Xbox has begun rolling out a fresh set of UI updates aimed at making the console’s Home screen more personal and streamlined. The changes are currently live for Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead Xbox Insiders, with a full release expected in the coming weeks.
These updates are part of Xbox’s continued commitment to user feedback and interface flexibility, building on years of dashboard refinements that have evolved based on player needs.
What’s Changing?
At the heart of this update is the recently played games and apps list, which is receiving three notable upgrades:
- Hide System Apps: Players can now choose to hide system apps like the Store or Settings from their recent activity feed, helping keep the Home screen more focused on games and entertainment.
- Pin Favorites: Up to three favorite games or apps can be pinned to the top of the list. These pinned items remain in place even when other titles are launched, offering easier access to high-priority content.
- Reduce Tile Count (Coming Soon): A new feature still in development, “reduce tile count” will allow users to condense the number of dashboard tiles, creating a cleaner and less cluttered Home layout.
Still in Testing, but Not for Long
While two of the features are already live for Insider testers, the “reduce tile count” option is still being finalized. Xbox has confirmed it’s on the way soon, and like past updates, the phased rollout allows for user feedback and last-minute refinements.
There’s no confirmed release date for general users yet, but if the Insider feedback is positive, it shouldn’t be long before the changes reach the wider Xbox community.
Why It Matters
With players spending increasing amounts of time on their consoles, the importance of a smooth, customizable interface can’t be overstated. Xbox’s latest UI changes highlight a strong focus on user experience—reducing clutter, prioritizing what matters most, and giving players more control over their dashboard.
