How to enable Xbox mode for PC on Windows 11

Q: How do I enable Xbox mode on Windows 11?

To enable Xbox mode on Windows 11, open Settings, go to Gaming, and access the Xbox mode page. Choose the "Xbox" app as the home app, enable the startup toggle, and restart your device. After signing in, the system will launch directly into the gaming interface.

Xbox mode replaces the desktop with a full-screen, controller-friendly gaming interface on Windows 11.
Available starting with the May 2026 Security Update and higher releases.
Improves gaming performance and battery life, especially on low-end or handheld PCs.
Requires the latest version of the Xbox app.

On Windows 11, starting with the May 2026 Security Update, you can enable the new Xbox mode (formerly Full Screen Experience (FSE)) to turn your PC into a gaming PC with a console-like experience, and in this guide, I’ll show you how to complete this configuration.

The Xbox mode is a feature Microsoft created to replace the traditional desktop experience with a more controller-friendly, full-screen dashboard, similar to an Xbox console interface, but built on the Xbox app already available on Windows 11. In addition, this process frees up memory (up to 2GB) and other resources typically used by background processes, improving gaming performance and battery life.

Before you start. The computer needs to have already installed the “2026-05 Preview Update (KB5083631) (Build 26200.8313)” or higher release and the latest version of the Xbox app. At the time of this writing, the system update is available through the Release Preview Channel through the Windows Insider Program, and you can always update the Xbox app from the Microsoft Store’s “Downloads” page.

In this guide, I’ll show you the steps to enable and disable the Xbox mode feature on any PC running Windows 11.

Enable Xbox mode for PC on Windows 11
Disable Xbox mode for PC on Windows 11
Pureinfotech’s Take
FAQs about enabling Xbox mode on Windows 11

Important: Until the May 2026 Security Update is fully available, you may not be able to access the features. The company is taking a gradual rollout approach to deploy the Xbox mode to compatible devices. You can always use these instructions to force-enable Xbox mode on any PC.

Enable Xbox mode for PC on Windows 11

To enable and launch the Xbox mode on startup on Windows 11, follow these steps:

Open the Settings app on Windows 11.
Click on Gaming.
Click the Xbox mode page.
Select the Xbox app in the “Choose home app” setting (if applicable).
Turn on the “Enter Xbox mode on startup” toggle switch.
Turn on the “Show accessibility control hints in Task View” toggle switch.

Quick note: This option will give an option to switch between the desktop and the new gaming mode from the Task View experience.
Restart your gaming PC.

Once you complete the steps, as you sign in, Windows 11 will enter into the Xbox console-like experience.

Also, you’ll need to sign in with your credentials to the Xbox app before you can access your games.

If you don’t choose to start the Xbox mode experience on startup, when launching the Xbox app, click the “Xbox mode” button in the top-right of the app, then click the “Start now” button.

Enable Xbox mode without restart / Image: Mauro Huculak

If you need to turn off your computer, press the “Windows key” (or the “View” button), click on “Windows desktop,” and then choose the “Shut down” option in the Start menu.

Disable Xbox mode for PC on Windows 11

To disable the Xbox mode on Windows 11, follow these steps:

Press the Windows key on the keyboard.
Click the Windows desktop button at the bottom of the view.
Click the Continue button.
Open the Settings app.
Click on Gaming.
Click the Xbox mode page.
Select the None app in the “Choose home app” setting (if applicable).
Turn off the “Enter Xbox mode on startup” toggle switch.
Turn off the “Show accessibility control hints in Task View” toggle switch.
Restart your gaming PC.

After you complete the steps, as you sign in, you’ll access the Windows 11 desktop experience rather than the Xbox mode.

While you can switch between experiences, if you plan to use the desktop for everyday tasks, it’s best to disable Xbox mode and restart the computer. This ensures all standard services and background processes are fully restored, allowing the desktop environment to run as intended.

Pureinfotech’s Take

The new Xbox mode on Windows 11 shows how Microsoft is evolving the PC gaming experience beyond the traditional desktop. Instead of layering gaming features on top, this option replaces the desktop with a full-screen, controller-friendly interface focused entirely on gameplay.

From a technical standpoint, the biggest advantage is resource optimization. By reducing background services and desktop overhead, the system can free up to a couple of gigabytes of memory and lower overall system load. On lower-end hardware or handheld gaming PCs, this can result in smoother performance and improved battery life.

That said, this feature targets a specific scenario. Xbox mode works best on dedicated gaming setups where the device is primarily used to launch and play games through the Xbox app. For productivity, multitasking, or general desktop use, the standard desktop experience is still more practical and flexible.

There’s also a usability trade-off. Running a full-screen gaming environment changes how you access system controls, apps, and even power options. While you can switch back to the desktop, it adds extra steps that may not feel natural in a typical computer workflow.

Overall, Xbox mode is a solid addition for gaming-focused devices and aligns with Microsoft’s broader effort to bring console-like experiences to Windows 11. For most users, however, the traditional desktop should remain the default unless the device is primarily used for gaming.

FAQs about enabling Xbox mode on Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about managing the Xbox mode on Windows 11.

What is Xbox mode on Windows 11?

Xbox mode on Windows 11 is a full-screen, controller-friendly interface that replaces the desktop with a console-like experience. Built on the Xbox app, it reduces background processes to free up memory and improve gaming performance and battery life.

How do I enable Xbox mode on Windows 11?

To enable Xbox mode on Windows 11, open Settings, go to Gaming, and access the Xbox mode page. Choose the “Xbox” app as the home app, enable the startup toggle, and restart your device. After signing in, the system will launch directly into the gaming interface.

What do I need before using Xbox mode on Windows 11?

You need a computer running Windows 11 with the May 2026 update and the latest version of the Xbox app.

Does Xbox mode improve gaming performance on Windows 11?

Yes, Xbox mode improves gaming performance on Windows 11 by reducing background services and freeing up to 2GB of memory. This reduces system overhead, which can lead to smoother gameplay and better battery life, especially on lower-end or handheld gaming devices.

How do I disable Xbox mode and return to the desktop?

To disable Xbox mode on Windows 11, switch to the desktop, open Settings, go to Gaming, and turn off the startup option in the Xbox mode page. Restart your computer to fully restore standard services and return to the normal desktop experience.

Can I switch between Xbox mode and desktop mode on Windows 11?

Yes, you can switch between Xbox mode and the desktop on Windows 11 using Task View. However, switching adds extra steps, so it’s recommended to disable Xbox mode if you primarily use the device for everyday computing tasks.

Can I use a keyboard and mouse in Xbox mode on Windows 11?

Yes, you can still use a keyboard and mouse in Xbox mode on Windows 11, but the interface is optimized for controller input. Navigation and interactions are designed around a gamepad, so using traditional input devices may feel less intuitive compared to the standard desktop experience.

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