How to Enable or Disable Xbox Mode in Windows 11

What is Xbox Mode?

Xbox Mode is a new feature in Windows 11. It creates a clean, full-screen experience for gaming. Think of it like switching your computer into “console mode.” Everything on your screen focuses on gaming. No distractions. No notifications popping up. Just you and your game.

Why would you want this? If you use a controller to play games, Xbox Mode feels natural. It’s designed for leaning back and relaxing while you play.

What You Need

Xbox Mode is available in newer Windows 11 builds. Check these requirements:

• 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

Why use this method? Settings is the easiest way. No command lines needed.

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 (default) or Off

Close Settings

Option 2Using Registry Editor

Why use this method? Registry editing gives you direct control. It’s more advanced but works reliably.

⚠️ 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:

reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GamingConfiguration" /v GamingHomeApp /t REG_SZ /d "" /f

Using the Keyboard Shortcut

Once Xbox Mode is enabled, you can enter it anytime by pressing ⊞ Win+F11. Press it again to exit.

If You Don’t See Xbox Mode Yet

If Xbox Mode isn’t available in your build, you can enable it manually. This uses a tool called ViVeTool.

⚠️ 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 transforms Windows 11 into a gaming-focused interface. It removes distractions and lets you focus on your games with a controller. You can turn it on through Settings (easiest) or through the Registry Editor (more advanced). If your Windows build doesn’t have it yet, use ViVeTool to enable the feature. Once activated, simply press ⊞ Win+F11 to enter Xbox Mode whenever you want to game.