SRMED
Englishعربي
Englishعربي
Microsoft has begun rolling out Xbox Mode to Windows 11 PCs worldwide, delivering a full-screen, controller-optimized gaming interface that mimics the Xbox console experience. This update, announced by the Xbox team, starts in select markets and expands gradually, allowing users on laptops, desktops, tablets, and gaming handhelds to access an aggregated game library including Xbox Game Pass titles and games from other PC storefronts. As reported by Xbox Wire, the mode enables seamless switching between the immersive gaming view and the standard Windows desktop, addressing a key demand for console-like simplicity on PCs.
The feature builds on an earlier "full screen experience" tested on Windows 11 gaming handhelds like the Xbox Ally devices since November 2025. Microsoft refined it based on player feedback, evolving it into Xbox Mode to bridge the gap between console and desktop gaming. According to the official Xbox blog, users can browse and launch games effortlessly with a controller, minimizing distractions from desktop clutter. This rollout comes alongside other Windows 11 enhancements, such as a redesigned Run menu with dark mode support now testing in the Experimental Insider Channel, as noted by The Verge.
To access Xbox Mode, Windows 11 users—requiring version 24H2 or later—should enable automatic updates in Settings under Windows Update by toggling "Get the latest updates as soon as they are available." Once installed, entry points include the Game Bar (Windows key + G), Task View (Windows key + Tab), or directly via Windows key + F11. The Xbox PC app, needing just 150MB of storage and a 720p display, aggregates libraries from major storefronts, preserving PC gaming's flexibility while adding immersion. Support pages detail how to set it as the default home app or exit back to the desktop effortlessly.
This matters for millions of PC gamers seeking a streamlined alternative to modes like Steam's Big Picture, especially on portable devices. It affects a broad audience, from high-end desktop users to handheld players, potentially boosting Xbox Game Pass adoption by making cross-platform play more accessible. As Slashdot and Wccftech report, the gradual rollout ensures stability, with full availability expected over coming weeks. Microsoft positions it as another step in unifying its ecosystem, though exact regions remain unspecified—users in unsupported areas may need to wait for broader deployment.