**Windows 11 November 2025 Update Brings Key Fixes for Gaming Handheld Devices**
Microsoft’s Windows 11 November 2025 update introduces several important fixes aimed at improving the performance and user experience of Windows Gaming Handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and the newly launched Xbox Ally X.
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### Battery Drain Issue in Sleep Mode Addressed
One of the most significant improvements verified by Windows Latest relates to the KB5068861 update (OS Builds 26200.7171 and 26100.7171), which promises to resolve the faster battery drain issues that handheld devices faced while in low-power states such as Sleep mode.
Many users noticed their devices draining battery unusually fast even when idle, especially during Sleep. Microsoft’s latest update claims to optimize power consumption in these modes, though the exact technical details remain undisclosed. It is suspected that the update reduces power draw from the high-speed RAM modules (running at 6400 MT/s) that these handhelds use.
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### Fix for Controller Response Delay and Touch Keyboard Behavior
The update also resolves a frustrating issue where built-in controllers would stop responding in apps for about five seconds immediately after signing in with the gamepad. This delay often disrupted gameplay and user experience.
In addition, the KB5068861 update fixes a problem where the touch keyboard remained visible after entering the PIN or password on the sign-in screen. Post-update, the keyboard automatically hides, creating a smoother and cleaner sign-in process.
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### Windows Gaming Handhelds: Battery Life Challenges
Since the ASUS ROG Ally’s launch over two years ago, users have consistently reported poor battery life, which has been a notable drawback for Windows gaming handhelds. Despite powerful hardware like Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme APUs paired with 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, these devices struggle with limited battery capacity and inefficient standby time.
Windows 11 on handhelds is essentially the same full Windows version found on desktops and laptops. As a result, background processes and pre-installed apps that aren’t optimized for gaming handhelds – such as Paint – contribute to unnecessary battery consumption.
Sleep mode, the default low-power state, allows rapid session resumption by keeping the system partly powered with data stored in RAM; however, this inevitably causes continuous, albeit slow, battery drain. In contrast, Hibernate mode saves the session to SSD and fully powers off the device, eliminating battery drain but requiring longer wake-up times. Many users have adopted using Hibernate over Sleep to mitigate battery drain issues in standby.
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### Market Reception of Windows Gaming Handhelds
Despite these flaws, Windows gaming handhelds have garnered notable market success, especially in the US. The ASUS ROG Ally, launched in 2023, sold nearly 500,000 units in its first month. The Lenovo Legion Go also had strong initial sales, positioning itself as a competitive alternative.
However, not every device fared equally well. The MSI Claw struggled both in sales and user experiences. Later, the ASUS ROG Ally X arrived with upgrades such as double the battery capacity (80Wh, up from 40Wh), increased RAM (24GB), and larger storage (1TB). This upgrade primarily targeted battery concerns while maintaining the same processor.
The ROG Ally X gained popularity in certain markets, with demand exceeding ASUS’s expectations. Nevertheless, users still found Windows to be unoptimized for handheld gaming, especially when compared to competitors like the three-year-old Steam Deck and the new Nintendo Switch 2 (released June 2025), both of which run custom operating systems optimized for their specific hardware.
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### Microsoft’s Response: Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE)
On October 16, 2025, Microsoft launched the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X featuring the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) on Windows 11. Contrary to expectations, these devices didn’t run the Xbox console software but instead continued to use full Windows 11, enhanced with the Xbox FSE UI overlay.
Reports indicated that the Xbox FSE significantly improved performance, delivering smoother gameplay and higher frame rates compared to the standard Windows 11 interface. The enhanced experience proved popular, with Ally series sales projected to generate between $96 million and $160 million in the quarter.
Microsoft also extended the Xbox Full Screen Experience to the MSI Claw through the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 in late October 2025, and similar optimizations for devices like Lenovo Legion Go and AYANEO handhelds are expected to follow.
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### What to Expect from the November 2025 Update
The latest Windows 11 update for November 2025 further reflects Microsoft’s acknowledgment that the full desktop Windows experience is not ideal for handheld gaming devices. By addressing key issues such as:
– Excessive battery drain during Sleep mode
– Delay in controller responsiveness post sign-in
– Persistent on-screen keyboard after password input
Microsoft is making strides toward enhancing usability and battery efficiency on these devices.
While the update runs smoothly on traditional Windows PCs, some users have reported difficulties installing KB5068861 on the ROG Ally X, indicating that rollout may still have minor kinks to work out.
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### Conclusion
Windows gaming handhelds have filled an important niche for gamers seeking portable PC gaming but have long struggled with battery life and software optimization challenges. With the introduction of the Xbox Full Screen Experience and continued refinements in Windows 11 updates such as the November 2025 patch, Microsoft is taking meaningful steps to improve the handheld gaming experience.
For users of devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Xbox Ally X, installing the KB5068861 update should help alleviate some of the most persistent issues — especially battery drain and sign-in frustrations. As the Windows handheld ecosystem evolves, we can expect better performance and a more tailored experience aligned with the needs of portable gaming.
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*Stay tuned for further updates and hardware optimizations in the world of Windows gaming handhelds.*
https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/11/15/windows-11-25h2-quietly-rolls-out-gaming-boost-including-for-handheld-performance/