Microsoft Expands Xbox Full Screen Experience Testing to All Windows 11 PCs

Microsoft has officially begun testing the Xbox Full Screen Experience on a broader range of Windows 11 PCs, moving beyond its initial exclusivity to handheld gaming devices. Following the rollout of the feature for Windows handhelds on November 21, 2025, the company confirmed at its "November 2025 Partner Direct" event that the interface is now being tested for general availability on standard Windows 11 computers. This development aims to transform traditional desktop environments into a console-style hub accessible via game controllers.

Broadening the Scope Beyond Handhelds

The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was originally introduced in October 2025, targeting specific handheld devices like the ROG Ally and Ally X through the "Handheld Compatibility Program." However, the scope of this initiative has expanded significantly in recent days.

During the Partner Direct event on November 20, 2025, Microsoft revealed that testing is now active for all Windows 11 PCs. This expansion allows users to enable a controller-first interface on desktops and laptops, effectively removing the previous hardware restrictions that limited the feature to niche handheld devices. The goal is to streamline the launching process for millions of users, allowing them to navigate their game libraries, settings, and social features without relying on a mouse and keyboard.

Reports from November 21 indicate that while the official rollout for handhelds has commenced, the testing phase for broader PC compatibility is concurrently underway. Users can now utilize tools to enable this "console-style hub" on their machines, provided they are running Windows 11 and have a compatible Xbox controller. Windows 10 is not supported for this feature.

Interface Features and System Integration

The core functionality of the Full Screen Experience is designed to mimic the dashboard of an Xbox console. When enabled, the interface allows a PC to boot directly into a launcher that prioritizes controller navigation. This "controller-first" design philosophy addresses a common friction point for PC gamers who use their systems in living room setups or connected to televisions, where traditional desktop navigation can be cumbersome.

Key features of the expanded testing phase include:

• Streamlined Navigation: Users can browse menus, launch games, and adjust settings entirely via a controller.
• Xbox Game Pass Integration: The interface offers day-one access to the Game Pass library.
• Play Anywhere Support: Full integration with "Xbox Play Anywhere," facilitating cross-device play between console and PC.

According to technical analysis from TechSpot and Windows Central, the system integrates deeply with Windows 11 to reduce the time it takes to launch games. By bypassing the standard desktop interface, the FSE creates a more immersive, dedicated gaming environment similar to a home console.

Community Reaction and Availability

The reception to this expansion has been largely positive among the gaming community, particularly within forums such as Microsoft Q&A and Windows Forum. Users have expressed enthusiasm for the ability to navigate their PCs without a keyboard and mouse, a feature highly requested by those utilizing Home Theater PC (HTPC) configurations.

While the feature is now accessible for testing, it remains in an active development phase for standard PCs. Some users on platforms like Neowin have noted that enabling the feature on non-handheld devices may currently require specific tools or manual configuration. Additionally, because the software is still in testing for the broader PC market, early adopters may encounter bugs or compatibility issues with certain titles as Microsoft continues to refine the experience.

There is currently no specific data regarding localized rollouts for markets such as Vietnam, as the feature appears to be distributing globally via the Xbox app and Microsoft Store infrastructure.