Xbox Mode Archives

Winsage

April 20, 2026

Microsoft tests Windows Explorer speed, performance improvements

Microsoft is enhancing File Explorer for Windows 11 Insider program users, focusing on improved launch speed and performance. A preloading feature was tested that allows File Explorer to load in the background for faster access, which users can disable in the Folder Options. These updates follow the introduction of Startup Boost for Office applications, which also aims to improve loading times. The Windows Insider Program Team is also working on enhancing the reliability of the explorer.exe process and addressing issues with bright white flashes when opening File Explorer in dark mode. Additionally, a new Xbox mode has been introduced for Windows 11 PCs, providing a full-screen gaming interface to reduce distractions. These updates are being rolled out to Insiders in the Release Preview channel with specific Windows 11 builds installed.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

Windows 11’s New Xbox Mode is Now Available for More Insiders

Microsoft is expanding the Xbox Mode, previously known as the Xbox Full Screen Experience, to more Insiders, including those on the Canary and Release Preview Channels. The new Xbox Mode can be activated through the Xbox app, Game Bar settings, or by pressing Win + F11, providing a full-screen interface for PC games. The Canary build 29570.1000 also introduces a new Touchpad setting for adjusting the right-click zone size and expands lock screen widget personalization options. For Canary testers on the 28000 series builds, the build 28020.1863 addresses a sign-in issue without introducing new features. The Dev and Beta Channels are receiving updates focused on reliability, including improvements to File Explorer and Windows Hello. The Release Preview Channel is previewing an upcoming optional April update that includes the new Xbox Mode, File Explorer enhancements, haptic feedback for certain pens, a rebranded Drop Tray, taskbar monitoring for AI agents, and revamped voice typing features. Additional reliability enhancements are included for various Windows components.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Introducing the ultimate college bundle: built for student life

Eligible U.S. students can access significant discounts on select Windows 11 PCs and the Microsoft College Offer, which includes over 0 in complimentary value. This offer provides a full year of Microsoft 365 Premium, a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a complimentary design-your-own Xbox Wireless Controller. Notable discounted PCs include the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x for 9, HP OmniBook X Flip for 9, and HP Victus for 9. Students can find qualifying devices from brands like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft Surface at various retailers. Additionally, 86% of students report using AI to support their studies, and Microsoft 365 Premium includes features like Copilot for organizing notes, aiding in budget tracking, generating presentation drafts, and summarizing emails. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers access to hundreds of games, including new titles like Forza Horizon 6, with unlimited cloud gaming.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8155 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8155 (KB 5083822) has been released to the Dev Channel, featuring new haptic feedback for compatible input devices, rebranding of the Xbox full screen experience to Xbox mode, and performance improvements for startup apps. Issues resolved include app sign-in problems and a printing crash. Updates are rolled out gradually, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback. Users can enable updates via Settings > Windows Update. The desktop watermark is standard for Insider pre-release builds, and some features may not be fully localized initially.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

Xbox Full Screen Experience Becomes ‘Xbox mode’ in Latest Windows 11 Insider Builds

Microsoft is launching an Xbox mode for Windows 11 users, previously known as the Xbox Full Screen Experience, currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. This mode will be widely accessible in select markets starting in April 2026. It features a controller-optimized interface for browsing and launching games while allowing access to the Windows desktop. New haptic feedback effects are available for compatible input devices, and the latest Dev Channel build, 26220.8148, introduces a new icon for printer support in Windows Protected Print Mode. The Canary builds include enhancements for pen users and focus on platform changes and bug fixes.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Xbox Project Helix Specs Leak: Why Microsoft’s New Console is Amazing

Microsoft's gaming console, codenamed Project Helix, integrates console and PC ecosystems, featuring a custom AMD System on Chip (SoC) with a 3nm process, and a GPU based on AMD's RDNA 5 architecture. It reportedly rivals Nvidia’s RTX 5080 in rasterization and outperforms the RTX 5090 in ray tracing. The console includes a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for enhanced AI capabilities, supporting both Xbox and PC games natively. It utilizes AMD’s FSR Diamond technology for near-native 4K visuals and incorporates DirectStorage technology for faster load times. Project Helix supports four generations of Xbox games and is expected to have alpha development kits available in early 2027, with a consumer launch in 2028, priced between ,000 and ,200.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Microsoft lets PC users add third-party games and apps to the Xbox App

Xbox's forthcoming Project Helix console is expected to support both console and PC games, featuring an "Xbox Mode" interface that transitions to a full Windows environment. A new enhancement allows users to incorporate third-party games and applications into the Xbox PC app launcher. A preview version of the Xbox app includes a plus icon in the My Library tab, enabling users to add programs to their Xbox library. Users can browse through File Explorer to select ".exe" and ".cmd" files for inclusion. Added applications appear as unofficial "games" in the My Library section, with options to play, remove, or edit them, including modifying file locations and artwork. The official launch of the console is not expected until at least late 2027.

AppWizard

March 16, 2026

With Project Helix On The Horizon, Xbox Is Now Letting You Add Games Manually On PC

Xbox's Project Helix console is expected to support both console and PC games, allowing users to switch between an "Xbox Mode" interface and Windows. The integration with the Xbox app enables access to various game storefronts and applications, enhancing user experience. Features include the ability to launch games and apps directly from the Xbox app, a "Add Games To Library" feature for browsing and customizing titles, and improved performance by staying within the Xbox Full-Screen Experience. These capabilities may also be integrated into Project Helix, benefiting users who play obscure or retro games and use Microsoft Office applications.

AppWizard

March 12, 2026

Microsoft confirms ‘Xbox Mode’ rollout for Windows 11 and reveals more plans for PC-console hybrid Project Helix

Microsoft will launch 'Xbox Mode,' a reimagined version of the Xbox Full Screen Experience, on Windows 11 next month. Xbox Mode is designed to optimize gaming performance by reducing resource-intensive background tasks and will enhance navigation for controller users. Project Helix, a PC-console hybrid, is set to be accessible to developers in 2027 and will feature a custom System on Chip (SoC) developed in collaboration with AMD, promising improved ray tracing performance. AMD's new FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) upscaler, named 'Diamond,' will be optimized for Project Helix and integrated into the Game Development Kit (GDK). Xbox Mode will be available in April, while highly anticipated titles like GTA 6 may not release until 2028.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Xbox Mode officially comes to Windows PCs starting next month

Microsoft will begin rolling out 'Xbox Mode' on Windows 11 next month, starting in select markets. This feature aims to create a user-friendly interface that allows seamless transitions between productivity and gaming. It provides a full-screen experience optimized for controllers while maintaining the openness of the Windows platform. The initial version of Xbox Mode was introduced with the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds and received mixed feedback. Additionally, Microsoft is reviving its games preservation program.