The PC has long been a favored platform for gamers, particularly those seeking unparalleled performance and stunning graphics. With the introduction of Windows 11, this experience is further enhanced, making it the ideal operating system for both dedicated gamers and casual players alike.
Windows 11 features an integrated Xbox app that seamlessly connects with popular third-party game stores such as Steam and the Epic Games Store, as well as Microsoft’s extensive gaming ecosystem. The Game Bar, a built-in utility, allows users to capture screenshots and video clips, engage with friends on Xbox Live, and more. Notably, the controller-optimized Xbox Mode significantly reduces background resource consumption, freeing up vital CPU, GPU, and RAM resources for gaming.
Defaults
Windows 11 is designed with the needs of casual and mainstream gamers in mind right out of the box.
- The Xbox app is pre-installed and integrates with your Microsoft account, enabling easy access to Xbox PC games, including those available through Game Pass, along with your game libraries across Xbox and popular third-party stores.
- The Game Bar is readily accessible, allowing you to toggle it on at any time without interrupting your gaming session.
- All screen captures and video recordings are conveniently saved to your Videos folder in a dedicated Captures subfolder, with sensible default settings for most users.
- Windows 11 automatically configures an Xbox Wireless Controller upon connection, allowing for immediate gameplay.
- While the new Xbox Mode is available, it is not enabled by default.
Customize
Before diving into gaming on Windows 11, it’s advisable to review and adjust any gaming-related settings to fit your preferences.
Customize Windows 11 gaming features
To begin, open the Settings app and navigate to the Gaming section. Here, you’ll find several settings to tailor your gaming experience:
Xbox Mode
Introduced in 2026, Xbox Mode offers a console-like, controller-optimized full-screen experience. While Windows 11 indicates that this feature is “enabled” by default, it is actually available for activation. To enable Xbox Mode, simply access the Xbox app. For regular users of Xbox Mode, consider configuring the “Show Xbox mode in Task View” option to “On” for easier access.
Game Bar
The Game Bar overlay can be activated during gameplay to capture screenshots, record video clips, chat with friends, and more.
Keyboard shortcut: Quickly toggle the Game Bar by pressing Windows key + G at any time, whether on the Desktop or within any application.
If you plan to utilize the Game Bar, the default settings are generally suitable for most users. The Game Bar is enabled, and the “View” and “Menu” buttons on an Xbox Wireless Controller are configured similarly to their functions on an Xbox console.
Captures
This settings page allows you to configure how Windows captures screenshots and video clips during gameplay, including options for saving locations and whether to automatically record gameplay sessions in the background.
Game Mode. Windows 11 retains a legacy feature known as Game Mode, which enhances performance and minimizes distractions while gaming. This feature can be toggled on or off, with it being enabled by default if your PC supports it.
Customize your display and graphics for gaming
Optimizing display and graphics settings can be complex, especially with the variety of third-party utilities available for dedicated graphics cards. However, even mainstream PCs and laptops today can deliver impressive gaming experiences. Windows 11 provides several useful settings to enhance your gaming experience, even on systems with integrated graphics.
- Refresh rate: In System > Display > Advanced display, enable a refresh rate of 90, 120 Hz, or higher, along with “Dynamic refresh rate” if available. Then, in System > Display > Graphics, ensure “Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling” and “Variable refresh rate” are both enabled.
- HDR: In System > Display > HDR, enable “HDR” if available, along with “Auto HDR.”
- Automatic super resolution (Auto SR): This option is exclusive to Windows 11 on Arm PCs. Ensure it is enabled, noting that Auto SR and HDR cannot be enabled simultaneously.
- Custom settings for applications: Available on all PCs, this option is particularly useful for gaming on Windows 11 on Arm PCs. In System > Display > Graphics, locate “Custom settings for applications” and configure the highest performance option for each installed game.
Connect and configure an Xbox Wireless Controller
While many gamers prefer traditional keyboard and mouse setups, an Xbox Wireless Controller offers a more streamlined, console-like experience. Configuration is automatic upon connection, but further customization can be achieved through the Xbox Accessories app, available for free from the Microsoft Store.
- Update the controller firmware: Ensure your controller’s firmware is current by navigating to “More options” (“…”) > Update.
- Configure: Access the controller configuration page to create custom profiles, map buttons, and make additional adjustments.
Game Bar
The Game Bar serves as an overlay that enhances your gaming experience by providing various features such as capturing screenshots, adjusting hardware settings, and chatting with friends through a collection of on-screen widgets. These widgets can be arranged according to your preferences.
To display the Game Bar, press Windows key + G or the “Xbox” button on your Xbox Wireless Controller. The interface consists of a Home Bar at the top of the screen, which can be toggled on and off easily.
Customize Game Bar
For those planning to use the Game Bar, taking a moment to customize it to your liking is worthwhile. Key areas for customization include:
- Which widgets: Choose which widgets appear when you open the Game Bar by favoriting them in the Widgets menu.
- Widget placement: Each widget can be repositioned on-screen by dragging and dropping, allowing for a personalized layout.
