Microsoft is expanding the Xbox Full Screen Experience to more Windows 11 devices, giving laptops, desktops, and tablets access to a console-style interface that was previously limited to Windows handhelds. The update arrives through the Windows Insider Program and aims to make PC gaming feel more streamlined and controller-friendly.
The Full Screen Experience creates a dedicated gaming environment that replaces the traditional desktop with a clean, controller-navigable layout. You can browse your library, launch titles, and switch between stores like Steam, Battle.net, and the Microsoft Store without touching the Windows shell. The desktop remains accessible at any time, so you can jump between gaming and productivity without restarting or logging out.
Microsoft says the mode reduces background processes and avoids loading the full Windows Explorer shell, which can save up to two gigabytes of memory on certain handheld systems. The same performance-minded approach applies to laptops and desktops, where the interface helps create a focused, console-like feel.
Ian LeGrow, Corporate Vice President of Windows and Devices, explained the goal behind the feature by saying, “Full screen experience is purpose-built for gaming and adds another way to enjoy games on your PC, delivering an immersive experience for players who want a console-like feel while keeping the flexibility and choice that PC players value.”
To try the feature early, users must enroll in the Xbox Insider Program and the Windows Insider Dev or Beta channels, then update to build 26220.7271 or later. Access will continue to roll out in stages. Once available, you can launch the mode by hovering over the Task View icon and selecting it, pressing Win + F11, or enabling it through the Game Bar settings.
The expansion reflects Microsoft’s broader effort to unify the PC gaming experience. Instead of bouncing between storefronts and desktop windows, the Full Screen Experience brings your entire library together in one interface that feels simpler and more immediate. As the rollout continues, a wider range of Windows devices will gain access to the feature.
