This tutorial will show you how to open the Xbox Controller Bar in Windows 11.
The Controller Bar is a view of the Game Bar on Windows 11 that allows you to quickly access games and apps using any Xbox controller, including standard controllers, the Elite Controller Series 2, and the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
Through the Controller Bar, you can open:
- The Xbox Home Bar (which gives access to Game Bar)
- One of your three most recently played games
- The Xbox app for Windows
- Your most recently used apps
Xbox Support

You may have to sign in to your Xbox account when you first open the Controller Bar.
Contents
- Option One: Open Xbox Controller Bar from Xbox Controller
- Option Two: Open Xbox Controller Bar from Xbox Game Bar
EXAMPLE: Xbox Controller Bar
This option requires turning on Open Controller Bar using Xbox button on a controller not over a game.
1 Press/tap the Xbox
1 Open the Game Bar (Win+G).
2 Click/tap on the left Controller Bar button on the Xbox Home Bar. (see screenshot below)
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Related Tutorials
- Open Game Bar in Windows 11
- Enable or Disable Open Game Bar using Xbox Button on Controller in Windows 11
- Automatically Open Controller Bar when Controller Connected in Windows 11
- Enable or Disable Open Controller Bar using Xbox Button on Controller in Windows 11
- Enable or Disable Show Widgets when Controller Bar is Opened in Windows 11
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