Enable Xbox Full Screen Mode on Any Windows 11 PC – Turn Your Desktop into a Console
Enable Xbox Full Screen Mode on Any Windows 11 PC – Turn Your Desktop into a Console
Introduction
Microsoft’s Full Screen Experience (FSE) mode was first introduced for handheld gaming PCs such as the ROG Ally. Recent updates now allow the same console‑style interface on any Windows 11 machine, turning a desktop or laptop into a living‑room gaming hub. This article walks through the setup process, demonstrates how to switch between games, and evaluates the impact on RAM usage and performance.
Prerequisites
Before enabling FSE you’ll need:
- A PC running Windows 11 (any edition)
- An active Microsoft/Xbox account
- Access to the Xbox Insider Hub (available from the Microsoft Store)
- Enrollment in the Windows Insider Program – preferably the Beta channel for a more stable experience
- A controller (Xbox controller works best, but any gamepad will do)
Installing and Enabling Full Screen Experience
1. Install Xbox Insider Hub
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for Xbox Insider Hub and install it.
- Launch the app and sign in with your Microsoft/Xbox account.
- Navigate to Previews → PC Gaming and opt‑in to the Full Screen Experience preview. Click Save.
2. Join the Windows Insider Program
- Open Settings → Windows Update → Windows Insider Program.
- Link your Microsoft account if prompted.
- Choose the Beta channel (recommended for a more polished build).
- Restart your PC when prompted and allow the update to install.
- After the restart, return to Windows Update and ensure the system is fully up‑to‑date.
3. Activate Full Screen Mode
- Open Xbox Insider Hub again and go to Gaming → Full Screen Experience.
- Toggle Enter Full Screen Experience on startup.
- Select a home app – currently the Xbox app is the default (future updates may allow Steam or others).
- Restart the PC or press Windows + G to open the Game Bar and select Enter Full Screen Experience.
Using Full Screen Experience Mode
Switching Between Games and Apps
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to bring up the Game Bar.
- Hold the button to access a task‑switcher that displays running games and background apps.
- Select an app to launch it directly in full‑screen mode. For example, you can start a Steam game, then hold the Xbox button to switch to the Xbox app or another Steam title.
- Most games automatically pause when you switch away; however, verify that the game behaves as expected, as a few titles may continue running in the background.
Accessing Game Libraries
- The Xbox app provides instant access to Xbox Game Pass titles.
- If you prefer Steam, you can launch Steam Big Picture mode from the task‑switcher, giving you a console‑like interface for your Steam library.
RAM Savings and Performance Impact
To gauge the benefits of FSE, a side‑by‑side test was performed on a laptop equipped with an RTX 5050 GPU. The system ran two games simultaneously (a low‑end title and Cyberpunk 2077) under two conditions:
| Condition | Approx. RAM Usage |
|---|---|
| Full Screen Experience enabled | 5.7 GB |
| Desktop mode (standard Windows UI) | 7.7 GB |
The results show a ~2 GB reduction in memory consumption when FSE is active, matching Microsoft’s original claim. Regarding frame rates, Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p Ultra, no DLSS) was benchmarked three times per condition. In FSE mode the game recorded 1‑2 frames per second higher on two runs, but the variance is within the margin of error, indicating no significant performance boost.
What This Means
- Memory Savings: The primary advantage of FSE is freeing RAM that would otherwise be used by the Windows desktop and background services. This can be beneficial on systems with limited memory (e.g., 16 GB with an integrated GPU).
- Performance: No consistent FPS gains were observed. Any minor improvements are likely due to reduced CPU/GPU load from background tasks rather than the FSE interface itself.
- Usability: The console‑style UI simplifies navigation on a TV or large monitor, especially when paired with a controller, making it an attractive option for living‑room PCs.
Practical Use Cases
- Living‑Room Gaming PCs: Turn a modest desktop or laptop into a console‑like hub without the overhead of a full Windows desktop.
- Low‑End Systems: Devices with 8‑16 GB of RAM can benefit from the 1‑2 GB memory savings, potentially reducing stutter in memory‑heavy titles.
- Quick Game Switching: The task‑switcher allows seamless swapping between games or between Xbox and Steam without returning to the desktop.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s Full Screen Experience has evolved from a handheld‑only feature to a versatile mode usable on any Windows 11 PC. While it does not deliver a dramatic performance uplift, the ~2 GB RAM reduction and the streamlined, controller‑friendly interface make it a valuable tool for casual living‑room gaming setups. By following the straightforward installation steps—installing the Xbox Insider Hub, joining the Windows Insider Beta channel, and enabling FSE—you can transform your desktop into a console‑style gaming station in minutes.