Microsoft Advances Xbox Mode for Windows 11 Users
Microsoft is on the verge of launching its innovative Xbox mode for all Windows 11 users, a development that promises to enhance the gaming experience on PCs. Previously referred to as the Xbox Full Screen Experience, this new mode is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders within the Dev and Beta Channels. Additionally, two new preview builds are available for Insiders on the Canary Channel, featuring minor updates.
During the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2026 last month, Microsoft revealed plans for the Xbox mode to become widely accessible in select markets come April. This controller-optimized interface allows PC gamers to seamlessly browse and launch their games while maintaining easy access to the Windows desktop. Although this new mode may not yet rival Steam’s Big Picture mode in terms of refinement, it lays a solid groundwork for a more focused gaming environment.
For those participating in the Dev and Beta Channels with compatible input devices, there are exciting new haptic feedback effects to explore. These effects can be experienced during various actions on Windows 11, such as aligning objects in PowerPoint, window snapping, resizing, or even hovering over the Close button. Furthermore, the latest build on the Dev Channel, numbered 26220.8148, introduces a new icon that indicates printer support for Windows Protected Print Mode within print settings.
Meanwhile, the most recent Canary builds have been relatively sparse in new features. The build 28020.1803 enhances the experience for pen users by allowing them to configure the pen tail button to open the same application as the Copilot key, a feature that has already been rolled out to the Dev, Beta, and Release Preview Channels. For those Canary testers who have opted into the 29500 series builds, today’s build 29560.1000 focuses primarily on under-the-hood platform changes and bug fixes, ensuring a smoother overall experience.
