Microsoft has started deploying a new wave of updates to the Xbox dashboard for Xbox Series X and Series S users enrolled in the Xbox Insider Program. The update delivers several quality-of-life improvements focused on managing recent games and apps, local storage, and user profile customisation.
The features are initially available to members on the Alpha Skip Ahead and Alpha rings, allowing early access before wider rollout. This update continues the company’s recent efforts to refine user experience on Xbox consoles, complementing previous enhancements to cloud saves, achievement tracking, and clip recording functionality.
Customisation of Recent Games and Apps List
The update lets users customise the recent games and apps list on the dashboard by using the Menu button to remove entries, including items from the “Play History” section. This provides greater control over what appears in the recents, offering an option to declutter the dashboard for users who find some elements less relevant.
Additionally, Xbox has introduced a feature that allows players to hide all home screen tiles by pressing the right stick on the controller. This brings dynamic backgrounds to the forefront on the TV screen, offering a cleaner and more personalised look.
Improved Local Game Save Management and Profile Badge Details
Managing local storage has also been enhanced with the ability to view and sort saved game files by size in Settings > System > Storage > Manage Local Game Saves. This functionality helps users better identify large save files occupying local space. Deleted saves will be automatically retrieved from cloud backups upon the game’s next launch, utilising Xbox’s free cloud save service.
User profiles have gained an update where clicking on profile badges now reveals explanatory information about their significance. This change could be linked to future developments around achievement and trophy systems on Xbox, although no further details have been confirmed.
Refinements to Wishlist Functionality
Microsoft has also upgraded its game wishlist system. Purchased games will now be automatically removed from a user’s wishlist, streamlining wishlist management and preventing clutter from items already owned. These improvements align Xbox’s wishlist with established practices seen on platforms like Steam.
The Xbox Insider Program’s recent focus under new leadership includes addressing core user needs with software updates on Xbox Series X|S, reflecting increased attention to the console experience. Microsoft confirmed that while these features are launching today for select Insiders, broader availability will follow in subsequent updates.
Players interested in providing feedback on these features can do so via the Xbox Feedback Portal. The ongoing improvements contribute to the evolving dashboard experience for Xbox console users across the platform.
