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Windows 11 Xbox Mode: RAM Saver, Not Speed Booster
17 Jun
Summary
- Windows 11's Xbox mode uses less RAM than the standard desktop.
- Tests show Xbox mode does not improve actual game performance.
- SteamOS offers better game performance than Windows 11.
Microsoft's efforts to enhance gaming on Windows 11 are ongoing, with its console-style Xbox mode seeing mixed results. Independent testing has revealed that while the mode effectively reduces RAM usage compared to the standard desktop environment, it does not deliver any discernible improvements in actual game performance. This finding applies across various resolutions and popular titles, suggesting a current lack of optimization.
Further analysis indicates that Valve's SteamOS consistently provides superior gaming performance and more efficient RAM utilization than Windows 11. This is compounded by SteamOS's lack of unwanted bloatware. Microsoft's Xbox mode rollout is also incomplete, presenting an additional hurdle for users seeking a seamless console-like experience.
As Microsoft works to catch up, the prolonged development and performance optimization for Xbox mode could put it at a disadvantage against SteamOS. Although Windows remains the dominant PC gaming operating system, improvements in anti-cheat support for Linux could encourage a migration of gamers to SteamOS.
