As 2025 comes to an end, Microsoft has shared how it improved gaming on Windows this year. The company says gaming on Windows 11 became faster, more portable, and more visually impressive in 2025. These upgrades were aimed at both traditional PCs and handheld devices like the ROG Xbox Ally.
Microsoft partnered with ASUS and AMD to build better handheld hardware. This helped the company push several new features that improve performance and visuals.
Some of the major improvements in 2025 include:
- Xbox full screen experience (FSE) for handhelds
- Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD)
- System-level performance boosts
- Local gameplay on the Xbox PC app for Windows on Arm
- Expanded Prism support
- Native anti-cheat for Windows on Arm
- DirectX Raytracing 1.2
- Neural rendering (preview)
- Better Bluetooth LE Audio
Microsoft says this is only the beginning. The company plans to build on these improvements in 2026.
One of the biggest updates next year will be Xbox FSE coming to more devices, including regular laptops, desktops, and 2-in-1 PCs. It is already available in preview for Insiders. ASD will also support more games on ROG Xbox Ally handhelds.
AI-powered upscaling is also expanding. Auto Super Resolution, which was first available only on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X chips, will soon arrive on the ROG Xbox Ally X. The feature uses the AMD Ryzen AI NPU to boost game visuals without losing performance.
Microsoft says Windows will continue to get better for gaming. The team is working on smarter background task management, better power handling, improved graphics performance, and updated drivers.
Gamers who want early access to new features are encouraged to join the Windows and Xbox Insider programs. Microsoft will share more details at GDC in March 2026.
