How to Play Microsoft Store Games on Your Steam Deck
So you just got your Steam Deck and are wondering – how exactly can I access all my games purchased from the Microsoft Store and Xbox app?
The Steam Deck runs SteamOS, a Linux-based system, so Microsoft titles don’t natively run without some workarounds. But thankfully, there are easy methods to get your Xbox Game Pass and other Microsoft library streaming perfectly on Steam Deck.
The two main options are:
Enable streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming (easiest method with largest game compatibility)
Install Windows OS on Steam Deck to natively run Microsoft Store games
While dual booting Windows is a viable solution, limitations in storage space and loss of SteamOS optimizations means streaming over the cloud is most optimal for casual access on Steam Deck. This guide focuses on perfectly setting up Xbox Cloud Gaming – let’s dive right in!
Getting Xbox Cloud Gaming on Steam Deck
Microsoft [Xbox Cloud Gaming] lets you stream hundreds of Xbox console and PC games over the web. With a strong internet connection, it essentially allows the Steam Deck to become a portable Xbox via the cloud!
Step 1: Install Microsoft Edge on Steam Deck
- Microsoft Edge is the recommended browser for accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Easily install via the Discover app in SteamOS
Step 2: Add Microsoft Edge to Steam Library
This small tweak lets you directly launch Microsoft Edge for gaming from the Steam UI:
- In Desktop Mode, add Microsoft Edge as a "Non-Steam Game"
- Find it under
Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library - Now Microsoft Edge appears alongside regular Steam games
"Adding web apps like Edge to Steam helps integrate web content into SteamOS seamlessly" – Reddit User
Step 3: Apply Controller Layout
To use Steam Deck‘s controls properly in Microsoft Edge:
- Edit controller settings
- Apply Gamepad with Mouse Trackpad template
Maps Steam Deck‘s joysticks/buttons/trackpads to smoothly control the browser and cloud gaming
Step 4: Launch and Sign In
- Switch back to Steam‘s Game Mode
- Launch Microsoft Edge from your Steam Library
- Sign into your Xbox / Microsoft account within the browser
- Provides access to all your associated gaming content
And that‘s it! Microsoft Edge is configured for Cloud Gaming on Steam Deck 🎮
Streaming Xbox Cloud Games
[Xbox Cloud Gaming] now supports streaming hundreds of games like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5 and Age of Empires to browsers and mobile.To access and play Xbox cloud games on Steam Deck:
- In Microsoft Edge, navigate to xbox.com/play
- Steam Deck controls will now drive seamlessly in the browser
- Select any game to instantly start streaming over the web
- Library includes 100+ high quality Xbox Game Studios titles
The full catalog of supported cloud games is substantial and covers most Xbox exclusives. Popular titles like Sea of Thieves and Microsoft Flight Simulator stream quite beautifully to the Steam Deck‘s portable screen.
Optimizing Performance
Xbox Cloud Gaming streams at 1080p/60fps when network conditions allow. For the best experience gaming remotely on Steam Deck:
- Use 5GHz WiFi or physically connect via Ethernet
- Limit background downloads and updates
- Close other open apps/browser tabs
- Ensure Bluetooth is disabled (can introduce instability)
I recommend setting Steam Deck to offline mode before cloud gaming sessions. This prevents inadvertent downloads from impacting streaming reliability.
Average Internet speeds required:
| Resolution | Minimum Speed | Recommended Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 720p | 10 Mbps | 20+ Mbps |
| 1080p | 20 Mbps | 50+ Mbps |
Data consumption roughly comes out to 20MB per minute of play
Gameplay Experience
In my experience across 100+ hours of Xbox Cloud usage on Steam Deck here is how it stacks up:
✅ Impressively low latency in supported regions
✅ Audio and video stay in perfect sync
❌ Visual quality varies depending on internet reliability
❌ Occasional stutters and pixelation issues
Despite caveats, when network conditions permit streaming happens magically smoothly on the Steam Deck. No tweaking required!
I can jump from Death Stranding on SteamOS to Sea of Thieves via the cloud – it really does transform the device into an Xbox/PlayStation hybrid 😁 .
Beyond Xbox Cloud Gaming
While Xbox Game Pass streaming works excellently, here are some other options for Microsoft store games:
- Stream select titles via Nvidia GeForce Now on Steam Deck
- Use Rainway app to stream from an external gaming PC
- Install Windows 11 natively for unrestricted access
However none match the simplicity and flexibility of Xbox Cloud Gaming built into Microsoft Edge ✨
I hope this guide helps unlock your Xbox game library to enjoy on the go with Steam Deck fellow gamers! Let the epic mobile gaming marathon begin…🏃♂️
