Microsoft’s new Game Bar Compact Mode could make Windows 11 actually worth using on gaming handhelds

A close up of a keyboard and a woman gaming at a PC in neon lighting
(Image credit: Shutterstock/Standret)

Microsoft is testing a new Compact Mode to hopefully make using Game Bar in Windows 11 (and 10) easier and improve navigation on smaller screens, Windows handheld devices such as the Asus ROG Ally X, and while using a controller. As well as a simplified Game Bar layout, it includes a redesigned Home widget, displaying any games currently running on your device and games you’ve recently played. 

The Game Bar is a centralized place in Windows 11 where you can easily control your gaming setup, including audio settings and capturing gameplay for streaming. If you’re an Xbox Insider (which is similar to the Windows Insiders program, allowing users to test and provide feedback on upcoming features, but focusing specifically on Xbox console updates and gaming experiences) - you can enroll to try Compact Mode. Once you have, you can turn it on by opening Game Bar and going to the Settings widget. Here, in the General section, you can turn on the ‘Compact Mode’ option by switching its toggle. 

Xbox Game Bar

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Better navigation, more control with Compact Mode

Once Compact Mode is switched on, you can interact with widgets (interactive tools that provide real-time information and quick access to gaming-related features) and navigate content more easily and quickly - for example, you can use a controller to switch between widgets using the left and right bumpers (LB/RB). The upgraded Home widget will display games currently running and recently played games, and enable you to quickly open common game launchers such as Xbox, Steam, and EA Play.

You’ll be able to quit games from the Home widget, allowing you to select the game and click to close it instead of having to quit from within the game or navigate out to your desktop. Other new menu items like the Resource widget will enable you to check what applications are using your device’s resources and swiftly close them to help boost performance. You can also explore and open any installed widgets directly from the Widget Store by accessing the widgets menu.

a person's hands holding a black PC gaming handheld

(Image credit: Asus)

A major handheld gaming push from Microsoft

This update shows some desire from Microsoft to improving Windows 11’s performance on non-traditional PC devices, such as the growing number of PC gaming handhelds, and it looks like it could be a substantial improvement to the Xbox app on Windows.

Devices like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go use Windows 11 as their operating system, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that Windows 11 isn’t ideal for these devices. 

The operating system has been designed to work on laptops and PCs with larger screens, and mice and keyboard controls. On handhelds that have smaller screens and only gamepad controls, Windows 11 can feel clunky and frustrating, especially compared to the likes of SteamOS, the Linux-based operating system that was built specifically to be used on the Steam Deck handheld. These improvements to Windows 11’s Game Bar could make the OS a much better fit for handheld devices - which is especially important considering there are rumors that Valve will allow SteamOS to be installed on non-Steam Deck devices.

If you want to try Compact Mode sooner rather than later, you’ll need to join the Xbox Insider Program (which you can do for free), which will give you access to new features and updates early, and allow you to share your opinion and feedback to help improve the user experience. You’ll need to download and install the Xbox Insider Hub app from the Microsoft Store, and then log in with your Microsoft account. 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

Computing Writer

Kristina is a UK-based Computing Writer, and is interested in all things computing, software, tech, mathematics and science. Previously, she has written articles about popular culture, economics, and miscellaneous other topics.

She has a personal interest in the history of mathematics, science, and technology; in particular, she closely follows AI and philosophically-motivated discussions.

Read more
a person's hands holding a black PC gaming handheld
Microsoft is finally fighting back against the rise of SteamOS by overhauling Windows 11 to be better on handhelds
female PC gamer playing on a desktop
Microsoft lays out reasons Windows 10 gamers should upgrade to Windows 11, but I can pick a few holes in these arguments
Image of Asus ROG Ally running Bazzite/SteamOS
Windows 24H2 is a nightmare for handheld PC gamers right now, and that's why Bazzite is an absolute must for the Asus ROG Ally
Asus ROG Ally using Steam
I think Asus could be the perfect partner for an Xbox handheld – but I have questions
Frustrated unhappy laptop user girl touching head at work table with computer
Windows 11’s Start menu recommendations are being improved – but I’m still not impressed, Microsoft
Angry woman using a laptop
Microsoft makes another tweak to Windows 11’s taskbar – but it’s probably not the change you were hoping for
Latest in Windows
Printer
No, your printer isn't possessed: a Windows 11 23H2 bug could be making it print random characters when connected via USB
Man having Windows 11 problems with his laptop
Fed up of adverts creeping into Windows 11? You won’t like Microsoft’s latest update, then, although it does provide some important bug fixes
Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop display showing the Windows 11 login screen
Shock, horror – I’m not going to argue with Microsoft’s latest bit of nagging in Windows 11, as this pop-up is justified
A laptop on a desk with the Windows 11 background on its screen.
Microsoft is adding image editing and compression to its Windows Share feature - and I couldn't be happier
AOC Agon Pro AG276FK gaming monitor tilted slightly to the side, showing the Windows desktop screen
Windows 11 users get ready for more ‘recommendations’ from Microsoft – but I’m relieved to say these suggestions might actually be useful
Microsoft Store logo on a blurred background
There's finally a fix for an annoying Microsoft Store bug that's older than Windows 11
Latest in News
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #1147)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #378)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough