Microsoft is rebuilding the Xbox PC app, and an early hands-on suggests the biggest change is speed. The new version, codenamed Garrison, reportedly loads huge game libraries far faster than the current app and merges the store and library into one interface. If you play on Windows 11, it pairs naturally with our guide to enabling Game Mode in Windows 11.
Here is what has been shown, what is still missing, and what it could mean for PC gamers.
What Is Garrison?
Garrison is the codename for a rebuilt Xbox PC app that Microsoft is preparing to ship. Earlier in the summer, Microsoft began testing a new Xbox Cloud Gaming interface codenamed Bastion, which aimed to bring the experience closer to the Xbox Series X|S console. The current PC app looks quite different from that direction and has known performance problems, especially when loading large libraries or the Xbox PC store.
The early build is reportedly already being bundled into Windows 11 builds, which suggests a rollout to Xbox Insiders on PC could come within weeks. That timing is the reporter's expectation, not an announced date.
What Changed in the New App
| Area | Current App | New App (Early Build) |
|---|---|---|
| Library loading | Slow with large libraries | Noticeably faster with a 1,400+ title library |
| Store and library | Two separate pages for games | One shared interface for store listings and owned games |
| Install vs. stream | Harder to tell at a glance | Clearer labels for installable vs. cloud-streamable games |
| Input design | Primarily desktop | Layouts for both mouse and keyboard and for controller |
| New features | N/A | Few so far; focus is on performance and usability |
Library Filters and Cloud Labels
The screenshot of the early build shows tabs for Installed, Recently played, Queue, and My games. A second row filters by source, including Game Pass, EA Play, Ubisoft+, Free with Xbox, Battle.net, EA app, and GOG Galaxy. Individual tiles carry labels such as "Cloud-only," and the view can be sorted alphabetically.
Controller Mode and Game Mode
The app can be set as the default home screen when you load into Windows 11's new Game Mode setting. In that case it defaults to the controller-scaled layout, which suits handhelds like the Xbox Ally.
What Is Still Missing
The reporter notes that Microsoft's PC offering lags Steam on community tools, developer communication systems, visible reviews, and arguably curation. It is not yet clear whether the rebuild improves visibility for developers, since the store pages are unfinished. Tighter integration with Minecraft and other live-service games is suggested as a way to build community, but that is the author's idea, not a Microsoft announcement.
Who Benefits and How to Try It
- Players with large libraries: The biggest reported gain is load speed for big collections.
- Handheld and controller users: The controller layout and Game Mode integration target devices like the Xbox Ally.
- Cloud gaming fans: Clearer install-versus-stream labels reduce guesswork.
- Multi-store gamers: The source filters suggest several libraries can be viewed in one place, though this needs confirmation at launch.
The app is not publicly available yet. When Microsoft opens it to Xbox Insiders on PC, you would typically join through the Xbox Insider program and opt in to preview builds. That is general guidance, so wait for Microsoft's official instructions.
Why This Matters
Microsoft has been restructuring its gaming business this year, including divesting studios and refocusing on Xbox Series X|S consoles. This rebuild shows it is still investing in PC. It also arrives alongside a reported Nvidia partnership for RTX Spark Arm laptops, including the Surface Laptop Ultra, and a new division called Xbox XP aimed at player retention beyond consoles. Whether the PC app plays a role in that strategy is still an open question. For budget-conscious players, our 1080p budget PC gaming guide is a useful companion.
Official source: None yet for Garrison. Watch Xbox Wire and Microsoft's Xbox Insider announcements for confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new Xbox PC app?
It is a rebuilt version of the Xbox app for Windows, codenamed Garrison, focused on speed and a simpler layout.
Is it faster than the current app?
According to the early hands-on, yes, especially when loading a library of more than 1,400 titles. No measured benchmarks have been published.
When will it be released?
Microsoft has not announced a date. The reporter expects an Xbox Insiders rollout in the coming weeks, but that is an estimate.
Does it work with a controller?
Yes. The design covers both mouse and keyboard and controller, and it defaults to the controller layout when used as the home screen in Windows 11's Game Mode.
Does it add new features?
Not many yet. The early build prioritizes performance and usability, and the store pages are not fully implemented.
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