Microsoft now calls Xbox Full Screen Experience Xbox mode. On an eligible Windows 11 PC, install the latest updates, turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they are available under Settings > Windows Update, then press Win + F11 to switch into the controller-first gaming interface.
The rollout is phased, so the shortcut and menus may not appear immediately on every Windows 11 desktop, laptop, tablet, or handheld.
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What Xbox mode does
Xbox mode is a full-screen Windows gaming shell designed primarily for controller navigation. It provides an Xbox-style home screen, quick access to recently played and installed games, and a consolidated library for supported Xbox PC games, PC Game Pass titles, Xbox Play Anywhere games, and games installed through other major PC storefronts.
It does not replace Windows. You can switch back to the ordinary desktop, apps, and open games whenever needed. It is also not the same as a game’s graphics setting: Windowed, Borderless, and Exclusive Fullscreen control how an individual game renders, while Xbox mode changes the Windows gaming interface.
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- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Microsoft’s current naming and rollout information is available in its Xbox mode announcement.
Check whether your PC is eligible
Xbox mode requires Windows 11. Microsoft’s 2026 rollout references Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, including the 26100 and 26200 build families, but access also depends on device, market, and rollout stage. Windows 10 is not documented as supported.
- Open Settings > System > About.
- Look under Windows specifications for your edition, version, and OS build.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
The Xbox PC app from the Microsoft Store is also required. Update it through the Microsoft Store before troubleshooting the feature.
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- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they are available.
- Install every available update.
- Restart Windows if prompted.
- Open the Xbox PC app, or press Win + F11.
Turning on the latest-updates option does not guarantee immediate access. Microsoft is delivering Xbox mode gradually in select markets, so an otherwise suitable PC may still be waiting for enablement.
Other ways to launch it
| Entry point | What to do |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | Press Win + F11 to toggle Xbox mode. |
| Task View | Press Win + Tab, then select Xbox full screen experience or the corresponding Xbox mode entry. |
| Game Bar | Press Win + G, open Settings, and choose the Xbox full-screen/Xbox mode control if it is shown. |
| Xbox app | Open the Xbox PC app and use its Xbox mode entry when that control is available in your version. |
Labels can differ between Windows builds while Microsoft transitions from the older “Full screen experience” name to “Xbox mode.”
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- Versatile compatibility: supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles and PC Win10 and above (including the game platform Steam).
- Precise control: features Hall joysticks and Hall triggers for a comfortable feeling, long service life and improved game accuracy.
- Plug and Play Convenience: Wired USB connection (removable) for easy setup and instant play without the need for additional drivers.
- Customizable experience: Includes 2 custom backbuttons that allow users to eliminate false triggers and improve their gaming experience.
- Impressive gameplay: Provides a pulsating vibration trigger and an asymmetric vibration grip motor for intense tactile feedback.
Set Xbox mode as the home screen on a handheld
On supported Windows 11 gaming handhelds, Xbox mode can replace the normal desktop as the device’s gaming-first home experience:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Gaming > Full screen experience.
- Set Xbox as the home app.
- If your build offers it, enable the option to enter the experience automatically at startup.
Newer builds may use Xbox mode rather than Full screen experience in the menu. Handheld manufacturers may also expose related controls in their own launcher or control-center software. Desktop users may prefer manual activation so Windows starts at the regular desktop.
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Microsoft documented the handheld home-app and startup controls in its Windows Insider announcement.
How to exit Xbox mode
You do not need to reboot. Use any supported method that is convenient:
- Press the Windows key.
- Open Task View with Win + Tab and select Windows desktop.
- Open Game Bar > Settings and use the Xbox mode control.
- Press Win + F11 again to toggle the mode off.
- On supported controller configurations, long-press the Xbox button to switch between open games and apps.
What appears in the game library?
The library is intended to bring together Xbox PC games, PC Game Pass content, Xbox Play Anywhere titles, and games installed through supported third-party storefronts. Microsoft describes support in terms of leading or popular storefronts, not every launcher.
Rank #3
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, and other installations may not all be detected in the same way. If a game is missing, confirm that:
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- Its launcher is installed and working.
