Microsoft is expanding a new Full Screen Experience in Windows 11, designed to make PCs feel more like traditional gaming consoles. The feature, which initially launched on handheld Windows gaming devices such as the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, is now available in preview for laptops, desktops, and tablets. Its goal is to simplify navigation, optimize performance, and offer deeper integration with the Xbox ecosystem, creating a more console-like environment for PC gaming.
The interface resembles Steam’s Big Picture Mode, a TV-friendly layout that allows players to browse and launch games using a controller rather than a keyboard or mouse. Microsoft aims to provide a similarly streamlined experience, especially for users who play at a distance from their PCs or prefer a more relaxed, controller-driven setup.
Windows 11 Full Screen Experience (Home).
On handheld gaming devices, the Full Screen Experience is already fully available. It improves performance and enables users to launch the Xbox app directly, reducing steps between powering on the device and entering a game. The intention is to remove unnecessary barriers and shorten the time required to start gameplay.
The updated version brings these benefits to traditional PCs. Microsoft has adapted the interface for larger screens and the varied form factors supported by Windows 11. It includes full controller navigation, making it possible to browse menus, launch games, and interact with the platform without touching a keyboard or mouse. This shift aligns Windows more closely with the user experience of consoles such as the Xbox Series X|S.
Another key addition is the Task Switcher, a tool that lets users quickly switch between games and applications. This is particularly useful for players who alternate between playing, streaming, or using voice chat apps during their sessions. It creates a smoother workflow for multitasking without leaving the controller-friendly environment.
Windows 11 Full Screen Experience (Task View/Task Switcher).
Although the Full Screen Experience is still in preview, any user can test it. The process requires joining the Xbox Insider Program and the Windows Insider Program. Once enrolled, users can enable the new interface when entering the Xbox environment within Windows 11.
Microsoft has not yet announced when the feature will be rolled out to all users of the Xbox app on Windows. For now, it remains a preview experience aimed at refining the console-like approach to gaming on PCs. The initiative reflects Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to merge the flexibility of PC gaming with the accessibility and simplicity of console interfaces.
Filed in . Read more about Gaming, Microsoft and Windows 11.
