Microsoft is exploring options to adapt Windows 11 for handheld PCs

Alleged footage of a Microsoft hackathon presentation on handheld gaming has been leaked. It shows that a team within the company has been working on a Windows 11 shell that should run well on handheld PCs such as the Steam Deck.

In the two videos, posted by @_h0x0d_, it can be seen that the prototype is a separate mode for the Windows desktop, similar to how you can switch to the desktop from gaming mode on the Steam Deck. In addition, there is an extensive onboarding process in which the necessary drivers are installed and the prototype uses the taskbar for touchscreens, which was recently released. The interface also shows a selection menu for a standard launcher, with a choice of Xbox, Steam, EA Play, Epic Games, Battle.net and itch.io.

As for controller support, Microsoft emphasizes support for this in an on-screen keyboard, but it also talks about mapping controller keys to standard Windows functions such as task management.

The hackathon dates back to September, as can be seen from the slides. Microsoft hasn’t announced anything, so nothing is certain yet. It is true that handheld PCs are gaining in popularity and although the Steam Deck has its own SteamOS, there are also handhelds that come with a ‘normal’ Windows installation, at most with some adjustments from the manufacturer. Examples include the Aya Neo, ASUS ROG Ally and the Onexplayer.