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

Richard
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Richard
Apr 18, 2026 4 min read
How to Enable or Disable Task View Hints for Xbox Mode in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to turn accessibility control hints on or off in Task View when you’re using Xbox mode on Windows 11.

What Is Xbox Mode?

Xbox mode is a new feature in Windows 11. It gives your PC a look and feel like an Xbox console. The mode works on laptops, desktops, and tablets. It shows games in full screen with fewer distractions. 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

Xbox mode is made for controller gaming. The interface is clean and simple. You can switch between your games and apps easily. Just press and hold the Xbox button on your controller. When you want to go back to your desktop, you can do that too. Everything stays right where you left it.

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

What Are Task View Hints?

When you open Task View in Xbox mode (press Win + Tab), you’ll see hints by default. These hints show you one-button ways to do things instead of pressing multiple buttons at once. You can turn these hints off if you don’t need them.

Option One: Use 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.
Xbox mode home screen interface on a Windows 11 PC
Settings menu to enable or disable Task View accessibility hints

Option Two: Use Registry Editor or Windows Terminal

You can also change this setting in the Windows Registry. Open Windows Terminal and run the command below. Or you can open Registry Editor and change the value by hand.

To enable “Show accessibility control hints in Task View” for Xbox Mode (this is the default):

Find this registry path:

🗝️Registry
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:

🗝️Registry
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\GameBar

Set this value to:

TaskSwitcherNexusInjectionEnabled” set the value data to 0.

Windows Terminal

Enable:

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

Disable:

🗝️Registry
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\GameBar" /v TaskSwitcherNexusInjectionEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Summary

Why would you use this? Some people find the accessibility hints helpful when learning Xbox mode. Others find them annoying and want to turn them off.

What happens when you do this? When you open Task View in Xbox mode, the hints will either appear or disappear based on your choice. You have two ways to make this change. You can use the Settings app, which is the easiest way. Or you can use Registry Editor or Windows Terminal if you prefer working with the registry directly.

How do I go to the Xbox secret menu?

You can access the Xbox secret menu or guide by pressing the Xbox button on your controller while in Xbox mode. This opens the overlay, allowing you to quickly navigate between games, apps, and system settings. Alternatively, you can use the Win + G keyboard shortcut to open the Game Bar.

What does holding the Xbox button for 10 seconds do?

Holding the Xbox button on your controller for approximately 10 seconds performs a hard power cycle or forced shutdown of the console. On a Windows 11 PC, this action may not trigger a system shutdown but can force the Xbox app or Game Bar overlay to close or become unresponsive.

What does Xbox mode do?

Xbox mode transforms your Windows 11 PC interface into a console-like experience, optimized for controller navigation. It provides a full-screen, distraction-free environment for your games, simplifies app switching, and streamlines access to your library from Xbox Game Pass and other stores, making PC gaming feel exactly like using an Xbox console.

Is it better to keep game mode on or off?

It is generally better to keep Game Mode turned on in Windows 11. This feature prioritizes your gaming experience by preventing Windows Update from performing driver installations and helps achieve a more stable frame rate. It optimizes system resources specifically for gaming, ensuring your PC focuses its power on your active game.

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Tags: #Windows 11
Richard

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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