Windows 11 is gaining a convenient feature currently found on Xbox handhelds. Soon, holding down the Xbox button on your controller will bring up the Task View, letting you quickly switch between apps and windows. This feature is currently being tested with the latest Windows 11 preview build (2622.6682).
This new feature is part of Microsoft’s ongoing work to improve gaming on Windows 11 for players who prefer controllers over mouse and keyboard. While Microsoft has been focusing on this for years, the release of the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X really accelerated these efforts.
The new handheld gaming devices are impressive, but what really stands out is the software they use. Similar to many top handhelds, the Xbox Ally runs on Windows 11. What sets it apart from other Windows-based handhelds right now is its ability to provide a truly full-screen gaming experience through the Xbox app.
The updated Xbox app does more than just put games in full-screen mode. It also stops unnecessary processes from running in the background, which frees up memory and improves performance. Initial testing revealed the new app can reduce power usage by as much as 66% when you’re not actively playing a game.
Microsoft is taking a really promising step forward. The improvements they’re making to Xbox on Windows 11 will be useful for more than just portable gaming devices.
Jez Corden
According to Senior Editor Jez Corden, the recent gaming enhancements coming to Windows 11 might be even more significant than the release of the Steam Deck. While SteamOS has historically been more streamlined for gaming, Microsoft has made considerable progress in improving Windows 11’s performance, and the updated Xbox app will be among the first to showcase these advancements.

The Xbox handheld includes an Xbox button that, when held down, brings up a quick menu for switching between apps. Microsoft is now bringing this same feature to Windows 11 as part of its latest test version.
Because the Xbox Ally uses Windows 11, features developed for it are now coming to other Windows-based handheld gaming devices. This means devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, and Lenovo Legion Go will soon offer a full-screen Xbox gaming experience.

The improvements aren’t limited to phones and tablets. Windows 11 computers are also benefiting from Microsoft’s efforts to make Windows work better with game controllers.
Windows 11 is getting a new feature that will allow users to sign in using a gaming controller. Currently, some gamers bypass login screens altogether to avoid needing a keyboard or mouse, opting to use only a controller. This upcoming feature aims to provide a more secure login method while still letting gamers use just a controller.
These updates should significantly enhance gaming on Windows 11, particularly for players who use a controller.
Read More
- Eric Trump’s Bitcoin Prophecy: Floodgates Open? 🐘💥
- When Kraken Met Breakout: A Crypto Merger with a Twist 🦑💰
- 🌟Pi Network’s Epic Upgrade: A Tale of KYC and Community 🌟
- BTC’s Desperate Dance: Volume’s Crucial Role in Avoiding a Doom Spiral 🐉📉
- Alien: Earth Soundtrack Adds 2 Songs in Episode 6
- Tron’s Fee Cut: Because Who Needs Money Anyway? 🤷♀️
- How to Rank Up Fast in Valorant: Pro Tips for Everyday Players
- Will Bitcoin Pull a Disappearing Act Below $100K? Grab Your Popcorn! 🍿
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Shiba Inu’s Mysterious Golden Cross: A Tale of Woe and Wonder 🐶💰
2025-09-15 20:39