Enhanced Gamepad Typing Experience in Windows 11 Beta Builds

Microsoft has introduced an optimized on-screen keyboard layout designed specifically for Xbox controllers in the latest Windows 11 beta build. This new layout aims to make typing with a gamepad faster and more efficient.

The virtual keys have been rearranged vertically to speed up typing, and handy shortcut buttons have been mapped: Backspace is X, the spacebar is Y, and the Enter key is the menu button. This change is currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4145 (KB5041881), which was released to the Beta Channel earlier this week.

To access the new Gamepad keyboard, click the Settings icon in the top left corner of the on-screen keyboard, select your keyboard layout, and tap the ‘Gamepad’ option.

Microsoft’s efforts to improve the gamepad typing experience may be a response to the growing competition from Valve’s Linux-based SteamOS, which can be installed on third-party handhelds. The recent updates to the Windows Game Bar and the new compact mode for smaller displays also suggest a focus on improving the handheld gaming experience.

While the new gamepad keyboard is a step in the right direction, there is still room for improvement. For example, allowing users to log into the OS using a controller instead of having to type in their password every time would enhance the overall handheld experience.

Other input improvements in the latest Windows 11 beta include an updated settings panel for adjusting mouse behavior under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse. A new toggle to disable “Enhanced pointer precision” (aka mouse acceleration) has been added, which increases cursor speed based on how hard you swing your mouse. A new dropdown for inverting scroll direction is also available.

For touch input, users can now choose to disable touch gestures on the left or right edges of the screen via Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touch.