If you were paying close attention to the new ROG Xbox Ally handhelds launched last month, you may know that the Xbox-branded devices launched with a unique feature, the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE). This mode is designed to be more optimized for gaming, deferring unwanted Windows processes to free up memory and providing a more console-like interface.

Microsoft has now added this feature to all Windows 11 devices through a preview build in the Xbox Insider program. This means you’ll be able to run FSE on other Win11 machines, including desktop PCs, laptops, or tablets. There’s no word yet on when it will be available to all users.

Xbox Full Screen Experience on any Windows 11 device

Windows Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 started rolling out on November 21 to bring FSE to all Windows 11 devices. It’s available to anyone on the Insider Dev or Beta channels, though Microsoft notes that this is a gradual rollout – “not all Insiders will receive the update right away”.

It should also be noted that you need the Xbox app installed (available on the Microsoft Store). You can join the Xbox Insiders Program here, and you will be able to access the feature by opting in to the ‘PC Gaming preview’ on the Xbox Insiders Hub.

FSE is separated from the usual Windows desktop – this is much like how Valve does it with SteamOS on the Steam Deck (and upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame) by giving users a ‘Desktop Mode’ and ‘Gaming Mode’ to freely switch between. The screenshot above demonstrates how this looks on Windows 11, placed beside the desktops you see when you press Win + Tab.

Xbox Full Screen Experience first got official support on MSI Claw handhelds earlier this month and is now generally available on all Windows handhelds, as of November 21. It has been available to test as early as September, when it was leaked a month ahead of the ROG Xbox Ally launch.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.