Microsoft has announced that Windows Insiders can now try out an early preview of functionality called controller bar. The Controller bar is a preview of a new Xbox Game Bar view, which provides easy and controller-friendly access to recently played games and game launchers. The controller bar is designed to open when you pair or connect a controller to your Windows 11 PC running the latest Windows Insider Preview build in the Dev and Beta Channels. The most recently played games and installed game launchers can be activated with just a click of a button.
The Xbox button on the controller can be pressed to invoke the controller bar when you are not participating in a game. The Xbox button takes you directly to the Xbox Game Bar when you are playing a game. The recent Games section includes up to three game titles you have played on your local device.
To work with the early preview of controller bar, you should be a Windows Insider running the latest Windows Insider Preview Build 225xx from the Dev and Beta channels. You should open the Xbox Insider Hub from the Microsoft Store, open the Xbox Insider Hub, and sign in with your Microsoft account. You will be prompted to join if you are not already an Xbox Insider.
You should navigate to Previews and join the Windows Gaming Preview after signing in. You should check for the presence of updates via the Microsoft Store and make sure that you have the latest version of Xbox Game Bar Version 5.722.5022.0 or higher. The next step is to reboot your PC and pair or plug in your controller. Microsoft has requested Windows Insiders who are PC gamers to file feedback via the Feedback Hub about the new controller bar.
