Microsoft Tests Faster Xbox PC App With Redesigned Garrison Interface

Microsoft is testing a major redesign of the Xbox PC app focused on faster performance, cleaner navigation, and a more consistent experience across traditional PCs and Windows gaming handhelds. Internally codenamed Garrison, the new interface is already being tested in an early build, with initial hands on impressions suggesting substantial improvements over the existing application.

Jez Corden of Windows Central tested the new app with an Xbox library containing more than 1,400 titles and reported noticeably faster loading and navigation. The improvement is particularly visible when opening large game collections, an area where the current Xbox app can become sluggish. No controlled benchmarks have been published, so the performance gain should currently be treated as a hands on observation rather than a measured percentage improvement.

Tom Warren of The Verge also shared images of the redesigned interface through his post on X, saying performance is clearly better than the current app. His screenshots show Microsoft simplifying the visual structure while retaining the familiar Xbox identity.

the new Xbox PC app design is coming along nicely https://t.co/f4GWNoCYpw

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) October 9, 2026

One of the more practical changes involves how games are presented. The current Xbox PC app can separate a library entry from its corresponding store listing, while Garrison combines game information, installation options, purchasing, and library management into a more unified interface. The redesign also makes the distinction between locally installable titles and games available only through Xbox Cloud Gaming easier to understand.

Controller navigation is another major focus. Garrison includes layouts designed for both mouse and keyboard and controller input, with scaling that adapts when used through Microsoft's full screen Xbox mode for Windows 11. Users can reportedly set the redesigned app as their default home experience when entering Xbox mode, giving handhelds and living room PCs a more console oriented interface.

Xbox mode itself began rolling out across Windows 11 desktops, laptops, tablets, and handhelds in April 2026. Microsoft designed it as a controller focused environment capable of aggregating games from Xbox and other supported PC storefronts while still allowing access to the traditional Windows desktop.

The current Garrison preview appears to prioritize responsiveness and usability rather than introducing a large new feature set. Some store functionality remains unfinished, while community features, user reviews, developer communication, and game discovery still have room to improve compared with established platforms such as Steam.

The redesign also fits Microsoft's wider attempt to strengthen its PC gaming ecosystem. As we previously covered in Xbox first party growth returns after an all time low, the company is investing more heavily across Xbox on PC, Battle.net, Game Pass, and future hardware while trying to reduce friction for players and developers.

Microsoft has not officially announced a public release date for Garrison. Windows Central believes it could reach Xbox Insiders before the end of 2026, potentially within the coming weeks, although that remains an expectation based on the current development state rather than a confirmed rollout schedule.

The Xbox PC app already offers Game Pass, cloud gaming, Play Anywhere support, and an aggregated library, but those features lose value when navigation feels slower than competing platforms. A more responsive interface could make a noticeable difference, especially on handhelds where controller usability and quick access matter more.

Garrison still needs stronger discovery, community tools, reviews, and developer interaction if Microsoft wants the Xbox app to become more than a Game Pass launcher. But improving the foundation first is the right direction.

Would a faster and more controller friendly Xbox PC app make you use Microsoft's launcher more often, or does Steam still offer too many advantages?