Microsoft Introduces 'My Apps' Tab in Xbox PC App for Simplified Access to Gaming Apps on Handhelds

Microsoft has introduced a new "My apps" tab in the Xbox PC app to simplify access to third-party apps on Windows 11 PCs and handheld gaming consoles. The feature consolidates gaming apps in one location, making it easier to find, download, and launch games across multiple platforms. It also optimizes system resources for smoother navigation and gameplay on handheld devices. The update is currently available for Xbox Insiders and plans to expand further.

Microsoft has introduced a new feature called "My apps" in the Xbox PC app, designed to simplify access to third-party applications on Windows 11 PCs and handheld gaming consoles. This feature consolidates gaming apps in one location, making it easier to find, download, and launch games across multiple platforms. It also optimizes system resources for smoother navigation and gameplay on handheld devices.

The "My apps" tab sits within the Xbox PC app's library and allows users to locate, view, and download third-party applications such as browsers, gaming utilities, and storefronts. By consolidating these apps into a single place, Microsoft supports its aggregated gaming library, making it more straightforward to discover and launch games from various sources.

Devin Dhaliwal, a product manager for Xbox experiences, explained that the feature is particularly useful for handheld users. "My apps enables players on an ROG Xbox Ally or other Windows 11 handhelds to more easily navigate between applications from the Xbox full screen experience," Dhaliwal said. This feature is optimized to minimize background activity and defer non-essential tasks, ensuring that more system resources are dedicated to gameplay.

The update is currently available for Xbox Insiders and includes a tailored selection of apps. Installed apps launch directly, while others can be downloaded and installed from within the Xbox UI itself. Early testing suggests there are still bugs, but Microsoft plans to expand support for additional apps over time.

The introduction of "My apps" aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy of merging the best bits of Windows and Xbox together, particularly for the Xbox Ally handheld gaming PCs. Microsoft aims to make the Xbox app the home of PC gaming, and this feature is a step towards that goal.

References:
[1] https://www.theverge.com/news/763994/microsoft-xbox-app-windows-third-party-stores-apps-utilities
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/what-is-new-xbox-app-feature-my-apps-on-windows-11-powered-asus-rog-xbox-ally-125082200575_1.html
[3] https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/08/21/available-for-xbox-insiders-get-to-the-games-faster-with-my-apps/
[4] https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/microsoft-confirms-release-date-for-rog-xbox-ally-ally-x-handhelds-here-s-everything-you-need-to-know-article-13477764.html