How to Auto-Open Xbox Controller Bar on Windows 11

This guide explains how to make your Xbox Controller Bar pop up the moment you plug in your controller on Windows 11.

The Xbox Game Bar on your PC has a special feature called the Controller Bar. It lets you get to your games and apps fast using your controller. This works with standard controllers, the Elite Controller Series 2, and the Xbox Adaptive Controller.

The Xbox Game Bar is easy to change to fit your needs. You can change the default theme, pick your favorite apps, and adjust other settings.

Why do this?

Setting the Controller Bar to open automatically saves you time. You won’t have to click through menus to start your gaming session. It makes your PC feel more like a dedicated game console.

What happens when done?

Once this is set, your computer will detect your controller as soon as it connects. The Controller Bar will appear on your screen immediately, ready for you to select your game or app.

How to enable the automatic Controller Bar

Follow these steps to change your settings:

1. Open the Xbox Game Bar by pressing the Windows key + G on your keyboard.
2. Click the Settings (gear icon) button inside the Game Bar menu.

Note: You must have a user account with standard permissions to access these settings.

• On the left side of the window, click on the Controller Bar tab.
• On the right side, under the CONTROLLER BAR section, check the box that says “Open Controller Bar automatically when a controller is connected.”

If you ever want to turn this off, just follow the same steps and uncheck that box.

Summary

You can make your Windows 11 gaming experience smoother by setting the Controller Bar to open automatically. By using the Game Bar settings menu, you can toggle this feature on or off whenever you like. This gives you full control over how your computer interacts with your gaming hardware.

Reference: Microsoft.com