Xbox Insiders now get a full screen experience on Windows 11 handhelds already in market, plus a new preview feature for laptops, desktops, and tablets. This update trims load steps and boots straight into the Xbox app, so you reach play faster. The UI prioritizes controllers and puts your game library front and center across popular PC storefronts. A built Task Switcher moves you between games and apps with no fuss. Microsoft markets this as a console like shell for PCs, tailored for PC gaming sessions and living room setups. If you want early access, join the Xbox Insider and Windows Insider programs and opt into the PC gaming preview. After you test, share feedback through Feedback Hub under Gaming and Xbox, Gaming Full Screen Experience, so the team can refine performance and Windows integration. This gaming update arrives after months of handheld testing, and it signals Microsoft focus on unified play across devices. Expect smoother booting, cleaner UI, and direct access to game libraries from multiple storefronts. This piece explains how to join the preview, how the feature changes play on PCs, and where to leave feedback for faster fixes.
Xbox Full Screen Experience Expands To More Windows 11 PCs
The full screen experience arrives on handhelds with performance tweaks and direct Xbox boot. Microsoft pushed the feature into preview for other PC form factors. The aim is a controller first, immersive UI for PC gaming. Below are core changes and what they mean for you.
- Boot straight into the Xbox app for faster play sessions.
- Controller navigable menus reduce keyboard reliance.
- Task Switcher enables quick flips between games and apps.
- Support across major PC storefronts brings unified library access.
Example: a user with a gaming laptop uses FSE to launch Forza from the Xbox app, switch to Discord, then resume without desktop clutter. This shows practical Windows integration benefits for session flow.
What Full Screen Experience Means For Your PC Gaming Sessions
Expect a console styled shell built into Windows 11 for gaming sessions. The UI emphasizes large icons, controller focus, and fast navigation. Performance improvements reduce input lag on handhelds, with similar aims across laptops and desktops.
- Unified access to games across stores, useful for mixed libraries.
- Faster launch times from the Xbox app and lower UI overhead.
- Cleaner living room mode for couch play on Windows powered boxes.
Pro tip from a seasoned player: map common shortcuts to your controller before long sessions to shave seconds on menu navigation.
How To Join The PC Preview As An Xbox Insider
Joining gives early access to the preview feature and a route to shape gaming enhancements. Follow these steps and start testing in minutes.
- Join the Xbox Insider Program, install the Xbox Insider Hub, then select Previews > PC Gaming Preview and choose Join.
- Enroll in the Windows Insider Program, pick Beta or Dev channels to receive preview builds.
- Launch the Xbox app and switch into full screen experience from app settings when the preview appears.
Helpful links provide more setup detail and compatibility notes. Explore a guide on library integration, review update highlights, and verify fullscreen compatibility before joining.
- Explore Xbox PC and Steam library guide
- Read the September Xbox update features summary
- Check Xbox fullscreen compatibility notes
Joining both Insider programs gives you earliest access and a direct feedback path. Quick feedback helps speed fixes and polish.
How To Provide Feedback And Get Xbox Insider Support
Feedback shapes the experience. Use the Feedback Hub or report issues inside the Xbox PC App under Report a Problem. Community channels host active staff and moderators who answer posts and gather reports.
- Send bug reports via Feedback Hub, use WIN and F to open it fast.
- Report problems inside the Xbox PC App under Gaming Full Screen Experience.
- Join the Xbox Insider subreddit for ongoing support and threads from staff.
For extra reading, check detailed compatibility notes and community guides before wide deployment.
Practical Tips For Smooth Use Of Full Screen Experience On Windows 11
Small habits improve sessions. Optimize controls, free RAM, and set power mode to favor performance. These steps reduce load times and avoid interruptions during play.
- Map controller hotkeys for app switching and screenshots.
- Close background apps before long gaming sessions for consistent frame rates.
- Keep GPU drivers updated to match Microsoft gaming enhancements.
Test each change in short sessions to confirm gains. This method limits regressions while you tune settings.
How do I join the Xbox full screen experience preview?
Sign up for the Xbox Insider Program, install the Xbox Insider Hub, navigate to Previews then PC Gaming Preview and select Join. Also enroll in the Windows Insider Program under Beta or Dev channels to receive preview builds.
Will my library show games from other storefronts?
Yes. The full screen experience surfaces titles from multiple PC storefronts through the Xbox app, giving unified access to most popular stores. See compatibility notes before joining.
Where do I report bugs during the preview?
Use Feedback Hub via WIN and F or report a problem inside the Xbox PC App. Select Gaming and Xbox then Gaming Full Screen Experience to file issues. Community support exists on the Xbox Insider subreddit.
Which Windows builds support the preview?
Enroll in the Windows Insider Program and choose Beta or Dev channels. Microsoft rolls preview updates to these channels for broader PC testing.