How to Add or Remove Xbox Mode in Task View on Windows 11
You can add or remove the Xbox Mode button from Task View on Windows 11 to streamline your open application view.
Task View is the feature that displays thumbnails of all your currently open applications, accessible via the ⊞ Win+Tab keyboard shortcut.
This specific optimization is available starting with Windows 11 build 22621.1992 and allows you to declutter Task View by hiding or showing this gaming-focused shortcut.
By following a few simple registry edits, you can customize your Task View experience to better suit your workflow, whether you’re a gamer or not.
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\Software\Microsoft\GameBar.
What Is Xbox Mode?
Xbox Mode in Windows 11 is a special view that makes your PC feel more like an Xbox console by showing only your games and game apps. This helps you focus on what you’re playing without distractions from other programs.
Xbox Mode works on laptops, desktops, and tablets. You can enter Xbox Mode from the Xbox app, Game Bar settings, or by pressing ⊞ Win+F11. For more information, see Full screen experience expands to more Windows 11 PC form factors
Why Use Xbox Mode?
You’d want to use Xbox Mode because it offers a clean, simple screen that works well with game controllers. It cuts out distractions, letting you easily switch between your games and apps without getting sidetracked.
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
You can add Xbox Mode to your Windows 11 Task View using the Settings app. Just open Settings by pressing ⊞ Win+I, go to Gaming, then click Xbox mode, and turn on the ‘Show Xbox mode in Task View’ option.
- 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
You can add Xbox Mode to your Task View using the Registry Editor. This involves finding the ‘ShowOnDesktopSwitcher’ value within a specific registry path and changing its setting to 1.
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
The default Windows 11 setting, identified by the code 00000001, displays Xbox Mode within Task View. 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
The setting for Xbox Mode in Task View controls whether this gaming-focused screen appears when you press Alt+Tab. Keeping it visible offers quick access for frequent users, while hiding it keeps your Task View cleaner if you don’t use it often.
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.
How do I get out of task view mode?
To get out of Task View on Windows 11, just press the Esc key on your keyboard or click on an empty part of your desktop.
What is the Xbox button task view on 🪟 Windows 11?
The Xbox button integration in Task View allows users to quickly access the Xbox gaming interface directly from the Windows 11 multitasking screen. By selecting this option, you can launch your game library or enter a full-screen, controller-friendly gaming environment, effectively minimizing desktop distractions for a more immersive console-like experience.
Does anyone use task view?
Yes, many Windows 11 users find Task View very helpful for managing lots of open windows, organizing their workspace with virtual desktops, and quickly switching between apps.
How do I change the taskbar to classic view?
Windows 11 doesn’t have a built-in classic taskbar look, but you can move the icons to the left in Settings, or use third-party tools for a more classic appearance.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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