controller navigation Archives

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Xbox full screen experience is no longer just for handheld gaming PCs, but the feature is rolling out gradually and we’re not having much luck with workarounds

Microsoft has expanded the availability of its Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) to a wider range of Windows 11 PC form factors, including laptops, desktops, and tablets. The FSE offers a user interface similar to the Xbox Series X/S and allows access to various gaming platforms with improved performance over the standard Windows environment. Users can activate Xbox FSE by pressing Win + F11 or using the Task View icon. The feature is being rolled out gradually as part of the Windows Insider Preview Build 26220.7271, with some users needing workarounds like ViVeTool for access. MSI's Claw devices officially support Xbox FSE, but its effectiveness on non-handheld devices is debated. The FSE aims to create a console-like atmosphere on Windows 11, featuring a controller-friendly interface and a powerful Task Switcher for seamless transitions between games and applications.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Now Available Worldwide

The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld devices are now available in 45 countries, developed in collaboration with ASUS and AMD. These devices integrate the Xbox experience with Windows, allowing players to access their Xbox library, progress, friends, and achievements. Pre-orders are available through Xbox.com in the U.S. and through the ASUS eShop for other regions. The Xbox Ally features ergonomic grips and a new Xbox Full Screen Experience, with resources like a Getting Started guide and Gaming Copilot (Beta) for assistance. The Handheld Compatibility program includes titles such as Gears of War: Reloaded and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Players can enjoy over 1000 games via Xbox Play Anywhere, with over 55 new titles added last month. Select markets will receive three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium or PC Game Pass with their purchase. The devices are optimized for accessibility, catering to players with disabilities. Future updates will include Default Game Profiles for better performance and battery life, enhancements to the docking experience, and AI-powered features. Many innovations will be applicable across all Windows devices, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Windows 11 KB5063878 (24H2) boosts performance, direct download links (.msu)

Windows 11 KB5063878 is a mandatory update that introduces features such as Quick Machine Recovery, improved stability, and enhanced system performance. The update will automatically download and install, identified as the 2025-08 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5063878), advancing systems to Windows 11 Build 26100.4946. It addresses stability issues reported after the May 2025 updates, particularly in gaming scenarios. Direct download links for offline installers (.msu) are available on the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update includes a new Settings UI with an AI-powered search bar, enhancements for handheld gaming, a redesigned Black Screen of Death (BSOD), and Quick Machine Recovery for unbootable systems. Users in Europe with Copilot+ PCs gain new AI features like Recall, which can be disabled through Privacy & Security settings. Fixes in this update include resolving Windows Firewall errors, issues with the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS), visibility problems in File Explorer, and bugs affecting the Settings app and laptop lid options. Microsoft is unaware of any current issues with the update and will continue testing.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Windows 11 KB5062660 24H2 out with features, direct download links for offline installer (.msu)

Windows 11 KB5062660 is an optional update for Windows 11 24H2, introducing features like Recall AI for users in Europe. The update is approximately one gigabyte in size and upgrades the operating system to Windows 11 Build 26100.4770. Users can access it through Windows Update or direct download links from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Recall AI allows users to save screen snapshots but raises privacy concerns, which can be managed through settings. The update also includes Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) for efficient system recovery, improvements in system stability, and various enhancements such as inline messages in the Snap bar, streamlined Windows Search settings, enhanced controller navigation, and fixes for issues in the Settings app and File Explorer.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Starting this week, the Xbox PC app will integrate ‘leading PC gaming stores’ for Xbox Insiders — with no mention of Steam

Microsoft is rolling out a new aggregated store system for Xbox Insiders participating in the Windows 11 PC Gaming Preview, featuring an updated Xbox PC app that compiles offerings from various PC storefronts. The app will automatically detect games installed from other platforms, currently including Battle.net, and add them to the library section. Users can disable this feature in the settings. The integration aims to improve navigation through different PC store apps using a controller, especially with the upcoming launch of the Xbox Ally. Additional Windows functionalities for controller navigation are also expected.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Microsoft Issues New Prerelease 24H2 Builds to Dev and Beta Channels

A significant update for Windows 11 version 24H2 is available for participants in the Windows Insider Program’s Dev and Beta channels. The cumulative update KB5060824 is rolling out for the Dev channel, upgrading systems to build 26200.5641, while the Beta channel receives cumulative update KB5060820, upgrading to build 26120.4250. Key features of the update include: - A redesigned Start menu with in-place scrolling, two new views (Category and Grid), dynamic resizing for "Pinned" and "Recommended" sections, and improved customization options. - An optimized Phone companion pane that integrates with the Phone Link feature, featuring an expand/collapse button. - Customization options for the Lock screen, allowing users to select and order displayed widgets. - A new Screen Curtain feature in Narrator that blackens the display for privacy, along with a modernized onboarding experience. - Consolidation of all Windows Search settings into a single location within the Settings app under Privacy & security > Search. - Enhancements to the Windows Touch Keyboard, including a refined Gamepad layout, flyout menus, word suggestions, language switching, and a new PIN sign-in option for the Lock screen tailored for gaming controllers.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Microsoft might finally get me to use Xbox Game Bar with its latest update

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.