Microsoft is introducing a handy new feature in Windows 11’s upcoming update. If you’re a PC gamer using an Xbox controller, you’ll soon have the ability to navigate and type on your computer using the same device. Windows 11 Build 22631.5116 is currently available for Windows Insiders and will soon be rolled out to all eligible PCs.
With this update, users will be able to operate the on-screen keyboard in Windows 11 using an Xbox controller, making both navigation and typing more convenient. For instance, pressing the X button will function as a backspace, while the Y button will work as a spacebar. Additionally, when a controller is detected, the keyboard layout will automatically adjust to a vertical alignment for smoother navigation.
Beyond this feature, the latest Windows 11 Insider build also brings improvements to File Explorer, introduces a new settings homepage for commercial PCs, and includes several bug fixes.
Microsoft initially began testing this functionality in October 2024, but it was later disabled in subsequent builds, according to Windows Central. This feature is believed to be part of Microsoft’s efforts to optimize Windows 11 for the upcoming Xbox gaming handheld, known internally as “Project Kennan.” Co-developed with ASUS, this device is expected to run on an AMD Ryzen APU and could launch later this year with a starting price of $499.