Microsoft has introduced a new update for Windows 11. Included is a new feature for controllers. This is an important step for gamers who use a gaming handheld with Windows 11.
What is the new feature? Microsoft is finally bringing modern support for gamepads to Windows 11 with the Windows 11 Preview Build 22631. Windows 11 will now have a new gamepad keyboard functionality.
This gamepad keyboard offers a new layout for the on-screen keyboard of Windows 11, making it easier to input with sticks and buttons, as well as additional touch controls and a vertically oriented design that takes up about a fifth of the screen space.
So you won’t need to connect an extra keyboard to your ROG Ally or your Legion Go in the future if you want to make keyboard inputs on Windows.
Update will be rolled out gradually, Steam Deck only benefits to a limited extent
When will the update come? So far, this is still a preview build. This means the update will be gradually introduced over the next days and weeks. At least, we can hope that the update will soon be available for everyone using a gaming handheld. Because this group of players benefits the most from the update.
Which handheld will not benefit from it? The Steam Deck relies on Steam OS and thus does not benefit from an update for Windows 11 for the time being. However, if you have Windows installed on your Steam Deck or a dual-boot system (i.e., two operating systems running in parallel), then you will also benefit from the update for Windows 11.
What else is included in the update? Aside from the new keyboard for gamepads, the rest is rather unremarkable and a typical Windows update: Most of it consists of minor bug fixes and UI adjustments to improve the Windows 11 user experience.
More gaming handhelds: Gaming handhelds are on the rise, and since the Steam Deck, many new devices have been released. MeinMMO presents you with the most well-known and important gaming handhelds that you should know about: The 8 best gaming handhelds of 2024 that you should know about
