Microsoft is rolling out Xbox Mode on Windows 11 PCs right now, bringing a console-like experience to desktops, laptops and handheld devices with the latest Windows 11 update. However, the Xbox Mode experience will be rolled out in waves across different regions, so not all PC players will get it at the same time.
In short, Xbox Mode will allow gamers to easily play their PC titles through a full-screen interface optimized for controllers. Players can also jump back and forth between Xbox Mode and the standard Windows 11 desktop at any time, and can access Xbox Game Pass titles and their game library. In Xbox mode, apps are in full-screen mode, and only one window is displayed at a time to reduce background noise. Although it was first available for testing via Windows Insider Preview Builds in late 2025, Xbox Mode began rolling out to the public on Thursday, April 30.
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Xbox mode is rolling out now on supported devices
To ensure that Windows 11 devices are ready for Xbox Mode whenever it becomes available, Microsoft has outlined some steps that users can take right now. In a blog post dedicated to Xbox Mode, Microsoft said that Windows 11 users who want to try Xbox Mode should check their system settings and download all the latest Windows updates. Enabling the “Get the latest updates as soon as they're available” option is required to download Xbox Mode as soon as it's ready. When Xbox Mode is available, users can enable it by going to Settings, selecting Gaming on the left side of the screen, clicking on Xbox Mode and enabling it.
Once Xbox Mode is enabled, it can be accessed from the Game Bar Settings menu or by pressing the Windows key + F11. Users can also access Xbox Mode via Windows 11's task view, which can be opened by pressing the Windows key + Tab. In addition, users on supported handheld devices, including ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, can boot directly into Xbox mode on startup when available. It is currently unclear which specific regions have access to Xbox Mode at the time of writing, so users are advised to keep their Windows 11 devices updated to receive Xbox Mode as soon as it is available.
Another good rule of thumb to follow is to make sure all graphics drivers are up-to-date, which can minimize problems and unlock new features. AMD, Intel, and Nvidia GPU users can check their card manufacturer's website or driver software, such as the Nvidia app and AMD Adrenalin, for the latest GPU drivers.
Xbox mode comes at the right time for Microsoft
Xbox Mode's global release comes amid a time of major change for Microsoft and the Xbox brand. On April 21, Microsoft announced that one of its changes would see reductions in Xbox Game Pass subscription prices. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass prices were reduced to $23.99 and $13.99 per month, respectively. But the move came with a big caveat, like the future Call of Duty releases will not be available as Day One Game Pass titles. Microsoft then clarified that the move does not affect anyone Call of Duty games currently available on Xbox Game Pass, and that future Call of Duty entries would be on Game Pass a year after launch.
While Microsoft has admitted it has work to do following a Q3 2026 earnings decline, the implementation of Xbox Mode should make PC gaming a smoother experience. As Xbox Mode continues to roll out worldwide, time will tell how many Windows users will take advantage of the new option.
