Windows Store Will Finally Let You Choose Install Locations And Support Mods

Microsoft has announced plans to update the Windows Store and Xbox App on PC that will finally allow users to dictate where installs take place, access game files, and apply mods to games.

The update, which will be rolling out for testing to Xbox Insiders soon, brings the Windows Store and Xbox App on PC in line with other launchers such as Steam, the Epic Games Store, and more. With it, you'll be able to choose specific drives and the folders within them for game installs, letting you back up your games to secondary drives or move files after installation. Microsoft will also lift all restrictions on the game files themselves, letting you access them freely without pesky permissions issues.

With that comes support for mods, with games that support them showing up on the Xbox App directly. The app will also let you manage and install mods directly, making it slightly easier than messing with the game files directly. All-in-all, it's just a fantastic update, finally giving Xbox Game Pass subscribers the control over their games on PC that has been standard on every other launcher for years already.

Microsoft hasn't indicated when the update will go live to all users, but The Verge reports that Insiders should be access well before Halo Infinite launches on December 8. Halo Infinite will launch on Xbox Games Pass on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, while the game's multiplayer will be free-to-play.