Windows 11 Insider Build 22616 Brings New Controller Bar for the Xbox Game Bar
Microsoft, afterrolling out the optional cumulative update for Windows 11and making improvements to the Xbox Game Bar last month, has now started rolling out Windows 11 Insider Preview build 22616 to the Dev and Beta channels. Although this update only brings bug fixes and improvements to the OS, one notable new feature that Microsoft announced is for the Xbox Game Bar. Let’s take a look at the details below.
Windows 11 Build 22616: What’s New?
The recent Windows 11 Insider Build 22616 introduces support for the Controller Bar in the Xbox Game Bar app. Microsoft has announced that Windows Insiders, running Windows 11 build 225xx or higher, will now be able to access an early preview of the same.
The Controller Bar is essentially anew view forthe Xbox Game Bar app for those who use controllerswith their PCs. It provides easy, controller-friendly access to recently played games and game launchers in the Xbox Game Bar app.
Users in the Dev and Beta channel, running the latest Insider build of Windows 11, will see the new Controller Bar once they connect and pair an Xbox controller with their system. They can invoke it by pressing the Xbox button on the controllers and easily access games and game launchers with a click of a button.
While the Controller Bar shows all the games in a slidable carousel, there is adedicated section for recent games that can show up tothree gamesthat the user played recently on their local device. You cancheck out Microsoft’s official in-depth blogto get started with the new Controller Bar. The feature will soon be available in the Xbox Game Bar app for all users via a Microsoft Store update.
Some Bug Fixes Too!
Other than this, Microsoft has introduced some changes with the new build. The list includes the removal of the build watermark, the requirement of MSA and internet connectivity during the initial setup, and more. It has also fixed some existing bugs on the platform to further improve it. You cancheck out the entire changelogon Microsoft’s official website.
More importantly, Microsoft highlighted that the window for Insiders toeasily switch from the Dev channel to the Beta channelis closing soon. Although the Dev and Beta channels are currently receiving the same Windows 11 builds, at some point in the future, Microsoft will deliver different builds to the channels.
If you switch channels after the window is closed, you will be required to do a factory reset, which will delete your personal data and files on your device. Hence, Microsoft strongly recommends you switch channels when there is still time.
Dwaipayan Sengupta
A geek at heart, you’ll find me fidgeting with an iOS device or sitting in front of the laptop, scouring the internet to find interesting technological innovations. In my free time, you’d find me playing Valorant or listening to Pink Floyd.
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