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How to turn on compact mode on the Xbox app

In This Article

In This Article

PC gaming handhelds have taken off in the last couple of years and their prevalence shows no sign of slowing down. For the Windows variety, simplicity is a key criticism and Microsoft is trying to address it with the new compact mode for the Xbox app.

So, this new compact mode is far from revolutionary so don’t expect it to change your mind on Windows PC gaming handhelds if you already have qualms. The new mode simply makes the Xbox app easier to use with handheld devices but it goes no way towards making the whole Windows gaming experience easier. You’ll still want to stick with yourSteam DeckorSteam Deck OLED.

Nevertheless, this is a nice addition that you can now access across Windows handhelds like theAsus ROG Ally,Lenovo Legion Goand more. Here’s how to turn it on.

What you’ll need:

What you’ll need:

The Short Version

Step1

Turn on your Windows handheld

Whether you’ve got an Asus, Lenovo or something else, load up Windows on your handheld.

Step2

Open the Xbox app

You may already have it on your desktop or taskbar but, if not, search for it in the Start menu.

Step3

Select your username

Click on your username in the top left corner to open a drop-down menu.

Step4

Toggle compact mode

Click the toggle to the right of compact mode to turn it on.

Step5

You can now see compact mode, which sizes down the left-hand-side menu to offer a wider handheld-friendly page.

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Adam is the Computing Editor of Trusted Reviews. He joined as a staff writer in 2019 after graduating from Newcastle University with an MA in Multimedia Journalism. After spending two years at WIRED,…

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Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.

Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.

We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.