Microsoft’s Steam-like browser overlay is now available on Windows 11
Microsoft is rolling out its new in-game browser overlay on Windows 11 this week, after months of beta testing. The Microsoft Edge Game Assist feature is a widget that appears in the Game Bar in Windows 11 much like Valve’s Steam overlay browser. It’s also game-aware, so it can detect games you’re playing and offer up tips and guides in a little side panel.
The Game Assist overlay was previously restricted to beta users, but it’s now available in the stable version of Microsoft Edge. If you want to enable the in-game browser you can open up Microsoft Edge and go to Settings and more > Settings and then search for Game Assist and install the widget. The Game Assist feature will then be available in the Game Bar, which can be opened with the Windows key + G.
“The initial preview of Game Assist offers contextual tips and guides for a selection of popular PC games while we optimize the experience based on your feedback,” explains William Devereux, senior product manager for Microsoft Edge. Microsoft has also added support for more popular PC games, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Marvel Rivals, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
“We’ll add tips and guides for even more popular games throughout the preview and over time,” says Devereux. “In the meantime, you can still use Game Assist to browse your favorite guides or other websites while playing any game.”
Game Assist works by using the same cookies, autofill, and favorites data from your main Microsoft Edge browser. Microsoft has also added support for extensions like ad blockers to this Game Assist feature, and it’s planning to add support for keyboard shortcuts in the future, alongside an improved picture-in-picture experience and the ability to add a tab from Microsoft Edge to the sidebar.
