How to Enable or Disable Xbox Mode in Windows 11

What is Xbox Mode?

Xbox Mode in Windows 11 is a built-in feature that transforms your computer interface into a console-like experience. When you turn it on, your PC displays a full-screen view focused entirely on your games. This layout is built specifically for game controllers so you can navigate easily from your couch without needing a mouse or keyboard.

Xbox Mode offers a natural gaming experience for controller users. The mode uses a design that supports relaxed gameplay when sitting back from the screen.

What You Need

Xbox Mode requires Windows 11 build 26220.7271 or newer, which is currently available through the Dev or Beta channels. You also need to install the 💿 Xbox app and join the Xbox Insider Program using the Xbox Insider Hub app on your PC to access this unreleased feature before it rolls out to everyone.

• Windows 11 build 26220.7271 or newer (Dev or Beta 25H2)
• Xbox app installed (it comes with Windows 11)
• Xbox Insider Program membership
• Xbox Insider Hub app

To join the Xbox Insider Program:

1. Open the Xbox Insider Hub app
2. Go to Previews › PC Gaming Preview
3. Select Join

How to Enable or Disable Xbox Mode

Option 1Using Settings

Xbox Mode can be turned on directly through the main Windows 11 Settings app if your system meets the requirements. You just need to open the Gaming menu in your settings and switch the feature on. This is the safest and easiest way to change your display mode without touching advanced system files.

1. Press Win+I to open Settings
2. Click Gaming on the left side
3. Click Xbox mode on the right side

Toggle the switch to 'On' (which is the default) or 'Off'.

Close Settings

Option 2Using Registry Editor

Xbox Mode can be enabled by creating a new registry key in the Registry Editor if the standard toggle does not appear in your settings. This advanced method requires administrator access to modify system files safely. Make sure you follow the exact folder paths so you do not cause other system errors on your PC.

⚠️ Admin Required: You need administrator privileges for this method.

To enable Xbox Mode:

1. Press Win and search for "Registry Editor"
2. Right-click it and select Run as administrator
3. Navigate to this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\GameBar
4. Look for the key named GamingHomeApp
5. Set the value to: Microsoft.GamingApp_8wekyb3d8bbwe!Microsoft.Xbox.App
6. Click OK and close Registry Editor

To disable Xbox Mode:

1. Follow steps 1-3 above
2. Set the GamingHomeApp value to nothing (leave it blank)
3. Click OK and close Registry Editor

Terminal command:

Enable:

reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GamingConfiguration" /v GamingHomeApp /t REG_SZ /d "Microsoft.GamingApp_8wekyb3d8bbwe!Microsoft.Xbox.App" /f

Disable:

Xbox Mode allows users to enter a special gaming screen by pressing the Windows key and F11 together. Pressing these keys again exits Xbox Mode. This mode helps focus your computer for gaming, making your gaming experience smoother.

If You Don't See Xbox Mode Yet

Xbox Mode can be forced open using ViVeTool (a command-line tool for unlocking hidden system features) if the option is missing from your Windows 11 settings. This workaround requires you to run a specific command in the terminal with administrator rights and restart your computer. It forces the hidden feature to appear when standard updates fail to show it.

⚠️ Admin Required: This method needs administrator privileges.

1. Open Windows Terminal as administrator
2. Run this command: vivetool /enable /id:59765208
3. Restart your computer

For more information, visit Full screen experience expands to more Windows 11 PC form factors, Full screen experience expands to more Windows 11 PC form factors for Windows Insiders, Starting today, Full Screen Experience for Windows 11 PCs is available for Xbox Insiders! - Xbox Wire, Windows Gaming: Full screen experience - Microsoft Support, Open Xbox mode settings.

Summary

Xbox Mode in Windows 11 helps you focus on games by creating a distraction-free, full-screen view. You can turn it on through Settings, the Registry Editor, or ViVeTool if needed.