Handheld gaming PCs have always promised portability with power, but Microsoft’s new Xbox Mode for Windows 11 takes that to a whole new level. Discovered by Windows enthusiasts and leaked before its official release, this feature turns devices like the Asus ROG Ally and MSI Claw into something closer to a dedicated gaming console.
Microsoft’s new Xbox mode on Windows has leaked for any handheld. Windows enthusiasts have found a way to get the new Xbox full-screen experience running on Windows 11. Guide here: https://t.co/KvXqjQMr6A pic.twitter.com/w7iEbAtLAP
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) September 17, 2025
This new mode, found in the Windows 11 25H2 update, boots straight into the Xbox PC app, bypassing the Windows desktop. By skipping the Explorer shell, it frees up about 2GB of memory, so more for your games. The result is a faster, smoother experience for handhelds where every bit counts. You’re greeted with a clean interface that pulls in games from multiple platforms—Microsoft Store, Steam, Battle.net, and beyond—so you can jump into your library of Hawkins’ Law or Call of Duty without digging through endless menus.
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A Game Bar gives you easy access to controls, and a redesigned task view makes switching between apps or games a breeze, even on small touchscreens. Unlike desktop interfaces, this is designed for thumbsticks and touch, so you can spend less time messing with settings and more time gaming. When you need to exit gaming mode, a fast flip takes you to the entire Windows desktop, but Microsoft recommends using a mouse or keyboard for a more traditional experience.
What makes Xbox Mode so great is the combination of simplicity and flexibility. You’re not locked into a walled garden; you can still run Windows apps or games directly within the mode. It’s like having a console-like experience without losing the openness of a PC. Enthusiasts have already tried it on devices like the original ROG Ally, where it replaces the manufacturer’s software, so Microsoft’s Xbox app is front and center at startup.
For those willing to try it, the process involves installing a Release Preview version of Windows 11 and making a few registry changes. Not for the faint of heart—tinkering with system settings can cause instability, and you may need to roll back changes or reinstall Windows if something goes wrong. A long post on Reddit explains the process, but be careful. This early access method works on multiple handhelds, not just the future Xbox Ally devices, so you don’t need new hardware to turn your existing device into an Xbox beast.
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