Windows 11’s new gamepad keyboard lets you type with an Xbox controller

Microsoft has started investigating a caller gamepad keyboard layout successful Windows 11 that’s designed for Xbox controllers. The gamepad keyboard layout improves the on-screen keyboard successful Windows 11, truthful you tin usage an Xbox controller to benignant oregon navigate astir the OS.

The gamepad keyboard is now successful testing arsenic portion of the beta transmission for Windows 11 and adjacent includes fastener accelerators truthful you tin usage the X fastener for backspace, the Y fastener for spacebar, and the paper fastener connected an Xbox controller to deed enter. The keyboard keys person besides been vertically aligned, truthful it’s easier to benignant with a controller.

It’s encouraging to spot Microsoft adhd a diagnostic similar this, peculiarly arsenic Windows-powered handheld devices request these types of improvements. I wrote past period that Microsoft is present successful a handheld gaming PC contention against Valve arsenic the Steam Deck shaper gets acceptable to capitalize connected its SteamOS enactment and bring it to much Windows-powered handhelds.

Microsoft inactive needs to code basal things, similar not being capable to log into Windows with a controller oregon not getting the on-screen keyboard erstwhile you pat into substance fields. Hopefully, this caller gamepad keyboard is simply a measurement successful the close direction, but we inactive request to spot a batch more.

Microsoft is besides making its Windows Game Bar much handheld-friendly, with a compact mode that’s designed for smaller screens. It follows a akin compact mode for the main Xbox app connected PC. Microsoft has besides made controller improvements to the Xbox app, making it easier to navigate astir the app with conscionable an Xbox controller.