A new Xbox update started rolling out to supported devices, including Microsoft’s consoles and PC, in late February 2026. The patch introduces cloud gaming improvements on Xbox consoles and new controller features on PC, among other novelties.
Major Xbox updates typically arrive once a month, with the most recent one debuting on January 21. The first patch of 2026 expanded the Xbox PC app support to ARM-based Windows 11 PCs, added a game save sync indicator, and made Xbox Cloud Gaming compatible with more smart TV models, in addition to expanding the ever-growing handheld compatibility program.
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February 2026 Xbox Update Brings 1440p Streaming to Consoles
The second major Xbox update of 2026 rolled out on Wednesday, February 25. Among its highlights is the introduction of better-quality Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming on consoles, allowing users to experience up to 1440p and a higher video bitrate. While the streaming service was expanded to every Xbox Game Pass tier besides PC Game Pass in August 2025, the newly introduced improvements will still be limited to Ultimate subscribers. Hardware-wise, 1440p streams will be supported on the latest two generations of Xbox consoles and the Xbox PC app, as well as select handheld PCs and browsers. Smart TVs, including those that just received Xbox Cloud Gaming support in January 2026, will also be included in the rollout.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
For Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, the most immediate benefit is improved image quality. Moving from 1080p to 1440p delivers finer detail and less visual blur, particularly on larger, QHD-compatible TVs and monitors. The higher bitrate further enhances image quality by reducing compression artifacts such as smearing or blockiness during fast motion. The February 2026 Xbox Cloud Gaming upgrade also aims to improve gameplay responsiveness, although the impact may be more subtle. Cloud gaming depends on a continuous exchange of data between the player and remote servers, and while a higher bitrate alone does not eliminate input lag, Microsoft says the broader enhancements can result in smoother motion and more consistent performance. All of this, however, depends on access to a sufficiently stable and fast internet connection. The newly debuted Xbox Cloud Gaming improvements have been in the works since at least early 2025, according to prior insider reports.
Xbox PC App Gets New Controller Navigation Sounds
On PC, the February 2026 update is largely focused on polishing the end-user experience, as underlined by the inclusion of optional controller navigation sounds. Now available in the Xbox PC app, the audio cues are meant to make menu movement feel more responsive and tactile. They can be adjusted through the app’s audio settings, which also allow them to be turned off entirely for anyone who prefers the old controller navigation setup. GameRant’s testing suggests the new feature is enabled by default. The patch also improves the Game Bar Audio widget with an updated layout.
ROG Xbox Ally Lineup Receives Several Improvements
The changelog attached to the February 2026 update also mentions several additions to the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handhelds. Both now offer an “Advanced Shader Delivery Indicator” that flags whether supported games have had shaders pre-compiled, which can reduce the usual stutter or long waits that players may experience on the first boot. Microsoft frames this feature as a small transparency feature that helps users understand when a game is truly primed to launch cleanly. Another novelty arrives in the form of the ability to easily format removable storage—namely microSD cards—straight from the Xbox app on a ROG Xbox Ally device. The formatting option will show up when installing a game, streamlining the process of freeing up space or otherwise preparing a memory card for installation.
Xbox February 2026 Update Full Patch Notes
Xbox Cloud Gaming Improvements on Consoles
- Xbox Cloud Gaming on Xbox consoles is leveling up. We’re now rolling out up to 1440p, higher bitrate streaming for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members, delivering sharper visuals and more responsive gameplay across supported titles and regions.
- This upgrade is beginning to roll out on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X and Xbox One S consoles – joining the Xbox PC app, handhelds, supported browsers, select Fire TV devices, LG TVs, and Samsung TVs. With Xbox Cloud Gaming now out of beta, we’re continuing to refine performance, expand support, and make cloud gameplay seamless.
Xbox app on PC and Game Bar 2602
- Sounds when navigating with gamepad: When moving around the Xbox app and taking actions, you will hear familiar sounds like those of an Xbox console, giving you audio feedback.
- Numerical battery percentage in Game Bar: When opening Game Bar, the actual percentage of battery remaining on your device will now appear in addition to a visual representation of battery life.
- Improved filters and sorting in Library: Your game library now allows you to filter by Handheld Verified status, Performance Fit, and sort by a number of new criteria. Additionally, the buttons for sorting and filtering have been improved to be easier to use.
- Game Bar Audio widget improvements: The Audio widget in Game Bar now has improved gamepad navigation support and an updated layout and styling to go with those changes.
ROG Xbox Ally Updates
- Improved Removable Storage Formatting support: ROG Xbox Ally players can now easily format removable storage (including the officially licensed Sandisk microSD cards) for installing and running games directly in the Xbox app. When installing a game, you can simply select your removable storage drive and format it directly.
- Advanced Shader Delivery Indicator: ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X players will now see a notice on the game loading screen of supported titles indicating if graphic shaders were pre-compiled. Advanced Shader Delivery preloads game shaders during download so select games launch faster and run smoother on first play.
- Additional Improvements: We’ve made several other updates for ROG Xbox Ally players based on their feedback.
ASUS Armoury Crate and Command Center
- More flexible key mapping: You can now remap Gaming Copilot and Push-to-Talk keys directly from the Action section in the keymap configuration menu.
- More accurate Modern Standby behavior: Improved Extreme Standby Mode logic for more reliable Modern Standby performance. (Requires ROG Xbox Ally BIOS v317 or later).
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Updated Default Game Profiles (preview): Default Game Profiles (preview) now use Balanced Windows Power Mode to help optimize battery life during gameplay.
- There are new intro promo support for both ROG Ally models.
- You can now map Enter/Exit FSE to a button.
- Per-game profiles also support full screen experience (FSE) key bindings.
- Improved UI scaling at 900p: Fixed an issue where the Armoury Crate SE (ACSE) interface could extend beyond the screen at 900p resolution.
- Improved system stability with controller emulation: Fixed an issue that could cause a system crash when using the Xbox 360 Controller Emulator.
Source: Xbox Support
