Finally, Windows 11 desktop PC users can enjoy Xbox Mode — and Microsoft has a new gift for Ally X users
It's about time
by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/isaiah-williams · TechRadarNews By Isaiah Williams published 1 May 2026
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- Microsoft has finally begun its Xbox Mode rollout for Windows 11 desktop PC users
- Microsoft has also made Auto SR upscaling available for Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Xbox Insiders
- The rollout comes amid Valve's updates on SteamOS in preparation for the Steam Machine
Microsoft is only just getting started with its plans to revitalize gaming for both desktop PC and handheld users, with Windows project K2 set to improve the operating system — but that's not all.
Xbox Mode is now being rolled out on desktop PCs, as announced by Microsoft via Xbox Wire as of the latest April 30 Windows update. This is what some Windows 11 users may have been familiar with as Full Screen Experience, which has been available since November 2025 for Xbox Insiders.
It's also worth noting that Microsoft is also introducing its new Auto SR preview for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Xbox Insiders, which is a new addition to Xbox Mode that can be enabled via Game Bar. Auto SR serves as Microsoft's version of upscaling (similar to Nvidia's DLSS or AMD's FSR), rendering games at lower internal resolutions to improve frame rates and upscaling them for sharper image quality.
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More importantly, though, Xbox Mode is effectively Microsoft's SteamOS equivalent, allowing gamers to launch and play games in one menu, while disabling unnecessary background processes to provide more RAM for games. It's a handy version of Windows 11 that streamlines the gaming experience, while Microsoft continues with its effort to further optimize the operating system for gamers.
Once fully rolled out, users can enable Xbox Mode by entering Settings > Gaming > Full Screen Experience and setting the home app to 'Xbox', and this should enable Xbox Mode, which can be toggled via Game Bar or the Task View.
There's no word on Auto SR coming to desktop PCs just yet, specifically because it's designed for the docked play on the Ally X, but it's too early to rule out its chance of becoming a tool for desktop PC gamers.
It's the right time for Microsoft to make this move, since Valve's SteamOS is on the verge of seeing significant improvements for more desktop PCs via updates for the upcoming Steam Machine — and while there's still a long way to go for Xbox Mode to go in competing, it's ideal for users like myself who aren't quite ready to make the full switch to Linux.
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