Microsoft extends Xbox mode to all Windows 11 PCs with full-screen interface
A new update brings the full-screen interface to the Xbox PC app, alongside dashboard customisation for consoles and upscaling previews for the Ally X.
Microsoft has officially rolled out Xbox mode to all supported Windows 11 PCs, marking a significant expansion for the feature which was previously exclusive to Asus Xbox Ally devices. The update introduces a full-screen interface to the Xbox PC app, designed to mirror the functionality of Steam's Big Picture Mode and create a more immersive, console-like environment on desktop operating systems.
This strategic move aims to bridge the functional gap between Windows desktops and Xbox consoles, a goal the Xbox team has pursued since the feature's initial launch as the Xbox Full Screen Experience. By integrating this interface into the latest Windows update, the company is seeking to streamline the cross-platform experience for a wider user base beyond the specific hardware ecosystem of the Ally.
While the rollout is global in scope, availability is being managed on a staggered basis. The Xbox team confirmed that players in select markets can download the experience immediately, with distribution expanding to the remaining regions over the next several weeks. Users in these initial markets will need to install the latest Windows update to access the new mode.
The announcement coincides with simultaneous improvements deployed to the Xbox Ally X handheld. This device is receiving a preview of Auto SR upscaling technology, offering a glimpse into future visual enhancements for the hardware. Additionally, Xbox console owners are receiving a dashboard update that grants granular control over system features.
These console updates include the ability to disable Quick Resume on an individual game-by-game basis, addressing user preferences regarding load times and memory management. The dashboard refresh also introduces custom colour options, allowing users to personalise the interface to their liking.
The evolution of Xbox mode reflects a broader trend in PC gaming integration, building on previous enhancements such as the ability to use gamepads as a mouse and refined lists for quick access to recent titles. By incorporating feedback from the initial beta on handhelds, Microsoft is refining the desktop experience to ensure it meets the expectations of both casual and dedicated gamers.
