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Microsoft Tests Long-Press Xbox Button to Open Task View on Windows 11

A Dev Channel preview maps a long press to Task View to simplify controller-first app switching across PCs, including forthcoming Windows handhelds.

Overview

  • Short pressing the Xbox button still opens the Game Bar, and pressing and holding continues to power down the controller.
  • The change is currently available to Windows Insiders in Dev Channel build 2622.6682.
  • Microsoft indicates the update should reach all Windows 11 users after testing over the coming months.
  • The behavior aligns with Windows-powered handhelds such as the ROG Xbox Ally family, which is slated to launch on October 16.
  • Some preview users report trouble turning controllers off, and Microsoft is gathering feedback as it refines the feature.