At long last, Windows 11 is finally receiving up-to-date support for gamepad users, particularly handheld PC users, as of Windows 11 Preview Build 22631, which is adding a new Gamepad keyboard functionality to Windows 11. This Gamepad keyboard provides a new layout for Windows 11's on-screen keyboard, making it easier to type with sticks and buttons, alongside supplemental touch controls and a vertically-aligned design that takes up about a fifth of the screen real estate. This feature is in "Gradual rollout", which means it won't be available to all users. Hopefully, it will be exposed for any gamepad and especially any handheld PC users, since it's most clearly targeted them.
Other major features being added or tweaked with this Windows 11 Preview Build include an overhaul to Notification Suggestions allowing them to be disabled, more advanced Phone Link access straight from the Start Menu, and most interestingly the ability to fully rebind the Copilot key to other functionalities on your system. This could mean opening other apps as long as they are in signed MSIX packages, or just repurposing the Copilot key as a Search key instead.
