Microsoft dropped its November 2025 Windows 11 (builds 26200.7171/26100.7171 via KB5068861) update, which has some improvements specifically designed for gamers and those on gaming handhelds.
One key fix addresses an issue where users’ background app windows would sometimes freeze while it was open at the same time as a full-screen game. Scrolling, resizing, or redrawing would look as though they are “stuck.” The background app was being delayed by Windows because it could not completely redraw the app while the foreground game was rendering.
With this update, Windows will be able to manage full-screen game workloads better than previous versions of Windows without reducing the responsiveness of the other applications; therefore, there should be fewer instances of “why can’t I scroll through my browser” when alt-tabbing out of a game.
Another issue saw the built-in gamepad sign-in on handheld devices take around 5 seconds to respond after signing in, and the on-screen touch keyboard would remain active even when it should not be.
These slight delays and UI issues may seem minor, but for gaming on the go, every second of time and each piece of screen real estate is a valuable piece of the immersion, the difference between an awkwardly shaped computer with controls slapped on it and a truly dedicated gaming handheld.
Possibly the biggest gaming-related improvement to this update is a fix for the long-standing issue that occurs on all Windows-based gaming handhelds, which causes them to drain their batteries at an extremely high rate while in Sleep or Low Power Mode.
This patch should allow these devices to stay in low-power modes without excessively draining their battery. While Microsoft didn’t explain how the excessive power draw from the RAM and/or other subsystems was reduced, what this means practically is that handheld gamers may experience longer idle times and less frustration when continuing a session.
Although the update is small, it includes fixes for gaming-related issues and possibly improves performance for both desktop and handheld gamers. As usual, back up your system before downloading and installing major updates. It is especially recommended that you do this if you are running modified or custom graphics drivers or custom handheld driver software.
Source: Windows Latest
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