How to Add or Remove Xbox Mode in Task View on Windows 11
Xbox Mode in Windows 11 Task View adds a dedicated gaming button to your app switcher screen when you press the Win and Tab together. Available starting with Windows 11 build 22621.1992, this feature gives you quick access to your games right from the open-window overview.
You can turn this button on or off by editing the Windows Registry, the database that stores core system settings. Hiding the button keeps your interface clean if you do not play games through it, while turning it on puts your titles just one click away.
Open Settings by pressing Win+I, navigate to Gaming Xbox mode, and toggle ‘Show Xbox mode in Task View’ to On or Off. Alternatively, edit the ‘ShowOnDesktopSwitcher’ value in Registry Editor under 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\
Why Use Xbox Mode?
Xbox mode Task View gives you a clean screen designed for game controllers so you can easily switch between games without distractions. Task View (the screen you see when you press Alt+Tab to view open apps) shows this gaming layout by default, helping you jump straight back into your session.
Xbox Mode appears in Windows 11's Task View by default. Task View displays open application windows when a user presses Alt+Tab or clicks the Task View button. Users can turn off Xbox Mode in Task View if they prefer not to see it listed.
How to Add or Remove Xbox Mode in Task View
Option 1Using Settings
Xbox mode Task View can be turned on or off directly through the main Settings app in Windows 11. You just need to press the Win plus I on your keyboard to open Settings , head to the Gaming section, and toggle the switch to show or hide the gaming layout.
- Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
- Click Gaming on the left side.
- Click Xbox mode on the right side.
- Look for the option Show Xbox mode in Task View. Switch it On to show Xbox Mode in Task View, or switch it Off to hide it.
- You can now close Settings.
Option 2Using Registry Editor
Xbox mode Task View can also be managed by making a quick change inside the Registry Editor, which is where Windows stores deep system settings. This advanced method lets you edit the specific background values to turn the gaming feature on or off if the main menu is not working for you.
The Registry is where Windows stores advanced settings.
To add Xbox Mode to Task View, look for this registry path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\GameBarFind the value:
"ShowOnDesktopSwitcher" and change the value to 1
To remove Xbox Mode from Task View, change the value to:
"ShowOnDesktopSwitcher" change the value to 0
To hide Xbox Mode from Task View, users must change this setting to 00000000. This allows users to control which gaming features appear in the Task View interface.
Terminal command:
Enable:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GamingConfiguration" /v ShowOnDesktopSwitcher /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
Disable:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GamingConfiguration" /v ShowOnDesktopSwitcher /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Summary
Xbox mode Task View settings let you choose whether the controller-friendly screen pops up when you press Alt + Tab. Leaving the feature visible gives you fast access if you play games often, while turning it off keeps your app switcher clean and uncluttered if you only use regular desktop apps.
Keeping Xbox Mode in Task View provides easy access for users who frequently use the Xbox Mode feature. Hiding Xbox Mode keeps Task View cleaner for users who do not use this Xbox Mode feature often.
Users can turn Xbox mode on or off within Windows 11 Settings under Gaming Xbox mode. Alternatively, advanced users can directly edit the Windows Registry using either Registry Editor or Windows Terminal. Both the Settings app and the Windows Registry methods achieve the same outcome for controlling Xbox mode.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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