Compact Mode

AppWizard
July 16, 2025
Microsoft has enhanced its "Stream your own game" feature, allowing Xbox Insiders to stream any Xbox game they own directly on PC. This update follows previous rollouts to TVs, browsers, and consoles. The feature is available exclusively to Xbox Insiders who are Game Pass Ultimate members and can be accessed through the Xbox PC app in 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming operates. Players can stream from over 250 supported titles without installation. The game library is expanding, though it currently does not include older Xbox and Xbox 360 titles. Microsoft is also promoting its Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, enabling gamers to purchase titles once and play them across multiple devices, including the upcoming Xbox ROG Ally Windows handhelds.
AppWizard
July 15, 2025
Xbox has expanded its 'Stream Your Own Game' feature for Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, allowing them to stream select titles directly through the Xbox PC app. This feature is now available in all 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) operates and includes access to console-only titles and a collection of over 200 supported games. Users can stream games without installation by selecting titles from their library in the Cloud Gaming section of the Xbox PC app. Other recent updates to the Xbox PC app include a Game Bar Compact Mode, a new Consolidated Home UI, and various Game Bar and Widgets updates.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Microsoft has updated its PC Game Bar, enhancing the settings widget for easier access to audio adjustments and screen brightness controls. The update allows users to toggle between compact and desktop modes. The Xbox app for PC now includes simplified options for an on-screen keyboard, Bluetooth device management, and airplane mode activation. It also features Wi-Fi and battery status icons in compact mode. The broader Xbox update has added Retro Classics to all Game Pass tiers, including titles like Pitfall and MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat. Xbox Insider Program members can customize their console home screens by hiding system apps from the "recently played" section and pinning up to three games or apps. Microsoft has scheduled the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 for June 8 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM UK, followed by a presentation on The Outer Worlds 2.
Winsage
April 2, 2025
Windows 11 may soon introduce a dedicated mode for gaming handhelds, as indicated by a leak from a source on Bluesky. This mode includes a new ‘GamingPosture’ category in settings, featuring options for a ‘full screen experience’ to improve usability on smaller screens. Microsoft is also removing HoloLens-related elements from the Windows 11 Settings app. Current Windows 11 interfaces are challenging for handheld devices, prompting speculation about a more portable-friendly interface. Recent enhancements include a ‘compact mode’ for the Xbox app and improvements to the Game Bar, as well as a gamepad keyboard layout for easier typing. Additionally, there are rumors of a potential Xbox-branded handheld device that could utilize the new UI experience in Windows 11.
Winsage
March 28, 2025
The Xbox Game Bar has been updated with an improved design for easier controller navigation, featuring a new Compact Mode optimized for controllers. This mode offers a user-friendly interface that allows for seamless cycling through widgets and settings. Additionally, a new widget store enables users to browse and install widgets directly using their controllers, which is particularly beneficial for portable Windows devices. The update enhances the overall gaming experience, especially for handheld gaming devices.
Winsage
March 28, 2025
Microsoft has rolled out updates for Xbox consoles and Windows 11 users, particularly enhancing the Game Bar. The Game Bar has received a graphical overhaul, including redesigned widgets such as Capture, Performance, Resource widgets, and the Widget Store. Improvements have also been made to navigation within the Widget Store for controller users, especially in Compact Mode, which optimizes the display for gaming handhelds. The updates aim to create a cleaner and more organized user interface. There is anticipation for a potential 'handheld mode' for Windows 11, which has been rumored.
Winsage
March 27, 2025
Microsoft is enhancing the Game Bar to improve the gaming experience on handheld devices, introducing a refreshed interface that offers quicker access to tools and real-time statistical insights. The update aims to optimize gameplay across various platforms, particularly in Compact Mode, which resembles Steam's Big Picture mode. Additionally, Microsoft has expanded its Game Pass service, allowing subscribers to stream games they own, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and is offering exclusive bonuses in popular free-to-play games to attract more users to the subscription model.
Winsage
March 19, 2025
Microsoft has introduced a gamepad keyboard for Windows 11 that allows users to type using an Xbox controller. This new feature enhances the on-screen keyboard and includes shortcuts for Xbox controllers, such as using the X button for backspace and the Y button for the spacebar. The gamepad keyboard is part of Microsoft's initiative to improve the handheld experience for gamers and is currently available in the Release Preview version of Windows 11, with wider access expected soon. Additionally, Microsoft has updated the Game Bar for better usability on smaller screens and improved controller navigation in the Xbox app for PC.
Winsage
December 20, 2024
Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 before the end of support in October 2025. Key gaming features of Windows 11 include Auto HDR, DirectStorage, Game Bar Compact Mode, Dynamic Lighting, optimizations for windowed games, an HDR calibration app, advanced hybrid support, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 support, color filters for colorblind players, automatic super resolution for Arm Copilot+ PCs, and the Xbox app on Windows PC. Windows 11 has a 52.48% market share among Steam users as of November 2024, surpassing Windows 10 in mid-2024. Currently, Windows 10 holds a 61.82% market share while Windows 11 is at 34.94%. Gamers are adopting Windows 11 faster than the general user base.
Winsage
December 19, 2024
Microsoft is encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, especially targeting gamers. Key features of Windows 11 include Auto HDR for enhanced visuals on SDR games, DirectStorage for reduced loading times and improved frame rates with NVMe SSDs, and Compact Mode for Game Bar for better usability on smaller screens. Other features include Dynamic Lighting for RGB devices, HDR Calibration app, color filters for colorblind players, and Automatic Super Resolution for Arm-based PCs. The effectiveness of these features depends on hardware compatibility, and while some improvements may enhance gaming experiences, they may not be significant enough for all users to upgrade immediately. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, prompting users to consider their options regarding upgrading or sticking with Windows 10.
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