Specifically aimed at gamers who prefer to use their Xbox gamepad to play PC games, Microsoft today announced the introduction of the new Xbox Gamepad Control Bar on Windows 11. The control bar is live in the latest preview build of Windows 11, making it easier for users to access recently played games and the game launcher.
Accessing the controller bar is as simple as pressing the “Xbox” button on the Xbox controller, but this only works when you’re not gaming. When you’re playing a game and press the Xbox button on your controller, Windows 11 launches the Xbox Game Bar.
Microsoft explained:
Windows Insider members can now try out an early preview of the Gamepad Control Bar. The Gamepad Control Bar is a preview of the new view of the Xbox Game Bar, which provides easy, controller-friendly access to recently played games and the Game Launcher.
The controller bar opens when you pair or connect the controller to a Windows 11 PC running the latest Insider Preview builds in the Dev and Beta channels. Your recently played games and installed game launchers are all at the touch of a button. Invoke the controller bar by pressing the Xbox button on the controller when you are not already in the game