Hello Windows Insiders! Your enthusiasm for the latest Windows handhelds has not gone unnoticed, and we are thrilled to share that we have been listening to your feedback. Today marks an exciting development as we begin previewing a new gaming experience on Windows 11 PCs.
Expanding the Xbox Full Screen Experience
With the general availability of the full screen experience on various Windows handhelds, we are pleased to announce that the Windows Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 is now available for the Dev and Beta Channels. This update expands the Xbox full screen experience to a wider range of devices, including laptops, desktops, and tablets.
Windows has long stood as a cornerstone of innovation, particularly in the realm of PC gaming. In collaboration with Xbox, we are crafting experiences tailored to how and when people choose to play. The full screen experience is specifically designed for gaming, providing an immersive environment that mimics the feel of a console while preserving the flexibility that PC gamers cherish.
With a focus on console-style navigation, the Xbox full screen experience presents a clean and distraction-free interface, perfect for controller-first gaming. When it’s time to take a break, simply grab your controller and immerse yourself in this simplified gaming environment. Transitioning back to your desktop is seamless, allowing you to resume your tasks right where you left off.
To access the Xbox full screen experience, hover over the Task View icon on your taskbar and select the option. Alternatively, you can open Task View by pressing Win + Tab. For those who prefer keyboard shortcuts, the experience can also be accessed via the Game Bar settings or by pressing Win + F11 to toggle it on and off. If you wish to disable the experience entirely, this can be managed in Windows Settings under Gaming > Full screen experience.
Upon entering the Xbox full screen experience, users will be greeted with the Xbox home screen, providing access to a variety of games, including titles from Xbox, Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, and other popular storefronts.
Switching between open applications and games is made effortless with a long press on the Xbox button, whether using a controller or keyboard. Some keyboard shortcuts, such as those for showing the desktop or searching, have been intentionally adjusted within the Xbox full screen experience to maintain a focused gaming environment. When you’re ready to return to your desktop, simply select the Windows desktop option from Task View, exit from Game Bar settings, or hit the Windows key on your keyboard—no reboot necessary.
Availability:
Beginning today, the Xbox full screen experience is gradually rolling out with the Windows Insider Preview Build (26220.7271) to the Dev and Beta channels. This feature requires the Xbox app from the Microsoft Store. As the rollout is phased, not all Insiders will receive the update immediately. To be among the first to explore these new features on your Windows 11 PC, consider joining the Xbox Insiders Program and opting into the PC Gaming preview through the Xbox Insiders Hub. We will continue to add new Xbox Insiders to the rollout over time.
We are dedicated to providing a seamless experience and eagerly await your thoughts and suggestions from the Windows and Xbox Insider communities.
FEEDBACK:
We encourage you to share your insights in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Gaming and Xbox > Gaming Full Screen Experience.
Thank you,
Ian LeGrow, CVP, Windows + Devices
