Microsoft Begins Rollout of Xbox Mode For Windows 11 PCs

Low Boon Shen
2 Min Read

Microsoft has begun rolling out β€œXbox Mode” for Windows 11 PCs in selected markets, introducing a console-style gaming interface for desktops, laptops, tablets, as well as handheld gaming devices. Note that this feature is being rolling out on a staggered basis, so some users will need to wait until the update to arrive in the coming weeks.

Xbox Mode Is Live

Microsoft Begins Rollout of Xbox Mode For Windows 11 PCs

Like Steam’s Big Picture Mode, Xbox Mode designed as a controller-first UI for any Windows 11 machine, allowing users to browse and launch games through a Xbox-like interface while β€œminimizing background distractions.” Users can access an aggregated game library containing titles from Xbox Game Pass alongside installed games from supported PC storefronts, as well as switch back to standard Windows 11 desktop UI when needed.

As tested in our ROG Xbox Ally X review, the new Xbox Mode (previously referred as Xbox Full Screen Experience or FSE) will cut down memory usage by 1-2GB, which should help low-end machines get better performance out of the limited hardware; for non-handheld devices, the interface can also be immediately booted from startup by enabling the option under Settings > Gaming > Xbox Mode.

Windows 11 PCs will eventually receive the updates over time to add Xbox Mode, though timings will differ. To check, simply head to Settings > Windows Update, then turn on β€œGet the latest updates as soon as they are available” if you want to slightly expedite the update process.

Pokdepinion: Long way to go for Windows 11 to match SteamOS, but it’s a start.

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