How to enable Xbox mode to reduce RAM usage when gaming on Windows

Xbox mode for Windows 11 PCs lets you enjoy a more streamlined, controller-friendly experience than ever before on your ROG gaming laptop or desktop. It puts your game library front and center, minimizes operating system distractions, optimizes RAM usage, and more. Here’s how you can enable it and score a superior PC gaming experience.

How to enable Xbox mode for a full screen experience on your PC

Xbox Mode is still rolling out to PCs everywhere, but you can check if the option is available on your PC right now.

You’ll know the update has reached you when you open the Xbox app and see a gray Xbox mode button in the upper righthand corner of the app. Alternatively, open the Game Bar (Windows key+G) and click the Settings icon that looks like a gear, at which point you should see an Enter Xbox mode button. Either way, entering Xbox mode is as simple as clicking the gray button.

To leave Xbox mode, simply click the exit button in the upper righthand corner of the Xbox app. Alternatively, follow the aforementioned Game Bar instructions. The Enter Xbox mode button will be replaced by an exit button. You can also exit by pressing the Windows key to enter task view, then selecting Windows desktop at the bottom of your screen. If you’re using a controller like the ROG Raikiri II, you can exit by holding the Xbox button.

The benefits of Xbox mode

Xbox mode provides a clean, game-focused interface that helps your gaming PC deliver an Xbox-like experience. You'll be able to browse and launch games more easily than ever with a controller, see an aggregated library that shows games you've installed across various launchers, and more. And you can easily bounce back to the Windows desktop when you want the operating system's full capabilities.

Beyond its controller-friendly design and convenient library aggregation, it can also give certain titles a performance boost thanks to its optimization of system RAM, freeing up to 2GB of additional memory for your gaming endeavors. Xbox mode does this by reducing certain Windows background processes, letting you harness more of your machine’s horsepower for gaming. How much mileage you get out of this enhancement will vary from title to title and system to system, but free RAM is free RAM, so take advantage of it.

From the ROG Xbox Ally to ROG PCs to you

Xbox Mode is the new name for the full screen Xbox experience that debuted on the ROG Xbox Ally. It’s now part of the Windows PC gaming experience, bringing that same gaming‑centric interface to your other ROG machines. Whether you’re gaming on the couch with a controller or sitting at your battlestation, Xbox Mode helps your system feel more focused, more responsive, and more console‑like when you want it to be. Enjoy its benefits across your gaming handheld, laptop, and desktop and make the most of the ROG Xbox experience.