The new Windows 11 controller shortcut is an easier way to launch the latest games

Microsoft is testing a new feature for Windows 11 that will allow you to launch recently played games with a controller, without having to use a mouse and keyboard. The feature is called the “controller bar” and is accessible by pressing the center Xbox button on a controller when you’re not in a game. It’s designed to show up to three recently played games alongside a selection of game launchers like Steam.

As someone whose gaming PC is constantly plugged into their TV, I can see the feature being very useful for people like me. Currently, even when playing a controller-based game, I have to use a wireless keyboard and trackpad to launch it from Windows first. But in the future I might be able to skip this step and just launch current games with a controller. According to Microsoft, once you’re in a game, pressing the Xbox button will still launch the more verbose Xbox Game Bar, rather than the new controller bar.

Microsoft says the controller bar feature is currently being tested for Windows Insiders on its Dev and Beta channels, and warns that there could be bugs (like some games not showing up or others popping up multiple times appear). For instructions on how to enable the new feature, see Microsoft’s blog post.