- Mode: The Game Bar supports multiple display modes, including the controller-friendly Controller Bar and a Compact Mode that displays one widget at a time.
- Game Bar settings: Access an array of configurable options through the settings gear icon on the Home Bar.
Widgets
Widgets are integral to the Game Bar experience, allowing you to configure which ones are displayed and where. Key widgets include:
- Capture: The primary interface for managing screenshots and video recordings.
- Audio: Configure audio input and output devices for gaming.
- Performance: Monitor real-time CPU, GPU, VRAM, and RAM utilization, along with FPS metrics.
- Xbox Achievements: Track your progress in obtaining in-game achievements.
- Xbox Chat: Engage in text-based or voice chat with friends on Xbox Live.
Add a widget to favorites
Widgets can be favorited for quick access. To do this, open the Game Bar, click “Widget Menu,” and toggle the “Favorite”/“Unfavorite” star icon next to the desired widget.
Pin a widget so it’s always visible
Most widgets can also be pinned to remain visible over any game, even when the Game Bar is not displayed. To pin a widget, locate the “Pin” button next to its “Close” button and toggle it on.
Controller Bar and Compact Mode
Game Bar can be displayed in two alternative modes optimized for controller use: Controller Bar and Compact Mode. Both modes simplify navigation and enhance usability for gamers using a controller.
Controller Bar
For those using an Xbox Wireless Controller, the Controller Bar mode retains the multi-window layout while displaying your three most recently played games. This mode can be toggled on from the default Game Bar.
Compact Mode
Compact Mode presents a simplified interface that displays only one widget at a time, making it easier to navigate using a controller. This mode can be enabled through the Game Bar settings.
Xbox App
The Xbox app mirrors the user interface of the Xbox console dashboard, allowing users to install and play PC games purchased from Xbox and third-party stores, as well as stream Xbox console games via the Xbox Cloud Gaming service for Game Pass subscribers.
The app is user-friendly, featuring a navigation bar on the left and a larger content area on the right. Key functionalities include:
- Profile & settings: Access and customize your Xbox profile and app settings.
- Notifications: View recent Xbox notifications in reverse chronological order.
- Game Pass: Access games associated with your Game Pass subscription.
- My Library: Manage your installed games and those from compatible third-party stores.
- Cloud Gaming: Stream Xbox console games if you have a Game Pass subscription.
- Store: Browse and purchase Xbox-compatible PC games.
Customize the Xbox app
Exploring the Xbox app’s settings interface is recommended, particularly to adjust the app’s auto-launch behavior upon signing into Windows 11. Key options include:
- App: Configure launch settings and offline permissions.
- Install Options: Set default installation locations and manage game updates.
- Library & Extensions: Manage third-party game stores and installed games.
- Cloud Gaming: Adjust streaming quality and related settings.
- Xbox mode: Enable Xbox Mode from the app settings.
Store: Find Xbox-compatible games for your PC
While the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 offers a wide range of games, the Xbox app provides a more focused view of Xbox-compatible titles. Simply browse the Store area in the Xbox app to find and download games.
My Library: Manage your games
The My Library view showcases all Xbox-compatible PC games you’ve added through purchases or Game Pass subscriptions. Key sections include:
- Play later: Add games to a Play later playlist for easy access.
- My games: Install previously purchased or downloaded Xbox PC games.
Xbox Game Pass: Subscribe to unlock a library of games
Microsoft offers various Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers, each providing access to a library of games and additional perks. Here’s a brief overview of the options available for PC gamers:
- Xbox Game Pass Essential: .99/month for 50+ games, no Day One access to Xbox studio games, includes Cloud Gaming.
- PC Game Pass: .99/month for 300+ PC games, includes Day One access to most Xbox studio games.
- Xbox Game Pass Premium: .99/month for 200+ games, no Day One access, includes unlimited Cloud Gaming.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: .99/month for 400+ PC games, includes Day One access and best quality Cloud Gaming.
Find and play games from PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass can browse available titles through the Game Pass view in the Xbox app, highlighting new additions and personalized recommendations. To install a game, simply select it and click the “Install” button.
Cloud Gaming: Stream console games to your PC
Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming service allows subscribers to stream games from the cloud, requiring a constant internet connection. Users can access the Cloud Gaming view in the Xbox app to browse available titles and initiate streaming.
Xbox Mode
Xbox Mode transforms the gaming experience by providing a full-screen, controller-optimized interface that replaces the traditional Windows 11 Desktop. This mode significantly reduces background processes, allowing for improved performance. Users can toggle between Xbox Mode and the standard Desktop interface as needed.
Enable Xbox Mode
To activate Xbox Mode, open the Xbox app and click the “Xbox mode” button. You will be prompted to connect a controller if not already done. Various methods, including keyboard shortcuts and Game Bar options, allow for easy toggling between modes.
Exit Xbox Mode
Exiting Xbox Mode can be accomplished through the same methods used to enable it, providing flexibility for users to switch back to the traditional Windows 11 interface as desired.
