You cannot stream your Steam library through Xbox Cloud Gaming — it only streams the Game Pass catalog. Your real options: play the Game Pass version of the same game, use GeForce NOW (which is built for Steam libraries), or stream from your own PC with Steam Link or Remote Play.
This is the most-asked question about Xbox Cloud Gaming, so here is the honest answer up front: there is no supported way to load your Steam library into xCloud. Microsoft streams the Game Pass catalog, full stop. But depending on what you are actually trying to do, one of three routes gets you there.
Route 1: the Game Pass version
Many Steam games are also in Game Pass — 88 of the titles we track overlap today. If the game supports cross-save (most big multi-platform releases do), your Steam progress can carry over via the publisher's account link, and you simply play the Game Pass copy in the cloud.
Route 2: GeForce NOW
If the goal is "stream the games I own on Steam", that is literally GeForce NOW's product. Link your Steam account, and supported games stream from NVIDIA's servers — no repurchase. If most of your library lives on Steam, this beats any workaround.
Match the service to the library: Game Pass games belong on xCloud, Steam games belong on GeForce NOW.
Route 3: stream from your own PC
If you own a gaming PC and just want your Steam games on another screen, skip third-party clouds entirely: Steam Link (or Remote Play) streams from your machine to a phone, TV or laptop on the same network — and over the internet if your upload speed is decent. It is free, and it plays your entire library, mods included.
- Install Steam Link on the phone/TV, or use Remote Play between PCs
- Pair it with your PC while both are on the same network
- Wire the host PC to your router; use 5 GHz Wi-Fi for the client
- For away-from-home play, aim for at least 15 Mbps upload on the host
Frequently asked questions
Will Microsoft ever support external stores in the cloud?
Microsoft has talked publicly about a more open Xbox, but as of this writing nothing lets xCloud stream a Steam purchase. We will update this guide if that changes.
Does my Steam save work in the Game Pass version?
Only if the game supports cross-save through a publisher account (EA, Ubisoft, Xbox network). Check the game's page in our catalog for the services it appears on.
Is Steam Link really free?
Yes — it streams from hardware you already own. Quality depends entirely on your home network and upload speed.
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