How To Add Uwp Games To Steam

Universal Windows Platform (UWP) games are increasingly popular thanks to the wide range of titles available on the Microsoft Store. However, many gamers prefer managing all their games through a single launcher like Steam for convenience, social features, and mod support. If you're wondering how to add UWP games to Steam, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easier to enjoy your favorite titles seamlessly integrated into your Steam library.

Understanding UWP Games and Steam Compatibility

Before diving into the process, it's important to understand the nature of UWP games and their compatibility with Steam. UWP games are designed to run on the Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems through the Microsoft Store. Unlike traditional desktop applications, they are sandboxed and have certain restrictions, which can make adding them to Steam a bit tricky. However, with the right approach, you can launch UWP games from Steam and even create shortcuts for easier access.

Prerequisites for Adding UWP Games to Steam

• A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC with UWP games installed via the Microsoft Store
• A Steam account and the Steam client installed on your PC
• Basic knowledge of creating shortcuts and configuring Steam's "Add a Non-Steam Game" feature
• Optional: Third-party tools like "UWP Launcher" or "UWP Shortcut Generator" for advanced options

Method 1: Manually Adding UWP Games to Steam

This is the most straightforward method, involving creating a desktop shortcut for your UWP game and then adding it to Steam as a non-Steam game.

Step 1: Locate Your UWP Game

First, you need to find the executable or launch method for your UWP game. Since UWP apps are stored in a protected directory, you'll typically launch them via a special URI scheme or use PowerShell commands.

Step 2: Create a Shortcut for the UWP Game

There are two common ways to create a shortcut:

• Using the "Start Menu" entry: Find your game in the Start menu, right-click, and select Open file location. If this opens a shortcut, you can copy it to your desktop.
• Using PowerShell: You can generate a shortcut manually with commands, but this requires some familiarity with PowerShell scripts.

Alternatively, many UWP games can be launched via a URI scheme, like ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=XYZ. You can create a shortcut that opens this URI in Edge or via a script.

Step 3: Create a Desktop Shortcut

If you have the URI, create a new shortcut on your desktop:

• Right-click on your desktop, select New > Shortcut
• Enter the URI scheme, e.g., ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=YOUR_PRODUCT_ID
• Name the shortcut appropriately, e.g., "My UWP Game"
• Finish the wizard to create the shortcut

For traditional methods, if you have a launcher or executable, point the shortcut to that file instead.

Step 4: Add the Shortcut to Steam

Now that you have a desktop shortcut, add it to Steam:

• Open your Steam client and log in
• Click on Games in the top menu, then select Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library
• In the list that appears, find your UWP shortcut. If it's not listed, click Browse and navigate to the shortcut file you created
• Select it and click Add Selected Programs

Your UWP game will now appear in your Steam library as a non-Steam game. You can right-click it to customize icons, properties, or add launch options for better integration.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Tools for Better Integration

For a more seamless experience, some third-party tools can help automate the process or create better launcher support for UWP games. Two popular options are:

• UWP Launcher: A tool that scans installed UWP apps and generates Steam-compatible shortcuts automatically.
• UWP Shortcut Generator: An application that creates launchers for UWP apps, which can then be added to Steam easily.

These tools typically require you to select the installed UWP app, and they generate a shortcut that can be directly added to Steam, saving time and effort.

Method 3: Using Windows Package Managers

If you're comfortable with command-line interfaces, package managers like Winget or Chocolatey can help you manage and create shortcuts for UWP apps. For example, Winget can install and list UWP apps, and scripts can be written to automate shortcut creation and Steam integration.

Additional Tips for Managing UWP Games in Steam

• Customizing Icons: You can change the icon of your non-Steam game for a more authentic look. Right-click in your Steam library, select Properties, then click Set Custom Icon.
• Adding Launch Options: If needed, you can add command-line parameters in Steam's properties to tweak the game launch behavior.
• Creating Game Collections: Organize your UWP games into collections within Steam for easier access.

Potential Challenges and Troubleshooting

While adding UWP games to Steam is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues:

• Game Not Launching: Ensure your shortcuts point to the correct URI or executable. Test the shortcut outside Steam to verify.
• Missing Icons or Labels: Manually set custom icons and names in Steam properties for better visual organization.
• Updates and Compatibility: UWP apps are updated through the Microsoft Store, so make sure your game is up to date outside of Steam.

Conclusion

Adding UWP games to Steam allows you to enjoy a unified gaming library, making it easier to launch, organize, and manage your titles. Although UWP games are designed to run within the Microsoft ecosystem, the methods outlined—manual shortcut creation, third-party tools, and command-line options—make it possible to integrate them seamlessly into your Steam environment. With a little setup, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the convenience of the Microsoft Store and the robust features of Steam.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to enjoy your UWP titles alongside your existing Steam library, enhancing your gaming experience with minimal hassle. Happy gaming!

Disclaimer: Articles are written by Humans, AI or Both. Verify Important information.