UWPHook

Unifying Your Gaming World: A Comprehensive Guide to Adding PC Game Pass and Microsoft Store Games to Steam

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Ever since its inception, Steam has been the hub for PC gamers worldwide, a one-stop shop to keep all their gaming adventures organized. But what if you’re a subscriber of the fantastic PC Game Pass or purchase games from the Microsoft Store? Is there a way to consolidate all of your digital gaming treasures into your beloved Steam library? Absolutely! Today, we will walk you through the steps to add your PC Game Pass and Microsoft Store games to your Steam library, overcoming the tricky obstacle of these games being UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps. So let’s jump right in! UWPHook is a nifty piece of software that acts as a bridge between your PC Game Pass, Microsoft Store games, and Steam.

Moreover, this small but powerful app simplifies the process of adding Universal Windows Platform (UWP) games, such as those you’d find on the PC Game Pass or Microsoft Store, to your Steam library. Essentially, it cuts through the restrictions that normally prevent UWP apps from being added to Steam as non-Steam games. The tool works by scanning your system for UWP apps and games, allowing you to select which ones you’d like to integrate into your Steam library. And as an added bonus, it also has the capability to add custom artwork for your games, enhancing the visual appeal of your Steam library. It’s a must-have tool for any gamer seeking a unified gaming experience across platforms.

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Step 1: Download and Install UWPHook

First things first, we need a bridge to cross this UWP gap, and the solution comes in the form of a tiny third-party app called UWPHook. This app will help you seamlessly add your PC Game Pass and Microsoft Store games to your Steam library. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Head over to the UWPHook GitHub page.
  2. Scroll down to the “Assets” section and download the UWPHook.exe executable file.
  3. Run the installer and leave the default options as they are.

Once the installation completes, you should find the UWPHook shortcut on your desktop, eager and ready for action!

Step 2: Run UWPHook and Add PC Game Pass Games to Your Steam Library

With UWPHook installed, it’s time to put it to work. It’s important to note that you may encounter an error message saying something like “Error: UWPHook exporting your games. Error: program failed while trying to write your Steam shortcuts.” But don’t worry; as long as Steam is fully closed, UWPHook will still add your games to your Steam library. So here’s what to do:

  1. Completely exit Steam. To do this, right-click the Steam icon in your Taskbar notification area and select “Exit Steam.”
  2. Launch UWPHook. It will start scanning for UWP apps and games on your system.
  3. Once the app list populates, select every game you want to add to your Steam library.

At this point, you can choose to manually add game artwork or let UWPHook do it for you. If you’re fine with the manual route, click the “Export Selected Games to Steam” button. But if you prefer automatic game artwork set-up, hold tight and proceed to the next step!

UWPHook

Step 3: (Optional): How To Add Custom Game Artwork

To beautify your Steam library with custom artwork for your new games, follow these steps:

Time needed: 30 minutes

  1. Launch the UWPHook application.

    You can find the application shortcut on your desktop or in your start menu, depending on where you saved it during installation.

  2. Locate and click on the gear icon to access the settings menu.

    The gear icon typically represents the settings menu in most applications. It is usually located at the top right corner of the application window.

  3. In the settings menu, navigate to the “Steam Grid” tab and click on the key icon

    This action will redirect you to the SteamGridDB website. The “Steam Grid” tab is specifically designed for integrating custom game artwork from the SteamGridDB platform.

  4. Logging Into SteamGridDB

    On the SteamGridDB website, log in using your Steam account and register an account.

  5. Navigating Preferences on SteamGridDB

    After successfully logging in, return to the SteamGridDB homepage. Look for your account icon on the webpage, usually located in the top right corner. Click on your account icon.In the drop-down menu, select and click on the “Preferences” option. Within the “Preferences” menu, locate the “API” button and click on it.

  6. Creating API Key

    On the page that opens, find and click on the “Create API Key” button. This generates a unique API key, which allows UWPHook to fetch custom artwork from SteamGridDB. Copy the generated API key.

  7. Applying the API Key to UWPHook

    Return to the UWPHook application. In the settings menu, find the “API Key” box and paste the copied API key into it. Click the “Save” button.

Now that you’ve set up custom artwork, click the “Export Selected Games to Steam” button again. This time, UWPHook will add your games to your Steam library and adorn them with stunning, personalized artwork.

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Wrapping up

That’s it! By following these steps, your PC Game Pass and Microsoft Store games can now proudly reside in your Steam library. Enjoy the convenience of having all your games consolidated into one place, accompanied by attractive, custom artwork. Dive back into your gaming adventures with renewed vigor, knowing you’ve mastered yet another technical challenge in the expansive world of digital gaming. With the power of UWPHook and a bit of patience, you can have the best of both worlds: your favorite PC Game Pass and Microsoft Store games neatly organized within your Steam library.

As a result, you get a unified gaming experience and easy access to all your games in one place. And with the added bonus of custom artwork, your gaming experience will be both organized and visually appealing. So, embrace the joy of simplicity and customization in your gaming world. Remember, a well-organized game library is just a few clicks away. Game on, friends!

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