The Xbox Game Bar is a useful feature built into Windows that gives users access to numerous tools and widgets for monitoring game performance, accessing social features, capturing screenshots or game clips, and more. The tool has evolved significantly since its debut, and now it’s preparing to gain another new feature for PC gamers: the Xbox Controller Bar.
The Xbox Controller Bar is now available to test for users in both the Windows and Xbox Insider Program, and is very straightforward. Whenever an Xbox controller is connected to your PC and you’re not playing a game, you can press the “Xbox” button on your controller to open a simplified menu with quick links to your last three played games and a handful of game launchers.
You’ll be able to access this menu from anywhere in Windows, simplifying the process for starting up your favorite game, especially if you prefer to leave the mouse alone and continue using the controller. Whenever you’re in a game, the “Xbox” button will bring up the full Xbox Game Bar and all of your widgets, as expected (pressing Win + G still works, as well).
In order to access the feature ahead of release, you’ll need to be a Windows Insider in the latest Dev or Beta Channel update, and you’ll need to be enrolled in the “Windows Gaming preview” from within the Xbox Insider Hub. You’ll likely have to update the Xbox Game Bar from the Microsoft Store and reboot your PC for the feature to appear. While this is a simple addition to the Xbox Game Bar, it does make it a little easier to access your favorite PC games with a press of a button.
5 things I want to see from the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase
The Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase is just over a month away, and Microsoft will no doubt show us many upcoming experiences from Xbox Game Studios during the show. Here’s a breakdown of five games that I want to see the most during the showcase.