- The Xbox app is signed in and up to date.
- Windows has had time to scan the installation.
Game Pass is optional. It can add catalog content to the library, but it is not a stated requirement for enabling Xbox mode.
Xbox mode troubleshooting
Win + F11 does nothing
- Install pending Windows updates and restart.
- Update the Xbox app through the Microsoft Store.
- Try Win + Tab and look for the Xbox entry.
- Try Win + G > Settings.
- Check Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience.
- Check whether another keyboard utility is intercepting the shortcut.
If every entry point is missing, phased rollout is the likely explanation rather than a configuration mistake. Microsoft says availability varies by device and market.
The Full screen experience menu is missing
First verify that the PC runs Windows 11, has current cumulative updates, and includes the Xbox PC app. Do not confuse the missing Windows gaming shell with a game’s own fullscreen graphics option. Even eligible Insider devices may receive the feature gradually.
A game or launcher is missing
Xbox mode’s aggregation is not universal. Check the installation and launcher, then update or restart the Xbox app. A title purchased through Steam, Epic, or another store does not automatically guarantee library integration.
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The controller cannot perform every task
The interface is controller-first, not controller-only. Some Windows functions and desktop applications still need a keyboard, mouse, or touch screen. Preview builds also documented issues such as a virtual keyboard failing to appear for controller users on some non-touch PCs and apps behaving unexpectedly when they require fixed window sizes or open additional windows.
Optional Insider access
Joining Windows Insider is no longer the normal requirement for the current public rollout. It remains an optional route for readers who specifically want an unreleased preview or whose device has not yet received a public build.
The original PC preview route required:
- Install or open Xbox Insider Hub.
- Select Previews > PC Gaming Preview, then choose Join.
- Join the Windows Insider Program.
- Use the Beta or Dev channel.
- Install or update the Xbox PC app.
- Try Win + F11, Task View, or Game Bar.
Insider builds can be unstable and may contain unfinished features or known issues. Microsoft’s original preview documentation is available through the Xbox Insider announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you use Xbox mode?
Xbox mode is a good fit if you want a console-like interface, sofa-friendly controller navigation, a gaming shell for a handheld, or a faster way to move among supported games and apps.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchKeep the regular desktop as your default if you use the PC mainly for productivity, rely heavily on keyboard-and-mouse multitasking, need system-tray access, or frequently use launchers and applications that do not integrate cleanly with the Xbox library. Its main trade-off is convenience versus unrestricted desktop access.
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- XBOX WIRELESS CONTROLLER + USB-C CABLE — Includes the XBOX Wireless Controller in Carbon Black and a 9' USB-C cable. Play wirelessly or plug in for a wired gaming experience, right out of the box.*
- WIRED OR WIRELESS, YOUR CALL — Connect the included 9' USB-C cable for zero-setup wired play on console and PC. Go wireless when you want the freedom to play from the couch, the desk, or anywhere in between.
- PC READY. NO EXTRAS NEEDED — Plug the USB-C cable into your Windows PC and you're playing instantly. No adapters, no Bluetooth pairing, no additional purchases required. Works across the XBOX app, Steam, and more.*
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience sculpted surfaces and refined geometry designed around how you actually hold a controller. Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of wireless battery life on standard AA batteries. When the batteries run low, plug in the included cable and keep playing without missing a beat.*
You do not need to buy a handheld or Xbox controller to enable it. Try the feature on your existing Windows 11 PC first; add a controller only if you want a more console-like setup, and consider Game Pass only if its catalog suits the games you play.
Important distinction for Xbox console owners
This procedure is for Windows 11 desktops, laptops, tablets, 2-in-1 devices, and Windows gaming handhelds. It does not enable a different dashboard mode on an Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One console.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xbox Full Screen Experience available on Windows 10?
No supported Windows 10 procedure is documented. Xbox mode is a Windows 11 feature.
Does Xbox mode improve game performance?
Do not assume it will increase FPS on every PC. It changes the gaming shell; any performance benefit depends on the device and implementation.
Can I use Steam games with Xbox mode?
Many supported installations may appear, but Microsoft does not guarantee detection of every Steam, Epic, or other third-party launcher title.
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