Microsoft adds a Game bar for controller users to Windows 11

Today, Microsoft announced that Windows Insiders can try out the Controller Bar. Essentially, it's a different take on the Game Bar that's designed for people who use controllers. It'll give you access to game shortcuts and more.

Microsoft is testing a new feature for Windows 11 that lets you use a controller to launch recently played games, avoiding the need for a mouse and keyboard. The feature is called the “controller bar,” and it’s accessible by pressing the center Xbox on a controller when you’re not currently in a game. It’s designed to display up to three games , along with a selection of game launchers like Steam.

As someone whose gaming PC is permanently connected to their TV, I can see the feature being very useful for people like me. Currently, even if I'm playing a controller-based game, I have to use a wireless keyboard and trackpad first to launch it from Windows. But in the future, I might be able to skip that step and launch recent games just using the controller. Once you're in a game, Microsoft says that pressing the Xbox button will continue to launch the Xbox Game Bar, instead of the new controller bar.

Microsoft says the controller bar feature is currently being tested by Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels and warns that there may be bugs.

How is the new feature activated?

1. Become a Windows Insider running the latest Insider Preview build (Build 225xx) from the Dev and Beta channels.
2. Download the Xbox Insider Hub from the Microsoft Store.
3. Open the Xbox Insider Hub and sign in with your Microsoft account. If you're not already an Xbox Insider, you'll be prompted to join.
4. Once you're signed in, go to "Previews" and sign up for the Windows Gaming preview.
5. Check for updates in the Microsoft Store and make sure you have the latest version of Xbox Game Bar (version 5.722.5022.0 or later).
6. Restart your computer (this is important for the Game Bar update to start for the controller bar).
7. All you need to do next is connect your controller.
8. You are ready to test the feature and provide your feedback.

For more details, see Microsoft's post.

Source of information: theverge.com