Xbox Game Bar Archives

Winsage

November 17, 2024

Windows 11 build 26100.2448 (KB5046740) gets better Windows Setup, Mica fixes, DISM, more

Microsoft has released a new Release Preview build for Windows 11 24H2 Insiders, identified as build 26100.2448 under KB5046740. This update includes various fixes and enhancements, such as: - Start menu: Users can access jump lists by right-clicking pinned apps. - Taskbar: Shortened date and time displayed; notification bell icon may be hidden in "Do not disturb" mode; clicking date and time opens notification center; full date and time format adjustable in settings. - Touchscreen: New section for managing edge gestures. - Task Manager: Dark mode support for Disconnect and Logoff dialogs; Performance section now shows disk types. - Input Method Editor (IME): IME toolbar hides in full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - File Explorer: Users can share content directly to Android devices via context menu; fixed expansion direction of the menu when selecting the See more button. - IFilters: Windows Search runs IFilters in Less Privileged App Containers for enhanced security. - Dynamic Lighting Settings: Placeholder message for no compatible devices; new directional options for effects. - Narrator: Enhancements for better navigation through documents. - Speech in Windows: Improvements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities. - Settings: Tailored Experiences rebranded as Personalized offers. - Jump lists: Shift and CTRL while clicking opens items with administrative privileges. - DISM: StartComponentCleanup task fixed. - PowerShell: Stabilized Get-WindowsCapability command. - Windows Update: Resolved error 0x800f0905 during updates. - JPG files: APIs for rotation information now functional. - Display: Fixed clustering of app windows after sleep mode; corrected Mica material display with slideshow backgrounds. - Mouse: Fixed pointer location circle size on certain displays. - Clipboard: Resolved clipboard history showing no content. - Taskbar: Fixed search box display issues when auto-hidden. - HTML Applications (HTA): Fixed inclusion of HTA optional components in ARM64 Windows PE. - Graphics Device Interface Plus (GDI+): Fixed image file property issues and scaling errors during re-encoding. - RAW format images: Fixed orientation issues. - Exporting chart objects: Resolved freezing issues in PDF and XLSX formats. - Mouse and Xbox game bar: Fixed mouse unlocking issues with multiple monitors.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Gamers are finally flocking to Windows 11 after 3 years

Windows 11 has reached a 51.97% adoption rate among gamers, a 4.28% increase from the previous month, while Windows 10 has declined to 45.95%, a decrease of 2.71%. Windows 11 first surpassed Windows 10 in adoption in August, and the gap is widening as users migrate. Windows 10 will be retired on October 14, 2025, with Microsoft offering an additional year of security updates for a fee. Recent performance issues with AMD’s Ryzen 9000 CPUs at launch were addressed in the 24H2 update. The Steam hardware survey also reported a 1.53% increase in RTX 3060 users, now at 7.24%. Windows 11 includes features like the Xbox Game Bar and DirectStorage to enhance gaming experiences.

Winsage

August 22, 2024

5 apps you should be using instead of the default ones on Windows 11

Windows 11 users often seek alternatives to the default applications due to limited functionality and usability. The process of changing default apps differs between Windows 10 and 11; Windows 11 requires users to set a default app for each file type individually. The default media player, Movies & TV app, has limitations such as lack of codec support and missing features like conversion tools. Recommended alternatives include VLC Media Player and PotPlayer. Microsoft Edge is underutilized, with only 15% of users opting for it, while alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera GX, and Vivaldi are popular. Microsoft's Clipchamp is a basic video editor, with Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve as better options for complex editing. The Photos app is the default image editor, with Adobe Photoshop as the premium choice and GIMP and Canva as free alternatives. Windows 11's screen recording tools, like Xbox Game Bar, may underperform, while OBS Studio and Nvidia's GeForce Experience's ShadowPlay offer better options.

