Why do I have to pay twice for xbox play anywhere games?

I have tried all of the messages you suggested but sea of thieves doesn't appear to show up in my library as a downloadable game, and there is no way for me to download it while using the xbox app and its companion.

Are you using the same account that redeemed the game?

Hello, first it's a pleasure to be able to help you today.

My name is welcome to the community.

Hello Dumpsterfire222, where you're trying to install the game on your PC, make sure you have the Xbox Companion App installed it works in conjunction with the Xbox App.

If you can't install through the App, sign in with the same account that purchased the game from the Microsoft Store App, then click library and then "Games" and search for the game, you can also search the search bar.

For that game you would have to purchase it. In order to be able to play a game on both without having to pay twice, the game has to a Play Anywhere title. https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/xbox-play-anywhere

If you want to play the game from Steam, then you will have to pay for it, as you are using a different service to get the game. So you have to pay for it.

As for paying for it twice. You don't have to pay for it twice, if purchasing the digital version. The game is a play anywhere game that means you purchase once on Windows, get it free on Xbox, and vice versa.