Microsoft is all set to allow Windows 11 computers to act as Xbox consoles. This was confirmed at the GDC 2026 conference, with the company announcing that its Xbox Mode will roll out on Windows 11 computers in April. This will be done on computers, including laptops, desktops, and tablets, as well as handheld devices.
The Xbox Mode will be a full-screen interface, formerly referred to as the Xbox Full Screen Experience, which will transform the Xbox PC app into the home screen, effectively removing the Windows desktop and replacing it with a more streamlined, console-style interface.
This will allow the user to view and play their collection of games, including PC Game Pass titles and those purchased on competing storefronts such as Steam and Battle.net, with the addition of a task switcher to enable the user to switch between games and programs without leaving the full-screen environment, much like the Steam Big Picture mode.
The experience was initially available on Asus’ ROG Ally Xbox handheld devices and later on other Windows 11 gaming handheld devices to reduce friction and allow for direct booting into Xbox. Under the hood, it removes desktop overhead and background processes to allow for more memory for games, skipping the full explorer shell and saving about 2GB of memory in preview builds.
Xbox Mode is coming to all Windows 11 form factors starting in April, but only for “select markets” initially, with the United States being confirmed. The feature has been available for testing for Windows Insiders since late 2025, and users can enable it via the Game Bar or Windows 11’s gaming settings and start it with a shortcut such as Win+F11.
At GDC, Xbox’s vice president Jason Ronald described Xbox Mode as part of the company’s broader strategy to “break down the barriers between console and PC games” and to ensure the Xbox experience works the same on any screen. Microsoft’s pitch is that the user will be able to “switch between productivity and play” with the same familiar full-screen, controller-centric UX, yet still benefit from the modding and multi-retailer advantages of Windows. For anyone with a living room PC or handheld, the April update makes Windows 11 effectively a first-party console without giving up the advantages of a PC.