Winsage

August 16, 2024

Windows 11 runs better than ever on a Steam Deck OLED, but it still doesn’t matter

Valve released a new suite of Windows 11 drivers for the Steam Deck OLED on August 15, 2024, aimed at improving the performance of the device's AMD processor, wireless connectivity, and audio playback. The Steam Deck, launched in February 2022, is known as the world's most popular gaming handheld and supports the installation of alternative operating systems, including Windows 11. Users can install Windows 11 by wiping the internal storage, but dual-booting with SteamOS is not officially supported, and a dual-boot wizard has not yet been released. The current version of SteamOS is 3.5.19. There is speculation that dual-boot support may be introduced with the anticipated Steam Deck 2. Despite updates to Windows 11, many users prefer the default SteamOS for its convenience and tailored experience.

Winsage

August 16, 2024

Debloating Windows made me realize how packed with useless features it is

Windows 11 often comes preloaded with unnecessary software, known as bloatware, which can slow down system performance. Common preinstalled applications include TikTok, Microsoft Teams, OneNote, Copilot, and Xbox Game Bar. The operating system also features a cluttered taskbar and unsolicited news articles, along with telemetry features that some users may want to avoid. Tools like Win11Debloat and Tiny11 can help users remove unwanted applications and background processes, leading to improved performance and a more organized operating system. Users report a noticeable enhancement in their experience after using Win11Debloat, as it allows for a customized installation by eliminating unnecessary features and distractions.

Winsage

August 15, 2024

The compact Xbox Game Bar is fine, but I hope it’s not a Windows handheld bandage

Microsoft has introduced a compact version of the Xbox Game Bar, currently available to Xbox Insider program members, aimed at enhancing usability on portable devices. This update is designed to assist gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally by providing a streamlined way to adjust settings and launch games without navigating the Windows desktop. The compact Game Bar offers quick access to features such as screenshots, social interactions, and audio controls, with an optimized interface for smaller screens. It allows users to launch main storefront applications and tools like Armoury Crate, although it still requires navigating through multiple screens to reach games. The performance tab lacks the ability to pin on-screen in compact mode, limiting its utility compared to competitors like the Steam Deck. Overall, the compact Game Bar is seen as a basic update rather than a significant innovation in the handheld gaming experience.

Winsage

August 14, 2024

Xbox Game Bar Update Simplifies Experience On Small Screens

Xbox has released an update to its Game Bar, introducing a feature called Compact Mode, which is currently available only to Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview program. Compact Mode simplifies the Game Bar interface for users on smaller screens and handheld devices. Players can activate it through "Settings" by toggling on "Compact Mode." In this mode, players can switch between widgets using the left and right bumpers on their controllers, access running and recently played games from the Home widget, and easily exit games by selecting them in the Home widget and pressing close. Additionally, Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available on devices like Fire TV 4K Sticks.

Winsage

August 14, 2024

Microsoft is shrinking the Xbox Game Bar for Windows handheld gaming PCs – Liliputing

Microsoft has unveiled a preview of the new Compact Mode for the Xbox Game Bar, designed for handheld devices and smaller screens. This mode features a Home widget displaying currently running and recently played games, quick access to various game launchers, and the ability to quit games directly from the widget. It also includes a Resource widget to identify applications consuming system resources, allowing users to close unnecessary programs. The interface is navigable using game controllers, with an option for button mapping to launch the Xbox Game Bar quickly. Currently, this feature is available exclusively to members of the Windows Insider Preview program.

Winsage

August 14, 2024

Xbox Game Bar’s new PC “Compact Mode” offers a glimpse at Microsoft’s gaming handheld future

The Xbox Game Bar is a tool available on Windows 10 and Windows 11 that can be accessed by pressing Windows Key + G, providing functionalities like screen recording and access to Xbox's social features. Microsoft has introduced a "Compact Mode" for the Xbox Game Bar, designed for handheld gaming devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. This mode simplifies the interface for easier navigation with a gamepad and can be toggled on through the settings menu. The new design mirrors the Xbox Guide layout, allowing users to switch between widgets, access games, and view their friends list. The Game DVR feature enables recording of gameplay footage. Although the initial rollout may have some issues, it represents a significant improvement for usability on smaller screens. Microsoft is focusing on enhancing the Windows experience for portable gaming solutions, responding to the demand for more intuitive interfaces in the evolving gaming landscape.