Windows 11 is finally making some progress in improving the handheld experience, and it’s about time! While handhelds like the ROG Ally X are already considered some of the best portable gaming PCs, the user experience was hindered by the lack of a proper gamepad-friendly interface. Now, with the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build (22631.4387), Microsoft is introducing a much-needed feature: a gamepad-optimized on-screen keyboard.
Previously, navigating the on-screen keyboard on handhelds was a cumbersome affair. You had to manually invoke it using a hotkey, and there was no way to control it with your controller. But this new update solves that last point, making the keyboard much more accessible.
Just like an Xbox controller, you’ll be able to navigate the on-screen keyboard using your gamepad. Microsoft has even incorporated “button accelerators” to make typing more intuitive. Buttons like X can be used for Backspace, and Y for Space, bringing a familiar console feel to the experience.
The keyboard layout itself has been redesigned for easier gamepad navigation. It now features a vertical alignment instead of the usual staggered QWERTY layout, further mirroring the experience of typing on an Xbox console.
While Microsoft has been slowly adding features to improve the handheld experience, such as the Compact Mode for the Xbox app, Windows 11 still has a long way to go before it can truly compete with SteamOS in the controller-bound gaming space. Tools like EmuDeck attempt to bridge the gap by modifying Windows’ default behavior to provide a more seamless console-like experience. However, it’s clear that Microsoft needs to invest more effort in making Windows 11 truly gamepad-friendly.
The new gamepad-optimized on-screen keyboard is a step in the right direction. It eliminates the need for users to fumble with a separate Bluetooth keyboard or tap away on a small touchscreen. While the updated keyboard is currently being rolled out gradually to Insiders, it’s a promising sign that Microsoft is actively addressing the needs of handheld gamers.
This latest Insider preview update also brings other notable features, like the ability to rebind the Copilot key to open signed MSIX packages and the Start menu’s ability to display your phone’s details through the Phone Link app. These improvements showcase Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the overall Windows 11 experience, especially for those who prefer a more seamless handheld gaming setup.
