Microsoft updates Xbox controller functionality for Windows 11 users

Microsoft has introduced new Xbox controller functionality for Windows 11, allowing users to access the Task View switcher with a long press of the Xbox button, streamlining navigation between apps and games on gaming PCs.

The update, currently being tested with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel, changes how the Xbox button operates on controllers connected to Windows 11 systems. Users can now long press the Xbox button to open Task View, Microsoft's built-in app and window switcher. The traditional controller shutdown function remains accessible by pressing and holding the Xbox button for an extended period.

This change aligns Xbox controllers with Microsoft's broader strategy for handheld gaming PCs running Windows 11. The upcoming Xbox Ally devices will feature similar functionality, with the Xbox button opening a handheld-optimized task switcher designed specifically for portable gaming devices. Microsoft has enhanced the task switcher interface for handhelds with new animations, though it remains unclear whether these visual improvements will extend to desktop gaming PCs.

The Xbox button's single-press function remains unchanged, continuing to open the Game Bar interface where users can access gaming widgets, performance metrics, and other gaming-related features. This dual-functionality approach provides gamers with quick access to both system-level navigation and gaming-specific tools.

Microsoft began testing these changes through the Windows Insider Program's Dev Channel in September 2025. The update is expected to roll out to all Windows 11 users in the coming months as part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to improve the gaming experience on Windows 11 systems.