This improvement to typing with an Xbox controller is part of the many changes Microsoft is making to Windows for handheld gaming PCs. Microsoft is working on combining the best parts of Windows and Xbox together, while addressing basic needs like being able to navigate with a controller.

Microsoft has also made the Game Bar in Windows more handheld-friendly, thanks to a compact mode for smaller screens. The main Xbox app for PC was also updated with controller improvements last year to make it easier to navigate with just a controller.

The gamepad keyboard first went into beta testing in September and is now available in the Release Preview version of Windows 11, meaning it will be available to all Windows 11 users in the coming weeks and to those who opt into the latest non-security updates in a matter of days.