Microsoft Boosts Accessibility: Typing with Xbox Controller in Windows 11 Gets Easier

Let’s dive into the world of gaming, where Microsoft is putting in some serious work to make Windows 11 more game-friendly. If you’ve ever tried typing on a gamepad or gaming device, you know it can be a bit of a challenge, especially with the new generation of handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally X. But it looks like Microsoft is about to make things easier for PC gamers with Xbox controllers.

According to The Verge, Microsoft is currently testing a new gamepad keyboard layout for Xbox controllers in Windows 11. This means that, among other things, the X button will now be used for backspace, the Y button for the spacebar, and the menu button will serve as the enter key – just like on a physical keyboard. And to make typing even easier, Microsoft is adding vertical alignment to the on-screen keyboard, making it simpler to navigate with your thumbs.

The new layout is currently being tested in the Windows Insider Program’s Beta Channel, so we can expect it to roll out to all eligible users pretty soon. In fact, we’re expecting to see more improvements like this in the near future.

So, what does this mean for the bigger picture of Windows handheld gaming? Well, it’s clear that Microsoft is putting in the effort to make its operating system more suited to gaming on smaller screens. And with Windows 11 now the most-used operating system among PC gamers, according to a recent Steam survey, it’s about time they did. I mean, who doesn’t love playing games on the go?

Of course, there’s still work to be done. Microsoft can improve things like allowing Xbox controllers to log in to Windows, and ensuring that the on-screen keyboard automatically appears when you select text fields. But for now, it’s a great step in the right direction.

And let’s not forget that handheld gaming is an exciting and growing market. With the Steam Deck and other devices, we’re seeing a shift towards more portable gaming experiences. So, it’s only natural that Microsoft would want to improve its offering.

In the end, I think it’s a good sign that Microsoft is focused on improving Windows for gaming. And who knows? Maybe we’ll see even more exciting developments in the future.