Microsoft is testing a redesigned Gaming Task View for Xbox Mode on Windows 11. In its Windows Insiders update on Friday, the company said Xbox Mode will add a new navigation bar that “makes key system actions easier to access while gaming.”
This navigation bar includes direct shortcuts to “Exit to Desktop” and “Power Options.” Currently, users must press Win + F11 to exit Xbox Mode, which isn’t ideal for gamers playing without a keyboard. (What if you want to play exclusively with the new Nano Controller?) Touch-enabled devices let users swipe up to access Task View, but that doesn’t work for everyone either.
There’s no word yet on whether the navigation bar will eventually incorporate other go-to options, like Quick Resume or performance sliders.
The new interface appears in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.9739 for the Beta channel and Build 26340.9750 for the Experimental channel. Microsoft is also rolling it out gradually to Release Preview builds 26200.9807 and 26300.9807 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 26H2.
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