Compare Steam vs Microsoft Store for PC games: libraries, Game Pass, mods, saves, refunds and performance, with a clear recommendation.
For most PC gamers, we recommend Steam because it offers a broader library, stronger community and controller tools, simpler mod support, and mature library management. Choose Microsoft Store instead when PC Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, or keeping supported purchases and progress within the Xbox ecosystem matters more.
What is the difference between Steam and Microsoft Store?
Steam is a dedicated PC storefront and launcher, while Microsoft Store is part of Windows and works alongside the Xbox app for much of Microsoft’s PC gaming catalogue.
The naming causes confusion. Microsoft Store generally handles purchasing and account ownership, while the Xbox app manages many game installations, Game Pass access and Xbox social features. A game bought through Steam remains a Steam licence even if it also asks for a Microsoft or publisher account.
| Category | Steam | Microsoft Store and Xbox app |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Conventional PC game purchases and one large library | PC Game Pass and the Xbox ecosystem |
| Catalogue | Broader PC selection | Smaller selection with strong Microsoft and Game Pass coverage |
| Xbox console entitlement | No entitlement from a Steam purchase | Available only for Xbox Play Anywhere or explicitly cross-entitled games |
| Mods | Manual mods plus Steam Workshop where supported | Game-dependent; packaged installations can make manual modding less straightforward |
| Controllers and community | Steam Input, forums, guides and extensive social tools | Standard game controller support and Xbox network features |
| Cloud saves | Steam Cloud where the developer enables it | Xbox cloud saving or publisher-managed saves where supported |
| File management | Clear library folders and accessible installations for most games | Custom folders are available for many games, but packaged files and gaming services can add complexity |
Is Steam or Microsoft Store better for PC gaming?
Steam is the better all-purpose platform, but Microsoft Store is the better choice when a specific Xbox benefit has real value to you.
- Choose Steam if you buy most games individually, use mods, rely on controller remapping or want one well-organised PC library.
- Choose Microsoft Store if you subscribe to PC Game Pass, own an Xbox, or want Xbox achievements and supported cross-device saves.
- Choose Microsoft Store for Xbox Play Anywhere only after confirming that the exact game supports it. The label is not applied to every Xbox game.
- Choose either platform on price when the edition, included content and licence rights are genuinely identical.
PC Game Pass is a subscription accessed mainly through the Xbox app; it is not the same as buying a lasting game licence from Microsoft Store. Access to an included game ends when the subscription or that game’s catalogue availability ends. Our comparison of Steam purchases and PC Game Pass explains that separate decision.
Do games run better on Steam or Microsoft Store?
Neither platform has a universal performance advantage: storefront choice rarely produces a meaningful frame-rate difference when both versions use the same game build and settings.
Patch timing, executable packaging, overlays, account services and secondary launchers can differ, so two releases are not always byte-for-byte identical. Those differences may affect start-up behaviour or troubleshooting, but graphics settings, drivers, hardware and the game itself normally matter far more than the storefront.
For flight simulators, add-on compatibility and file access deserve more attention than a claimed Steam-versus-Store FPS advantage. Check that the exact simulator version supports your intended aircraft, scenery, utilities and multiplayer services.
Can you transfer games, saves and DLC between them?
Usually not: Steam and Microsoft Store licences, installations, achievements and DLC are separate unless the game publisher explicitly provides cross-platform entitlement or cross-progression.
- Base-game licences: A purchase on one store does not unlock the game on the other.
- DLC and season passes: Buy them for the same storefront as the base game unless cross-store support is clearly stated.
- Save files: Publisher-managed cross-progression may work, but Steam Cloud and Xbox cloud saves do not automatically transfer between each other.
- Manual saves: Some games use ordinary local files that can be copied, but folder locations, formats and game builds can differ. Back up the original save before opening the new version so a cloud synchronisation conflict cannot overwrite it.
- Installed files: Plan for a fresh download. Store-specific packaging usually prevents one launcher from simply adopting the other launcher’s installation.
Common storefront mistakes to avoid
- Buying DLC from the wrong store: Matching the game title is not enough; the base game and add-on normally need the same storefront licence.
- Comparing different editions: A cheaper listing may omit aircraft, routes, expansions or bonus content included elsewhere.
- Using the wrong Microsoft account: If the Xbox app shows a purchase button for an owned game, verify which account owns the licence in Microsoft Store and which profile is active in the Xbox app.
- Assuming Steam removes other accounts: Some Steam games still require a Microsoft or publisher sign-in, with a separate friends list, cloud system or launcher.
- Switching stores without checking saves: Confirm cross-progression first and make a local backup before installing the second version.
Microsoft Flight Simulator needs particular care because its Steam release still uses a Microsoft/Xbox sign-in, while storefront choice affects the base licence, Xbox access and some ownership decisions. Our sim-specific Steam and Microsoft Store comparison covers those differences.
If no Xbox-specific feature is influencing the purchase, Steam is the safer default. Use Microsoft Store when Game Pass, confirmed Xbox Play Anywhere support or integration with an existing Xbox library outweighs Steam’s stronger PC-focused tools.