Microsoft Announces New Gaming Controller Bar For Windows Insiders

Microsoft has announced that Windows Insiders will get to test the new Controller Bar which offers a preview of the Xbox Game bar. Moreover, it will be a convenient way of accessing game shortcuts for recent games as well as launchers.

If you have a Windows 11 PC with the latest Insider Preview build in the Dev and Beta Channels, the new game controller bar will be automatically launched when you connect a controller. This will give you easy access to recently played games and game launchers. If you are yet to fire up a game, pressing the Xbox button on your controller will open the controller bar.

Even if you’re in the middle of a game, pressing down on the Xbox button will launch the Xbox Game Bar and the gaming widgets. The last three games that you played on your PC will show up on the controller bar.

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Getting Started With The Microsoft Controller Bar

You can try out the feature only if you’re a Windows Insider with the latest Insider Preview Build (Build 225xx) from the Dev and Beta Channels. If you qualify, you can head over to the Microsoft Store and download the Xbox Insider Hub app.

Next, you’ll have to launch the app and sign in with your Microsoft Account. After that, you can go to “Previews” and join the Windows Gaming preview. Most importantly, you’ll have to reboot your PC for the changes to register. You can then plug in your controller to enjoy the controller bar.