Windows 11
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Windows 11.
Latest coverage
'C:\ is not accessible – Access denied': Windows 11 users locked out of own boot drive on Samsung PCs …
Some Windows 11 users, primarily on Samsung PCs, are experiencing a critical "C:\ is not accessible – Access denied" error that locks them out of their primary drive. Both Microsoft and Samsung are investigating the issue, but recovery options for affected users remain limited.
Windows 11 Xbox Mode Turns PCs Into Gaming Consoles This April
Microsoft is releasing an "Xbox Mode" for Windows 11 in April 2026, transforming PCs into a console-like interface optimized for controllers and handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. This feature aims to improve performance by reducing background processes and freeing up RAM, while also integrating Xbox Game Pass and the Xbox Store. The move has generated excitement for handheld PC gaming but also concerns from PC purists about increased Xbox integration and potential privacy issues, with some questioning its necessity compared to existing solutions like Steam Big Picture mode.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft is reportedly increasing the refresh rate limit for Windows 11 to 5,000 Hz, with support for monitors exceeding 1,000 Hz coming soon to Insider builds. NVIDIA is also mentioned in relation to recent reports.
Xbox Full Screen Experience shows a potential glimpse of how Project Helix will work – though right now, it’s a flawed PC platform
Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) aims to improve Windows 11 for handheld PCs and potentially future consoles like Project Helix. While FSE offers a more gamepad-friendly interface and suspends background processes, it falls short of dedicated gaming operating systems like SteamOS in terms of performance and user experience, often feeling like a superficial overlay on standard Windows.
Gaming on ARM: Can Windows 11 Finally Make It a Reality?
Windows 11 is improving the viability of ARM processors for PC gaming through enhanced emulation and cloud gaming integration. While challenges like game compatibility and GPU power remain, ARM laptops offer potential benefits such as longer battery life and lower costs, making them a promising option for casual gamers.
Windows 11 får Xbox-läge i april
Microsoft is introducing an "Xbox Mode" to Windows 11 in April, designed to optimize system resources for gaming. This full-screen mode aims to consolidate the gaming experience, supporting titles from both Microsoft/Xbox and other platforms like Steam. The feature was initially launched with the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC.
Morning Metaverse
The article discusses the new Internet Speed Test feature in Windows 11, noting it primarily functions as a shortcut to Bing. It also touches on Steam Remote Play's effectiveness over LAN and mentions a modern alternative to PuTTY.
Microsoft has recommitted to its Xbox Backwards Compatibility Program going forward and will be 'rolling out new ways to play some of the most iconic games from our past'
Microsoft has recommitted to its Xbox Backwards Compatibility Program, confirming it will return in some form later this year. The company plans to "roll out new ways to play some of the most iconic games from our past" as part of its 25th anniversary. This initiative aims to keep games from four generations of Xbox playable across future consoles and Windows 11.
Windows 11 is getting an "Xbox mode" in April and its a big deal
Microsoft announced that Windows 11 will receive an "Xbox mode" in April, positioning Windows as a core platform for future PC and Xbox game development. This feature aims to enhance the gaming experience on the PC operating system.
Project Helix Alpha Dev Kits Will Ship in 2027, Xbox Mode Coming To Windows 11
Microsoft Gaming has announced that developer kits for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will ship in 2027. The console will feature custom AMD hardware with enhanced ray tracing capabilities and will integrate an 'Xbox Mode' into Windows 11 in April 2026, offering a controller-optimized experience. Additionally, Xbox plans to introduce new ways to play iconic past titles as part of its 25th anniversary.
Microsoft confirms 'Xbox Mode' rollout for Windows 11 and reveals more plans for PC-console hybrid Project Helix
Microsoft is set to release its 'Xbox Mode' gaming layer for Windows 11 next month. The company also confirmed that developers will begin testing Project Helix, a PC-console hybrid initiative, in 2027.
Windows 11 is getting an ″Xbox mode″ in April and it’s a big deal
Windows 11 is set to receive an "Xbox mode" in April, which is expected to be a significant development for PC gaming. The article discusses the current console landscape, noting the slower exclusive release cadence for PlayStation 5 compared to Xbox Series X. It also touches on past leadership issues within Xbox and the potential for PC gaming to offer a wider library of titles.
Microsoft is paving more PC roads to Project Helix, releasing a Windows 11 Xbox Mode in April for laptops and desktops
Microsoft is releasing a dedicated Xbox mode for Windows 11 in April, which will be available on laptops, desktops, and tablets. This mode aims to provide a controller-optimized experience for browsing the game library, launching titles, and using the Game Bar.
Microsoft talk backwards compatibility for Xbox Project Helix but not AI
Microsoft discussed backwards compatibility and cross-device play for its upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix, at GDC 2026. While the company is heavily invested in generative AI, it was not mentioned in relation to Project Helix, possibly to avoid controversy. The console, described as a PC in a console shell, will feature AMD technology for enhanced ray tracing and seamless integration with PC gaming via an Xbox mode for Windows 11.
Xbox mode is rolling out to all Windows 11 PCs next month — and some gamers are excited, while others are worried
Microsoft is rolling out a new 'Xbox mode' to all Windows 11 PCs starting next month, which offers a streamlined, controller-friendly interface and resource savings. Previously known as the Xbox Full Screen Experience, this mode aims to unify the PC and Xbox ecosystems. While some gamers are excited about the potential for a more integrated experience, others express concerns about potential ad integration and the future of the standalone Xbox console.
Microsoft confirm their PC game-running Project Helix should be in devs' hands by 2027, and packs next-gen AMD innards
Microsoft has revealed that its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will feature AMD hardware with support for FSR upscaling, advanced frame generation, and significantly improved ray tracing capabilities. Developers are expected to receive alpha versions by 2027, suggesting a potential release in 2028. Additionally, an 'Xbox Mode' interface will be integrated into Windows 11 in April.
Google Play adds free game trials and a dedicated PC hub for gamers
Google Play is introducing several new features aimed at gamers, including free game trials and a "buy once, play anywhere" model for select titles, allowing a single purchase to grant access on both mobile and PC. The platform is also launching a dedicated PC section to improve game discoverability and expanding its Play Games Sidekick with AI-generated tips and community posts for real-time assistance.
Project Helix Details; Win11 Xbox Mode Next Month
Details about Project Helix, the next generation of Xbox hardware, have been revealed, with alpha versions of the new console expected to be distributed to developers next year. Additionally, an Xbox mode for Windows 11 is slated for release next month.
Project Helix Alpha Dev Kits Shipping in 2027, Xbox Mode Coming to Windows 11 Next Month
Microsoft announced that dev kits for the next-generation Project Helix console will ship in 2027, featuring custom AMD hardware with advanced ray tracing capabilities. Additionally, an Xbox mode, previously exclusive to the ASUS ROG Ally X, will be integrated into Windows 11 next month, allowing for a seamless switch between productivity and gaming with controller support.
Xbox mode is coming to Windows 11, and PC gaming will never be the same
Microsoft is rolling out an "Xbox mode" to Windows 11 starting in April, transforming PCs into a controller-optimized gaming interface. This feature, inspired by the Xbox gaming OS and tested on the ASUS ROG Ally, aims to provide a seamless transition between productivity and play. The update will be available on all Windows 11 form factors, including laptops, desktops, and tablets.
