Microsoft Store Testing Modular Game Downloads for More Control
PC gaming through the Microsoft Store has long been met with frustrations, from delayed updates to limited mod support. However, Microsoft is working on a small but meaningful improvement—modular downloads for games—which is now being tested in the Windows Insider Canary Channel (Build 27888).
This new feature allows players to pick and choose which game components to install, potentially saving storage space and bandwidth. Many modern games, such as the Call of Duty series, include multiple modes—campaigns, multiplayer, and extra texture packs—which can bloat game sizes significantly. With this change, users with older or less powerful PCs can skip downloading high-resolution textures they can’t take advantage of, or leave out unused game modes to free up drive space. Once a game is installed, users can revisit the product page, click “Manage,” and adjust their installed components as needed.
While Steam remains the preferred platform for many PC gamers, this modular download system is a welcome addition, especially for those who use Game Pass or prefer to avoid data overages by downloading only what they need. Microsoft’s gradual improvements to its gaming ecosystem could help make the Microsoft Store a more viable alternative for PC players.
