Microsoft turns Windows 11 into Xbox and speeds up PC games

Microsoft is accelerating Windows 11 in games and redesigning the Xbox app to match the console interface - changes will also affect Xbox Ally

Microsoft is testing an updated Xbox app for Windows 11 with an interface in the style of Xbox Series X/S, while simultaneously working to improve system performance in games.

Windows Central journalists have already tried an early version of the app and noted a "huge performance improvement compared to its predecessor." The changes were also appreciated on the portable console Xbox Ally.

By most metrics, this is a fantastic improvement. We currently have access to an early version with some glitches and missing features (...) It will likely be released by the end of the year.
(...) As you can see, navigation is now significantly faster. One of the problems with the current app is navigation delays. In the new version, this effect is gone. (...) Everything just works an order of magnitude faster. Everything works much better.
TESTED: *NEW* Xbox Ally interface for 2026, maybe Xbox Helix too?
Hands-on: The NEW Xbox PC app for 2026 (big performance boost!)

In parallel, Microsoft is optimizing Windows 11, including reducing the load from background services to increase frame rates in games. Some improvements should be included in the 26H2 update, with further optimizations still to come.

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