Microsoft Updates Xbox Game Bar with New Compact Mode for PC Users

TapTechNews August 14th news, on the 13th local time, Microsoft pushed an update for Xbox Insider Program users on the PC side, adding a brand new Compact Mode to the Xbox game bar. The Xbox Blog detailed this feature in an article updated on the same day, roughly as follows:

We are pleased to announce that Xbox Insiders can now use Compact Mode in the game bar. Compact Mode is a new experience that simplifies the game bar, making it more intuitive and easy to navigate on small screens, Windows handheld devices, and when playing games with a gamepad. To use this feature, open the game bar, go to Settings, and then turn on the Compact Mode toggle switch.

TapTechNews note: The Xbox game bar is usually built into the Windows 10/11 system and can be called up by pressing Win+G. Players can quickly access FPS count, performance charts, game screenshots and screen recordings through this tool.

This updated Compact Mode abandons the existing desktop version tool's mouse-first small tool window and instead adopts a more familiar interface similar to the Xbox guide. Players can easily browse with any PC-compatible gamepad. The main tab shows the game and the launchers installed by the user (such as Steam and Battle.net, etc.), as well as common tools such as screenshots, screen recordings, and performance monitoring. In addition, players can also access the Widget Store and open any installed widgets.