Microsoft is finally fighting back against the rise of SteamOS by overhauling Windows 11 to be better on handhelds
- Windows 11’s gaming user interface will become more console-like, taking inspiration from Xbox and simplifying controls
- The new design looks to become a more substantial competitor to SteamOS and optimize usability
- Emphasis will be placed on improving controllers and handheld-specific features for seamless gaming
It seems like Microsoft has finally recognized that portable gaming PCs could be better, especially when it comes to running Windows 11 on them, and that it wants to improve this experience.
Right now, Windows 11 just isn’t great on these devices; it feels clunky and complicated, probably because Windows 11 is largely designed for desktops and larger devices in general, and not for compact handhelds without keyboards. This is even more apparent when compared to the smooth interfaces of Xbox consoles or Valve’s SteamOS, which are designed specifically for their respective devices.
Now Microsoft wants to bring the Xbox experience to Windows PCs, combining the two systems and taking the portable Windows gaming experience to the next level. This was alluded to during a roundtable discussion at the recent AMD and Lenovo “The Future of Gaming Handhelds” event by Microsoft VP of “Next Generation” (presumably the next generation of Windows handheld gaming PCs) Jason Ronald, which was held during CES 2025 event in Las Vegas.
Microsoft’s goal appears to be to integrate Xbox’s user-friendly, console-like features, such as quick access to games and easy navigation, into Windows for handhelds. This would make it easier to use portable Windows gaming devices more intuitively, allowing you to pick up your device and start playing without having to fiddle with complicated settings or desktop-style menus.
Microsoft’s Vice President of ‘Next Generation’, Jason Ronald, hinted that they are actively working on this and that we will see some big improvements this year. It’s not about building a brand new Xbox operating system for PCs, it’s about improving Windows 11 itself so you feel more like an Xbox when you game. The big idea? To make handheld Windows gaming as easy and enjoyable as playing on an Xbox, while still allowing you to take advantage of the flexibility of Windows when you need it.
When speaking with The edgeRonald explained this by explaining that this will go beyond the current state of affairs where there are compact modes for Xbox apps in Windows 11, and will be a simplified experience similar to what you would use on a gaming console. This includes addressing aspects such as making Windows 11 work better with game controllers and designing Windows 11 to make better use of portable gaming hardware.
Could a game-changing update take over SteamOS?
This news is very welcome, as I know a lot of people are very vocal about Windows 11 being the weakest part of many gaming handheld PCs, including the Lenovo Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally Gaming handhelds running Windows 11 will often use a proxy user interface to manage and run your games, but this can make for a slower and less than ideal experience overall. Additionally, Windows 11 has to contend with SteamOS (a Linux-based operating system), as we’re starting to see devices available in both SteamOS and Windows 11, such as the Lenovo Legion S.
SteamOS is an operating system specifically designed to run games, has an easy-to-use dedicated user interface and does not suffer from the hassle of Windows 11.
The roundtable didn’t clarify whether this means a special version of Windows for gaming handhelds or whether there will be additions made to it in Windows 11 that will make gaming on handheld PCs better. Ronald says his team is working on “fundamental interaction models” that will work regardless of what operating system a device is using, ensuring that users get a solid gaming experience regardless.
However, it looks like Ronald and his team may have more in store than just layering software on top of Windows 11 for gaming handhelds. We’ll have to see how this new system looks, performs, and feels, but it sounds promising, especially since portable gaming PCs seem to be a booming market.