New Microsoft Windows Xbox app resolves game install woes from Windows store

American tech giant Microsoft is now allowing testers to access a new Xbox app for Windows that greatly improves the game install process from the Windows store. According to The Verge, as reported earlier this month, the updated app allows PC gamers to install titles into any folder of their choice with unrestricted access to game files. It's an option that helps address many of the headaches of installing titles from Xbox Game Pass for PC, and it should also mean you can backup game files and restore them if need be.

Previously, Microsoft forced games to install into a Windows Apps folder at the root of a drive, and it was locked down so you couldn't modify files or freely move them around.

The updated Xbox app now lets you choose a location, and, if you have existing games installed, you can move them onto secondary drives.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 users can test the new Xbox app through the Xbox Insider Hub app from the store. You'll need to join the 'Windows Gaming' preview within the Xbox Insider Hub app to get the updated Xbox app.

Microsoft does list a number of known issues for this early release though, including issues launching some games on external drives and a number of games that aren't supported yet.

Users still can't add games downloaded from the Windows store into Steam, as there appears to be a permission issue preventing that. The Xbox app is still in preview, so that could be a bug that will be addressed before it's widely available.

Either way, Windows store game installs are finally getting more Steam-like, after years of issues and bugs for PC users. If you've been avoiding Xbox Game Pass for PC due to the Windows store, this new Xbox app should remove some of the associated headaches.

Xbox chief evaluating console maker's relationship with embattled Activision

(Reuters) -Xbox Chief Phil Spencer is evaluating its relationship with Activision Blizzard Inc, the Microsoft-owned gaming console maker confirmed on Thursday amid allegations of sexual misconduct and equal pay violations against the video-game publisher.

Bloomberg first reported the news on Thursday, citing an email sent to employees.

Spencer told the staff the Xbox gaming leadership team was "disturbed and deeply troubled by the horrific events and actions" at Activision, the report noted.

"The leadership at Xbox and Microsoft stand by our teams and support them in building a safer environment for all," Spencer said in a statement.

A spokesperson for Activision said the company was engaging with its partners.

Allegations against the company, known for video-game titles including "Call of Duty" and "Diablo," have led to launch delays and exit of top executives.

Earlier this week, employees staged a walkout following a report that the company's chief executive officer knew about allegations of sexual harassment and assault earlier than previously known.