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Windows 11 Introduces Xbox-Focused Mode for PCs in Limited Regions

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Xbox mode is rolling out to all Windows 11 PCs next month — and some gamers are excited, while others are worried | TechRadar

Microsoft has begun rolling out its new Xbox mode for Windows 11 PCs in select markets, aiming to deliver a more console-like gaming experience across desktops, laptops, and tablets. This new interface is designed to feel closer to using an Xbox, making navigation smoother and more intuitive for gamers who prefer controllers over traditional keyboard and mouse setups.

The feature originally appeared as a full-screen Xbox experience on the ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices, and it has now been adapted for broader Windows 11 use. Xbox mode brings together game libraries from services like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and other platforms, allowing users to access their games from one centralized interface.

First announced in March, the feature was expected to arrive in April and officially started reaching some users on April 30. For now, availability is limited to certain regions, but Microsoft plans to expand access gradually over the coming weeks as part of a phased rollout.

Users who want to try Xbox mode should ensure their system is set to receive the latest updates. This can be done by enabling automatic updates in Windows 11 through the Settings menu under Windows Update and toggling the option to receive updates as soon as they become available.

Microsoft Unveils New Windows 11 Insider Preview Build Featuring Ask Copilot Shortcut and Shared Audio Support

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Microsoft has announced the release of a new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, bringing several notable features and improvements to both the Dev and Beta Channels. Among the highlights is the introduction of Ask Copilot in the taskbar — a streamlined way for users to interact with Microsoft’s AI assistant directly through one-click access. This enhancement allows users to access Copilot Vision and Voice features more quickly, making it easier to perform tasks using natural language commands. Additionally, the company is rolling out a new Shared Audio feature that enables users to play audio simultaneously on two connected devices, expanding personalization and accessibility options across the system.

According to Microsoft’s official Windows Insider blog, the latest update arrives as Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115). While this release includes routine bug fixes and performance enhancements, the most exciting addition is undoubtedly the integration of Ask Copilot directly within the Windows taskbar. This AI-powered shortcut aims to improve productivity by allowing users to perform everyday tasks, find information, and even control settings through both text and voice inputs. It’s designed as an opt-in experience, meaning users can choose to enable it manually under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot.

The new Shared Audio functionality, currently in testing, is another notable addition in this build. It allows a single audio stream to be played on two devices at once — for example, sharing music between two pairs of Bluetooth headphones or syncing playback across speakers. This feature could be especially useful for watching movies, gaming, or collaborative listening experiences. It represents part of Microsoft’s broader effort to enhance multimedia flexibility in Windows 11, aligning the platform more closely with the needs of creators and casual users alike.

In addition to these updates, the build extends Full-Screen Experience (FSE) support to a wider range of handheld gaming PCs, further optimizing Windows 11 for portable gaming devices. This improvement ensures smoother frame rates, better scaling, and a more immersive experience for gamers using compact form-factor PCs. With these updates, Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11 into a more intelligent, flexible, and adaptive platform — one that blends AI-powered assistance with thoughtful usability enhancements across devices and use cases.

Microsoft Fixes Windows 11 Bug That Disabled Mouse and Keyboard in Recovery Mode

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Microsoft Issues Fix for Windows 11 USB Bug in Recovery Mode

Microsoft has released a fix for a Windows 11 bug that prevented USB devices from working in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). The issue surfaced after users installed the KB5066835 security update earlier this month, causing keyboards and mice to become unresponsive in recovery mode. To address the problem, Microsoft rolled out an out-of-band (OOB) update with improvements designed to restore full functionality. The new update is available in builds 26200.6901 and 26100.6901.

Problems Reported by Users

Following the KB5066835 update on October 14, many users reported issues on Reddit and Microsoft’s support forums, stating that USB peripherals like mice and keyboards no longer worked in WinRE. The bug posed a significant problem for those needing to troubleshoot or repair their PCs, effectively limiting access to critical recovery tools. Microsoft acknowledged the complaints and began working on a solution immediately.

Emergency Out-of-Band Update

To resolve the issue, Microsoft released the emergency KB5070773 update, which is cumulative and includes both the fixes for the USB bug and the security improvements from the original KB5066835 update. The update ensures that devices connected via USB are now fully recognized in WinRE, allowing users to access recovery tools without disruptions.

Workarounds for Affected Users

For users who still cannot boot into Windows due to the WinRE USB problem, Microsoft has recommended a few temporary workarounds. These include using alternate input methods, such as PS/2 peripherals if available, or performing offline updates via installation media. With the new OOB update, Microsoft has effectively restored normal functionality for affected Windows 11 users and reinforced the importance of timely patch deployment.