How to Enable or Disable Task View Hints for Xbox Mode in Windows 11

What Is Xbox Mode?

Xbox mode makes a Windows 11 PC behave like an Xbox console. It gives you a full-screen view so you can focus on games without desktop distractions. The layout is clean and built for a controller, so you can move between games and apps without reaching for the keyboard or mouse.

To start Xbox mode, press and hold the Xbox button on your controller. When you return to the desktop, your running applications are still open, exactly as you left them.

Once you’re in Xbox mode, you’ll see the Xbox home screen. From there you can reach games from Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere and other game stores.

What Are Task View Hints?

Task View opens when you press Win+Tab, including while you’re in Xbox mode. In Xbox mode it can show hints for the controls you can use. These hints offer one-button actions, so you need fewer button presses to get around.

You can turn the hints off if you don’t want them, and turn them back on later. The change affects only these on-screen hints. It doesn’t remove Task View or change how Xbox mode works.

Task View in Xbox mode is also changing in preview builds. Microsoft’s release notes, “Announcing new builds for 16 October 2026,” describe a refreshed Gaming Task View experience in Xbox mode. It has a new navigation bar with quick access to Exit to Desktop and Power Options.

Follow the steps below for the method you want. To undo a change, repeat the process and choose the opposite option. If the hints don’t change right away, work through these checks in order:

1. Close Task View, then press Win+Tab to open it again. The hints should now match your choice.
2. If they still look the same, sign out of Windows and sign back in.
3. If that doesn’t help, restart the🔄 PC and open Task View once more.

Option 1Use Settings

Enable or Disable Task View Hints for Xbox Mode in Settings

1. Open Settings⚙️ by pressing Win+I.
2. Click on Gaming on the left side.
3. Click on Xbox mode on the right side.
   
    Open Xbox mode settings
   
   

4. Find the setting that says Show accessibility control hints in Task View. Turn it On (this is the default) or Off depending on what you want.
   
   Note: This setting only works if you have Xbox mode turned on.
   
   

5. Close Settings when you’re done.

Option 2Use Registry Editor or Windows Terminal

If you prefer not to use the Settings app, you can change Xbox mode hints using the Windows Registry or a command in Windows Terminal. This method allows you to adjust the ‘Show accessibility control hints in Task View’ setting directly, offering an alternative way to manage these helpful visual tips.

The "Show accessibility control hints in Task View" setting for Xbox Mode in Windows 11 displays helpful visual tips by default. This setting guides users through Xbox Mode features by showing instructions within the Task View. Users can turn the accessibility control hints setting on or off to change their experience.

Find this registry path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\GameBar

Set this value to:

“TaskSwitcherNexusInjectionEnabled” set the value data to 1.

To disable “Show accessibility control hints in Task View” for Xbox Mode:

Find this registry path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\GameBar

Set this value to:

“TaskSwitcherNexusInjectionEnabled” set the value data to 0.

Windows Terminal

Enable:

reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\GameBar" /v TaskSwitcherNexusInjectionEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Disable:

Xbox mode hints in Windows 11 Task View can be turned on or off based on your preference. You can decide if these hints help you learn the Xbox mode or if the Xbox mode hints get in your way. Change this setting through the Settings app, Registry Editor, or Windows Terminal.

Windows 11 Task View hints in Xbox mode change based on user choice. Users can choose to show or hide these hints. The easiest method involves using the Settings app. Alternatively, users preferring direct registry manipulation can use Registry Editor or Windows Terminal to make this change.