I Tested Windows 11's New Gaming Mode Against Linux – Here's What Happened

In this video, I take a look at Windows 11’s new Xbox Fullscreen Experience and compare it directly against Omarchy OS running GameScope, using the same hardware, same games, and same settings.

Microsoft’s Xbox Fullscreen Experience is designed to reduce Windows overhead and turn the desktop into a more console-like gaming environment. It’s currently available through the Windows Insider Beta and Dev channels and is aimed at handhelds like the ROG Ally — but it can also be enabled on desktop PCs.

The question is simple:
Is the performance gain worth going back to Windows?

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🔹 What’s Covered in This Video
• Enabling Xbox Fullscreen Experience on Windows 11 Insider builds
• Navigating the fullscreen Xbox UI, Game Bar, widgets, and settings
• Launching Steam games from the Xbox interface
• Observing background services, pop-ups, store prompts, and Copilot behaviour
• Running benchmarks on Windows vs Omarchy OS
• Switching back and forth between operating systems using separate SSDs
• Comparing real-world performance differences rather than synthetic tests

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🔹 Test Setup
• Same PC
• Same GPU
• Same resolution (1440p)
• Same quality settings
• No ray tracing
• No frame generation
• DLSS set to Quality where available
• Benchmarks run back-to-back

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🔹 Benchmarks Shown

Returnal (Epic, 1440p)
• Omarchy OS (GameScope): ~96 FPS
• Windows 11 Xbox Fullscreen Experience: ~132 FPS

A clear performance advantage for Windows here — but Omarchy remains well above 60 FPS.

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Homeworld 3 (Epic)
• Windows: ~79 FPS
• Omarchy: ~81 FPS

Almost identical results. Both appear CPU/GPU bound in different moments.

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Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra, No RT, No Frame Gen)
• Windows: ~101 FPS
• Omarchy: ~87 FPS

Roughly a 13–14 FPS difference on identical hardware and settings.

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🔹 Observations from the Test
• Windows does deliver higher peak FPS in some titles
• Xbox Fullscreen Experience still brings a lot of Windows background noise
• Store pop-ups, widgets, Copilot prompts, and system clutter remain
• Omarchy OS offers a far cleaner, distraction-free environment
• GameScope provides consistent fullscreen behaviour with minimal overhead
• Above 60 FPS, the real-world difference becomes less noticeable — especially on a 60Hz display

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🔹 Final Thoughts

Windows 11’s Xbox Fullscreen Experience is a valid attempt to compete with SteamOS and Linux gaming environments. It performs well — but it still feels like Windows trying to be something it isn’t.

If you’re happy trading 10–15 FPS for:
• A clean operating system
• No ads, pop-ups, or background services
• Full control over your system
• A desktop that works for gaming and productivity

…then Omarchy OS with GameScope remains a compelling choice.

This video isn’t about “Windows bad, Linux good” — it’s about understanding the trade-offs and deciding what matters more to you.

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Follow the Linux Out of the Box series for more real-world comparisons, Omarchy OS tools, gaming workflows, and honest Linux vs Windows tests.

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#Linux #OmarchyOS #Windows11 #XboxFullscreenExperience #LinuxGaming #GameScope #Steam #Returnal #Cyberpunk2077 #Homeworld3 #LinuxOutOfTheBox #PCGaming