Microsoft has rolled out the first public preview build of Xbox's new full screen experience for gaming PCs. This is the first time the feature will be available to try on non-handheld devices, as previously it was only available on devices with screens less than 10-inches such as the Xbox Ally X.
"Designed with console-style navigation in mind, the Xbox full screen experience delivers a clean, distraction-free interface for controller-first gaming," Microsoft says. "Pair a controller to your PC for smooth task switching and a streamlined gaming experience on your desktop, laptop, or tablet."
The interface is accessible via the Task View interface, or by pressing the Windows key and F11 once the full screen experience is enabled in Windows Settings. It's off by default, so you'll need to ensure the feature is switched on first.
If you want to try out the preview, you'll need to be registered in both the Windows Insider Program and Xbox Insider Program. The feature is available as of the latest Windows 11 preview build, 26220.7271 which is available in both Insider Dev and Beta Channels. Unfortunately, the feature is rolling out gradually, so you might not see it right away.
Microsoft bringing the Xbox full screen experience to gaming PCs is a big step forward towards making Windows 11 more gaming orientated. In the wake of Valve's newly announced Steam Machine, it's clear the future of Xbox is Windows, and it'll be important to nail the "console experience" as much as possible on top of Windows 11.
I was able to test out the Xbox full screen experience on the new Xbox Ally earlier this year, and found it to be a great step forward towards making Windows easier to use with a gamepad. I even said I'd like to see this come to full-blown gaming PCs at some point, and now Microsoft is answering that wish.
If you don't want to use an Insider build, you can also try it right now using the free Xbox Fullscreen Experience Tool which will enable it on any Windows 11 PC.
The full screen experience for Xbox is expected to rollout to everyone on Windows 11 sometime in the new year.
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