Xbox Now Lets You Pin Games to Home Screen and Customize UI Like Never Before

Searching for how to pin games on Xbox or customize the Xbox dashboard UI? You're in luck—Microsoft is rolling out a major Xbox Home update that gives players more control than ever. Xbox gamers can now pin up to three favorite games or apps directly to their Home screen for instant access. Whether you want a cleaner layout or just faster access to the titles you love, the revamped Xbox UI is designed to feel more personal, intuitive, and efficient.

This update introduces highly-requested customization options that enhance usability and personalize the gaming experience. Users can now hide system apps, choose how many recently played titles are displayed, and adjust the size of tiles in the Xbox interface. All these improvements aim to declutter the dashboard while making sure your favorite content is always front and center—especially beneficial for those with large game libraries or shared consoles.

According to Eden Marie, Xbox’s principal software engineering lead, these pins won’t get lost as you launch other games. Instead, they remain fixed near the top of your Home UI, giving you consistent, fast access to your top titles. This feature not only improves navigation but also ensures that your Xbox feels more like your space, just as users have long requested.

Another standout option in this update is the ability to hide system apps. That means no more clutter from settings or non-gaming tools unless you want them. Combined with tile count reduction and more layout flexibility, the new Home screen delivers a streamlined, gamer-first dashboard experience that appeals to casual users and hardcore gamers alike.

Microsoft is initially rolling out these Xbox UI changes to Xbox Insiders, but a broader release is expected soon. If you're part of the preview program, you'll be able to test these customization tools right away. And if you're not, now’s a great time to join and shape future Xbox features through feedback.

These new Xbox dashboard improvements follow Microsoft’s 2023 UI overhaul, which already made space for dynamic backgrounds and quicker store access. This latest iteration doubles down on customization, reinforcing Microsoft’s commitment to user-focused enhancements and a premium console experience. Whether you're aiming for maximum performance or aesthetic simplicity, this update caters to both.

Why This Update Matters for Xbox Gamers and Power Users

The ability to pin favorite games and apps on the Xbox Home screen may seem minor, but it’s a game-changer—especially for families, content creators, or those who frequently bounce between titles. Want instant access to Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Netflix? Just pin them.

Moreover, streamlining your dashboard by hiding unused apps reduces visual noise and speeds up your interaction with Xbox's OS. For gamers with packed libraries or those using Xbox Game Pass, these tools improve usability and session flow dramatically. It's also a subtle but meaningful upgrade for optimizing your energy and time spent gaming, which makes it appealing for busy professionals and older demographics.

With console customization being a hot topic among gamers, Microsoft’s focus on a cleaner, more customizable interface could also lead to increased player satisfaction, longer engagement, and potentially more spending through digital content—a win-win for both users and the platform.