Windows 11 KB5083631 Release Preview Speeds Up File Explorer, Adds Xbox Mode & More

Microsoft has rolled out Builds 26100.8313 and 26200.8313 (KB5083631) for Windows 11, version 24H2 and 25H2, respectively. The latest builds introduce the new Xbox mode, which is now landing across PCs, laptops, and tablets.

As you may know, Xbox mode offers a full-screen, controller-first interface that cuts background clutter and puts games front and center. You can jump into it via the Xbox app, Game Bar settings, or simply press Win + F11. Notably, Xbox mode is also rolling out for Canary Insiders via Build 29570.1000.

Aside from gaming, the new Release Preview Builds add noticeable improvements to File Explorer. Microsoft notes that folder viewing consistency has been improved. As a result, “customized settings (such as sorting files by name or adjusting icon size) now apply across all ways you open a folder. When you open the same folder from another app, such as a web browser, your preferences persist automatically.”

This is especially useful helpful in the Downloads folder when Group by date is turned off. Besides that, Microsoft has improved speed and performance of File Explorer launch and also fixed the annoying white flash in dark mode. A new “preview anyway” button has been added to help you quickly inspect downloaded files after warnings. Moving on, support for more archive formats is expanding, and overall reliability of explorer processes appears to be improving.

On the input side, the update introduces haptic feedback support for select pens and accessories. It adds subtle physical responses when snapping windows or aligning objects, which may feel more natural over time. Voice typing is also getting a cleaner, less intrusive design that keeps you focused on the task. Speaking of usability, Microsoft is improving keyboard experiences as well. A legacy Arabic layout returns, and several reliability fixes target emoji navigation, dictation, and niche keyboards like ADLaM.

Well, there are bunch of other improvements included in this update, like the renaming of Drag Tray, Agents on Taskbar, and much more. As a reminder, Microsoft has also rolled out a new Canary update for different Build series under KB5083725, which improves overall system experience and fixes an issue. Meanwhile, Beta and Dev channel Insiders are also getting new builds, which you can read about here.