Windows 11 KB5083631 is rolling out with Xbox mode for regular PCs, a more reliable File Explorer, faster startup apps, and more. This is an optional update that can be downloaded via Windows Update. For advanced users, Microsoft has also posted direct download links to the KB5083631 offline installers (.msu) on the Update Catalog.
Today’s update shows up as “2026-04 Preview Update (KB5083631) (26200.8328)” and can be downloaded from Settings > Windows Update, but only when you click on the ‘Download and & Install’ button. The update bumps the OS to Windows 11 Build 26200.8328. In the case of version 24H2, it bumps the OS to Build 26100.8328.
Windows 11 KB5083631 is a big release, but it’s marked as an optional update, which means it’s not downloaded automatically. Also, the update appears to include early bits from Microsoft’s Windows K2 efforts, which is the name of an internal project that aims to improve Windows 11.
Download Links for Windows 11 KB5083631
Windows 11 KB5083631 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and ARM-64
| Build Number | Size | OS Version | Architecture |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26200.8328 | 4802.0 MB | Windows 11 25H2 | x64-based |
| 26200.8328 | 4802.0 MB | Windows 11 25H2 | arm64-based |
| 26100.8328 | 4449.0 MB | Windows 11 24H2 | x64-based |
| 26100.8328 | 4449.0 MB | Windows 11 24H2 | arm64-based |
What’s new in Windows 11 Build 26200.8328 (25H2) / Build 26100.8328 (24H2)?
All Windows updates roll out major changes gradually
1. Xbox mode is now rolling out
In our tests, Windows Latest found that Windows 11 KB5083631 enables the highly anticipated Xbox Game Mode on regular PCs. Until now, the Xbox Game, previously called Full Screen Experience (FSE), was locked to handheld devices. That changes today as part of Microsoft’s efforts to win back gamers.
I installed the update, and I can confirm the Xbox mode finally shows up on one of my PCs, but I don’t see it on my other PCs. It’s totally random, and having a PC with a dedicated GPU isn’t going to influence the rollout.
I was curious why I didn’t see it on my other PC, so I asked Microsoft, and it told me that the feature is rolling out with Windows 11 KB5083631.
It’ll take anywhere between a day and a few weeks for Xbox mode to show up on all PCs, but if you can’t wait, you can use a third-party tool called ‘ViveTool’ to force enable the feature.
What is Xbox mode in Windows 11?
Xbox Mode has been available on handheld as ‘Full Screen Experience,’ but it was recently rebranded ahead of PC roll out. With the rebrand, Microsoft is rolling out Xbox mode to all PCs.
When you turn on the optional feature, it replaces the traditional Windows desktop workflow with an Xbox-first interface where you focus on gaming, and Microsoft takes care of the performance.
Xbox mode for Windows 11 turns on a full-screen gaming experience, and the new interface is optimized for controller. That means you can use any gaming controller, including an Xbox One controller, to navigate the new Xbox home page on your Windows 11 PC.
Xbox mode automatically opens when you boot your system. Once you’re on your new Xbox desktop (dashboard, not your Windows desktop), you can open any game, use Xbox Game Bar to enhance and monitor performance, and automatically switch between apps using your controller.
As somebody who has grown up using an Xbox console, I can confirm the experience is closer to using a console than a PC. Of course, there are some shortcomings, including performance. Windows Latest understands that Xbox mode does allow games to run with more resources, but it still does not address the underlying issues of Windows, including bugs that hurt game performance.
2. File Explorer is now faster, consistent with folder views, and more
File Explorer has a problem where it does not correctly remember folder views across all folders. For example, if your Downloads folder view is set to “Extra large icons,” you’d expect the icons to appear in an extra-large layout, which is a fair expectation.
However, if you open the Downloads folder via another app, such as the Edge browser, Downloads will not respect your preference and default to “Details” view.
With Windows 11 KB5083631 (Build 26200.8313), Microsoft says it patched this behavior, which means folder view will be consistent in File Explorer. That means, the same folder will now use the same folder view whether it’s opened via File Explorer or Microsoft Edge’s Downloads folder.
I asked Microsoft when the long-anticipated File Explorer performance improvements would begin rolling out, and the company told me that some of the speed benefits are available with today’s optional update.
Microsoft is not aware of any major issues with today’s optional update, so you can safely download it today.
