Microsoft Store vs Steam: Which Platform is Right for You?
Windows is the undisputed king of PC gaming, and when it comes to buying games, two major players dominate the market: Microsoft Store and Steam.
If you're a gamer looking to expand your collection, you might be wondering which platform is the better choice. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the features and offerings of both platforms to help you make an informed decision.
User Interface

The user interface of the Microsoft Store is clean and visually appealing. It features large images and easy-to-read fonts, making it easy to navigate and find what you're looking for.
On the other hand, Steam offers a more functional interface that caters specifically to gamers. It includes features like game trailers that play automatically when you hover over a game, tags to help you discover similar games, and in-depth game statistics like hours played and achievements.
While the Microsoft Store looks more beautiful, Steam offers a more comprehensive gaming experience.
Gaming Library

You can access your installed and paid games in a library offered by both Steam and the Microsoft Store.
But Steam goes above and above by giving you comprehensive in-game data and the ability to sort games using a variety of filters. In addition, it provides extra features like content downloads and a community area where you may communicate with other gamers.
The Microsoft Store is still a good alternative for getting your games, even though it lacks several features and filtering choices.
Community and Friends

Steam's Community section is a standout feature, offering a wealth of user-generated content such as guides, news, artwork, and videos.
Steam also has a dedicated mobile app called Steam Chat, which allows you to connect with friends, manage invites and groups, and engage in text messaging or voice chats.
While Steam Chat doesn't quite match up to platforms like Discord, it still provides a decent social experience. If you prefer a more robust social gaming experience, you may want to consider Discord.
Community Market

When playing games, we can win and unlock a variety of in-game goodies. With all these goodies, what should I do?
To obtain discounts when purchasing a new game, Steam users can sell them on the community market for actual money. The proceeds can then be used to purchase in-game stuff. That is really awesome.
Just look for comparable things that were listed or sold for on the marketplace to get an idea of the selling price. I sold most of my stuff, and I used the money left over to purchase the Witcher series.
For whatever reason, it seems like no one is interested in my Range Rover. Remember to look over the Inventory section.
Exclusive Content
The Microsoft Store benefits from its association with Xbox Game Studios, offering exclusive access to popular titles like the Forza Horizon series.
Additionally, the PC Game Pass, available through the Microsoft Store, provides access to a wide range of best-selling games for a monthly fee, including titles from Riot Games and EA Play.
Steam, on the other hand, lacks a membership system but offers a diverse selection of games from various developers.
Deals and Discounts
Both the Microsoft Store and Steam regularly run sales and offer discounts on games. The prices may vary depending on the season and specific deals available.
It's worth noting that Steam takes a 30% cut from game developers, while Microsoft only takes 12%. This difference in revenue sharing has allowed Microsoft to offer competitive prices and attract developers to its platform.
Steam vs Microsoft Store

Ultimately, the choice between Steam and the Microsoft Store comes down to your gaming preferences and existing ecosystem.
If you're an Xbox user or interested in exclusive Xbox titles, the Microsoft Store is a natural choice. Additionally, the PC Game Pass offers a cost-effective way to access a wide range of games.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a robust gaming community, user-generated content, and a wide selection of games from various developers, Steam is the platform for you.
In conclusion, now that you have a better understanding of the features and offerings of both platforms, you can make an informed decision based on your gaming needs and preferences. Happy gaming!


Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”