How to get and use the Windows Controller Bar

What is the Windows Controller Bar?

The Controller Bar is a "new" Xbox Game Bar that's more compatible and controllable with an Xbox controller. The Controller Bar offers native support, making it easy to browse and select available widgets, including the Xbox button.

In addition to this, the controller bar also displays your 3 most recent games and launchers, which can be launched directly using a controller.

How to Get and Use the Controller Bar on Windows 11

Here’s how to get the Controller Bar on Windows 11. You need to fulfill some requirements and apply the changes to your PC accordingly. Please follow the steps below to help you through the process.

Requirements

Here are the requirements to get the Controller Bar on Windows 11.

• Windows Insider Dev Channel Build v22616.1: This is the latest build released on the Windows Insider Developer Channel. You can sign up for the Windows Insider Program using this comprehensive tutorial.
• Xbox Controller: According to Microsoft's release notes, the Controller Bar currently only supports Xbox controllers.
• Xbox Insider Center
• You should sign up for the latest Windows Gaming Preview

If you haven't signed up for the Windows Gaming Preview, please Don’t worry, you can use the tutorial below to help you with the process.

Guide

• Xbox Insider Center| Download Link

Make sure you are running the Windows Insider Dev or Beta channel version v226xx or higher and click the download link above.

Note: If the download link does not work, just search for the app in Microsoft Store. This is a known fix for this issue.

You will now be taken to the Microsoft Store. Click to get .

After installing the Xbox Insider Hub on your PC, launch it and log in with your Microsoft account. If you are prompted, click Join to sign up for the Insider program.

Scroll down and click Accept.

Click on the left to preview.

#Click Windows Games.

Click to join.

Your joining status will change to Pending and soon to Managed.

#This means you have joined the beta version.

Go back to the Microsoft Store and click Library.

Click to get updates.

If necessary, click Update next to Xbox Game Bar/Game Services.

#After updating, restart your PC. Now you can connect your Xbox controller and press the Xbox button on the controller.

It should launch the new controller bar as shown above.

How to use the Controller Bar in Windows 11

Because the Controller Bar is still a fairly new feature, we’ve provided some basic controls and tips to help you navigate and use it. let's start.

• Navigation: Lstick
• Select: A
• Cancel: B
• Switch window: Select
• Jump right: RB
• Jump left: LB
• Next page: RT
• Previous page: LT

Here are some tips to help you make the most of the new controls in Windows 11 tool bar.

• What the Xbox Button does: When there are no games running on your PC, the Xbox Button launches the controller bar along with your 3 most recent games and the launcher. When the game is running on your PC, the button launches the usual Xbox Game Bar with familiar widgets. Advantage? You can use your controller to navigate the game bar and view your widgets accordingly.
• Using Select Buttons: You often have problems switching frequently between widgets, controller bars, and other options on the screen. A quick way to switch between them is to use the Select button on your controller.
• Move Widgets: You can also move Xbox widgets contained in the Game Bar by first selecting one, as shown below. Now press Y on the controller and use the L stick to move the widget to the desired location.

Press A to confirm the change. You can also press B to restore the same.

• Quick Access Game Bar: Activating the controller bar every time you press the Xbox button on your controller can be annoying. Sometimes you just want to access Game Bar without a game running on your PC. In this case, you can press to select to quickly switch to the Game Bar.

NOTE: Unfortunately this will not work when trying to return to the controller bar.

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