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Can You Install Steam on the Xbox Ally?

By / Gaming News, Tech / June 9, 2025

Wondering if Steam can be installed on the Xbox Ally? Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Can You Install Steam on the Xbox Ally?
Image showing the Xbox Ally (Image via Microsoft)

The announcement of the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handhelds has stunned the entire gaming community, as Xbox and Windows now finally work together. The next thing that follows is the long-awaited question: Can you install Steam on the Xbox Ally? Yes, you can, and it’s not only Steam, but Epic Games Store, GOG, and even more. Here’s everything you need to know.

Windows 11 Allows Installing Steam on Xbox Ally

Install Steam on the Xbox Ally
Image showing the intuitive UI of the new Xbox Ally Lineup (Image via Microsoft)

The Xbox Ally and Ally X use a full version of Windows 11 Home, but developers have heavily optimized them for handheld use and gaming only. The Windows platform allows full compatibility with PC gaming platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, GOG, and many more. Microsoft’s reps confirmed this capability and explicitly stated, “Because these handhelds run Windows, you have access to all the games you can play on a Windows PC”. This is huge, as it means you can easily play those popular PlayStation PC ports such as God of War, Marvel’s Spider-Man, and Ratchet and Clank seamlessly.

Native Steam Integration

Just like any Windows PC, the installation and running procedure retains all the features you can do in a Windows PC. In other words, you can launch Steam games directly from the Xbox Dashboard. Surprisingly, the Xbox UI is designed to recognize installed games, regardless of the platform on which they were initially purchased. Additionally, pressing the Xbox button brings up the Windows Game bar, which has also been massively improved, featuring an all-new interface. The app installation procedure is also straightforward; it’s just as easy as in Windows: download, install, and play.

Performance Optimizations

According to Microsoft, they have achieved incredible battery life and aren’t stopping yet. Summarizing everything they said, this iteration of Windows will likely make its way to PCs one day, and possibly to tablets, laptops, and other devices. Everything will essentially be an Xbox. Microsoft representatives also stated that RAM utilization is significantly reduced. Now, this translates to the developers saying that they have reduced telemetry and background services that plague Windows-based handhelds. Valve is likely the reason why Microsoft innovated this hard.

Verdict

Overall, the Xbox Ally lineup is very compelling from first impressions, with its software, UI, and Microsoft’s commitment, if all these translate correctly. Not only handhelds, but Windows might become the ultimate gaming platform. Until then, fingers crossed.

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