How To Install 3rd Party Apps On Xbox One

Xbox Game Bar Third Party Widgets Source: Windows Central

April's edition of Inside Xbox had a ton of announcements, one of which is that third-party widgets are coming to the Xbox Game Bar, with Razer and XSplit the two launch partners. While an SDK is available for third-party developers to get involved, initially there's only a couple to choose from, with a third from Intel already confirmed with no known release date.

Nevertheless, it's an exciting development and adds even more functionality to one of Windows 10's sleeper hit features. Here's how you go about getting your widget on.

How to install third-party widgets on Xbox Game Bar

Xbox Game Bar Third Party Widgets Source: Windows Central

The easiest way to see what's currently available and download to your own Game Bar is through the widget store, which has been added. The actual widgets are hosted on the Microsoft Store, just like the Game Bar app itself. To get hold of them:

Shop Cyber Monday deals at: Amazon | Walmart | Best Buy | Microsoft | Dell

Load up the Game Bar by pressing Win + G.
Click on the widget menu to the right of the clock.

Source: Windows Central
At the very bottom, click widget store (beta).

Xbox Game Bar Third Party Widgets Cortex Store Source: Windows Central

You'll now see all currently available widgets, which at launch is only two. To install, simply click on the one you want and hit the install button. Alternatively, if you know the name of the widget you want specifically, you can search for and install it through the Microsoft Store app on your PC.

One important thing to note is that these widgets are merely that. They're an extension of the apps behind them, and as such, you will need to have the corresponding app also installed on your PC and running to be able to use them.

From there on out, though, they all behave just as the existing first-party widgets on the Xbox Game Bar. That means you can manipulate them in location and size, and pin the bits you want to keep on your desktop.

Xbox Game Bar Third Party Widgets Source: Windows Central

In the case of XSplit Gamecaster, for example, the main window will disappear, but you can pin certain streaming and recording elements to your desktop, such as stream chat, alerts, and your live stats such as number of viewers and how long you've been streaming. It's a lot neater than having the full application in view at all times.

Hopefully, this is the beginning of a bright future for third-party integrations on the Xbox Game Bar. There are a ton of apps and services that would be perfect matches for it, so we'll be crossing our fingers. Looking at you, Discord!

Xbox

Main

What is Xbox Game Pass?
Best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and S
Must-buy Xbox One Headsets
Our Favorite Xbox One Wireless Headsets
Best Upcoming Xbox Games for 2021
Xbox One X vs. Xbox Series S

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

ALL THE SAVINGS

Best Microsoft Cyber Monday deals 2021

Cyber Monday is a huge event. Expect a whole lot of online deals and expect to see those deals throughout November and December. We've got all the details you need right here.