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Windows Insiders can now try out an early preview of controller bar

Written By published May 5, 2022

Windows Insiders can now try out an early preview of a feature called controller bar. Controller bar is a preview of a new view of Xbox Game Bar that provides easy, controller-friendly access to recently played games and game launchers.

Invoke the controller bar when you’re not already in a game, by pressing the Xbox button on your controller.
Invoke the controller bar when you’re not already in a game, by pressing the Xbox button on your controller.

The controller bar opens when you pair or connect a controller to your Windows 11 PC running the latest Insider Preview build in the Dev and Beta Channels. Your most recently played games and installed game launchers are just a button press away. Invoke the controller bar when you’re not already in a game, by pressing the Xbox button on your controller.

When you are playing a game, the Xbox button still takes you directly to the Xbox Game Bar and the gaming widgets you are used to.
When you are playing a game, the Xbox button still takes you directly to the Xbox Game Bar and the gaming widgets you are used to.

When you are playing a game, the Xbox button still takes you directly to the Xbox Game Bar and the gaming widgets you are used to.

The recent games section includes up to three game titles you have played on your local device.

Controller bar will show up to three game titles you have played on your local device.
Controller bar will show up to three game titles you have played on your local device.

How to get started:

  1. Be a Windows Insider running the latest Insider Preview Build (Build 225xx) from the Dev and Beta Channels.
  2. Download the Xbox Insider Hub from the Microsoft Store.
  3. Open the Xbox Insider Hub and sign-in with your Microsoft Account. If you are not already an Xbox Insider, it will ask you to join.
  4. After signing in, navigate to “Previews” and join the Windows Gaming preview.
  1. Check for updates in the Microsoft Store and make sure you have the latest version of Xbox Game Bar (Version 5.722.5022.0 or higher).
  2. Reboot your PC (this is important in order for the Game Bar update to kick in for controller bar).
  3. All you need to do next is pair or plug in your controller.
  4. Try the feature out and give feedback.

We are looking forward to getting feedback on controller bar from Windows Insiders who are PC gamers. Some third-party games may not show up in the most recently played games list or may be duplicated there. If you see any examples of this or anything else that is unexpected, please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Gaming >  Xbox Game Bar. For a complete list of known issues, please visit https://aka.ms/controllerbar.

As a reminder, to manage your Xbox controller such as controller profiles and remapping buttons – download the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store.

Tags:
Windows Insider Program
Xbox Insider Program