Windows 11’s new gamepad keyboard lets you type with an Xbox controller

Microsoft has started testing a new gamepad keyboard layout in Windows 11 that’s designed for Xbox controllers. The gamepad keyboard layout improves the on-screen keyboard in Windows 11, so you can use an Xbox controller to type or navigate around the OS.

The gamepad keyboard is now in testing as part of the beta channel for Windows 11 and even includes button accelerators so you can use the X button for backspace, the Y button for spacebar, and the menu button on an Xbox controller to hit enter. The keyboard keys have also been vertically aligned, so it’s easier to type with a controller.

It’s encouraging to see Microsoft add a feature like this, particularly as Windows-powered handheld devices need these types of improvements. I wrote last month that Microsoft is now in a handheld gaming PC race against Valve as the Steam Deck maker gets ready to capitalize on its SteamOS work and bring it to more Windows-powered handhelds.

Microsoft still needs to address basic things, like not being able to log into Windows with a controller or not getting the on-screen keyboard when you tap into text fields. Hopefully, this new gamepad keyboard is a step in the right direction, but we still need to see a lot more.