Microsoft today dropped a new preview update for PC users, now extending the Xbox app’s “Compact Mode” to the Game Bar. Compact Mode on the Game bar now simplifies the interface and brings the experience closer to that of the Xbox console’s guide menu. The main page links recent games and all installed PC storefronts, while the rest of the tabs offers quick access to achievements, messages, and settings. Widgets still appear to be available as well, and opening one will instead place itself into a new tab on the Bar.
Have a gander below for more details on this update. To get this yourself, you will need to join the appropriate Xbox Insider programme in the Xbox Insider Hub app and, once the update installs, toggle the new mode under settings in the Game Bar. You can grab that here—otherwise hang tight as it’ll likely make its way to the public channel in the near future.
Introducing Compact Mode
We are excited to announce that Compact Mode is now available in Game Bar for Xbox Insiders. Compact Mode is a new experience that simplifies Game Bar, making it more intuitive and easier to navigate on small screens, Windows handhelds, and when playing with a controller. To use this feature, open Game Bar, go to the Settings widget, under General, and turn on the “Compact Mode” toggle.
Better navigation on small screens and more
With Compact Mode enabled, access to widgets and navigation is simplified to ensure you can get access to the content you want as easily as possible. When using a controller, you can switch between widgets quickly with left and right bumpers (LB/RB).
On the Home widget, you can view any running games and recently played games. You can also access common game launchers installed on your system such as Xbox, Steam, Battle.net, EA Play, Riot Games, and Ubisoft Connect.
You can now quit a game that is running by going to the Home widget and selecting the game and pressing close, a faster way than quitting from the game or navigating out to Desktop. In addition, you can leverage the Resource widget to quickly see what other applications are using your device’s resources and close them.
When the focus is on a widget icon in the navigation, you can open the widget’s settings or close the widget.
Finally, you can access the Widget Store and open any installed widget by going to the widgets menu.
How to access Compact Mode on Windows gaming handheld PCs
For devices that support custom physical button mapping, you can map a button to the WIN+G keyboard shortcut. Please refer to your device’s onboarding instructions on how to remap a physical button. To access Game Bar on your desktop, search for “Game Bar” in the taskbar and right click to pin to taskbar.
Share your feedback
A new survey is available here or in the Xbox Insider Hub (open or install here for players enrolled in the PC Gaming preview) to give us your feedback on Compact Mode for Game Bar on Windows PCs while it is on preview. As a reminder, you can always give us suggestions for the app or leave feedback by going to the Settings widget, under Feedback, use the Game Bar feedback link. We look forward to hearing from you as we work to bring more enhancements to Compact Mode for you to enjoy seamless Xbox gaming experiences across all your Windows devices.
