location either. You’ll need to use a combination of the Start Menu, the Xbox app and the Microsoft Store app to manage your games and invite friends into multiplayer parties.
2. You can buy games
Open the Microsoft Store by typing “Microsoft Store” into the Start Menu. You can also right click it and pin it to the Taskbar or Start Menu for easy access. Use the search box at the top left to find a game you want to buy, or browse the store by clicking Games. Select buy on the store listing for the game you want to purchase. After the purchase is complete, you can then select install to download the game.
3. You can find your previously purchased games
To find your owned titles, first, open the Microsoft Store by typing “Microsoft Store” into the Start Menu. Select the dots in the top right-hand corner to open the menu. Click on My library. Here, you can view a full list of your games and queue them for download. You can also filter the list to hide any owned Xbox One titles.
4. You can view downloads and update games
To update currently installed titles, first, open the Microsoft Store by typing the same into the Start Menu. Select the dots in the top right-hand corner to open the menu. Select Downloads and updates to view your download queue. Click Get updates to scan if any apps or games are due an update.
5. You can find, launch and uninstall games
You can launch titles from the Start menu, and also pin them to your start screen, taskbar, or desktop for easy access. Simply type the name of the game you’re looking for into the Start Menu. Right click to pull up a context menu for pinning for easy access, or uninstalling. Simply left click to open the game.
6. You can manage co-operative Xbox parties on PC
Some titles on UWP have in-game party systems, but many of them have Xbox-integration for co-operative multiplayer management and voice chat. Open the Xbox app by typing “Xbox” into the Start Menu.
On the right side is a list of your friends. Select the friend you want to join with a left click. If your friend has a party already open with a joinable game, you can simply select Join party or Join game in the middle to instantly start co-op play. You can create your own party by selecting the party icon in the top right-hand corner, and hitting Start a party.
Now get started with your Windows store and start exploring your choice of games.
