Microsoft puts final touches on a gaming keyboard that’s a godsend for the ASUS ROG Ally and other gaming handhelds
Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can now try a new Gamepad keyboard.
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What you need to know
Windows 11 Insiders in the Release Preview Channel have some nifty new features to test and provide feedback on to Microsoft. If your PC is on Windows 11 Build 22631.4387, which just shipped to Windows Insiders, you can now see content from your smartphone directly in the Start menu of your PC. That menu will now show the battery status, connectivity, and other key information from your phone. Microsoft has also continued its testing of a new Gamepad keyboard with this Windows 11 Insider build.
Some features in the Windows Insider build roll out gradually, so you may not see them right away. The ability to see key information from your phone and the new Gamepad keyboard are among the features rolling out gradually. The Gamepad keyboard is arguably the biggest addition in this build, since it makes it much easier to type while using a controller. The Gamepad keyboard lets you use the X button for backspace, the Y button for the spacebar, and supports button accelerators. The keyboard keys are aligned vertically (as opposed to the staggered look of a physical keyboard) within the Gamepad keyboard.
The Gamepad keyboard looks like a handy addition for those who use an Xbox controller on their PC. It should also make it much easier to type when using thebest gaming handhelds, at least those running Windows. You’ll still be able to use other on-screen keyboards if you prefer different layouts.
Windows 11 Build 22631.4387 includes several other changes, such as the option to configure the Copilot key to open a different app. Microsoft lists all the changes in arecent blog post:
Windows 11 Build 22631.4387: Gradual Rollout
Windows 11 Build 22631.4387: Normal Rollout
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
