- Microsoft has finally begun its Xbox Mode rollout for Windows 11 desktop PC users
- Microsoft has also made Auto SR upscaling available to Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Xbox Insiders
- The rollout comes amid Valve’s updates to SteamOS in preparation for the Steam Machine
Microsoft is only just getting started with its plans to revitalize gaming for desktop and handheld users alike, with Windows Project K2 set to improve the operating system – but that’s not all.
Xbox Mode is now rolling out to desktop PCs, as announced by Microsoft via Xbox Wire from the latest Windows update on April 30. This is what some Windows 11 users might be familiar with as the Full Screen Experience, which has been available since November 2025 to Xbox Insiders.
It’s also worth noting that Microsoft is also introducing its new Auto SR preview to Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Xbox Insiders, which is a new addition to Xbox Mode that can be activated via the Game Bar. Auto SR works 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.
The article continues below
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 free up more RAM for gaming. It’s a handy version of Windows 11 that streamlines the gaming experience as Microsoft continues its efforts to further optimize the operating system for gamers.
Once fully rolled out, users can enable Xbox Mode by entering Settings > Game > Full Screen Experience and set the home app to ‘Xbox’ and this should enable Xbox Mode, which can be toggled via the Game Bar or Task View.
There’s no word yet on Auto SR coming to desktop PCs, specifically because it’s designed for docked play on the Ally X, but it’s too early to rule out its chance to become a tool for desktop PC gamers.
The timing is right for Microsoft to make this move, as Valve’s SteamOS is on the verge of seeing significant improvements for more desktop PCs via updates to the upcoming Steam Machine – and while there’s still a long way to go before Xbox Mode can compete, it’s ideal for users like myself who aren’t quite ready to switch to Linux.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds.
