keyboard layout Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Forget the Nintendo Switch 2 – I’m more excited that Microsoft could be making Windows 11 gaming handhelds even better with a new ‘handheld mode’

Windows 11 may soon introduce a dedicated mode for gaming handhelds, as indicated by a leak from a source on Bluesky. This mode includes a new ‘GamingPosture’ category in settings, featuring options for a ‘full screen experience’ to improve usability on smaller screens. Microsoft is also removing HoloLens-related elements from the Windows 11 Settings app. Current Windows 11 interfaces are challenging for handheld devices, prompting speculation about a more portable-friendly interface. Recent enhancements include a ‘compact mode’ for the Xbox app and improvements to the Game Bar, as well as a gamepad keyboard layout for easier typing. Additionally, there are rumors of a potential Xbox-branded handheld device that could utilize the new UI experience in Windows 11.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

How to easily create an unattended answer file for Windows 11

On Windows 11, an answer file named autounattend.xml can be created to streamline the installation process by bypassing setup steps. To create this file, users need to install the DISMTools application, which provides a wizard for generating the unattended file. The installation of DISMTools involves using Command Prompt to run the command: winget install CodingWondersSoftware.DISMTools.Preview. To create the unattended file, users launch DISMTools, navigate to the "Unattended answer file creator," and follow the wizard to configure settings such as system language, processor architecture, disk settings, product key, account settings, and network settings. The final step is saving the file as autounattend.xml. To integrate the answer file into Windows 11 installation media, users download the Media Creation Tool, select the USB flash drive option, and copy the autounattend.xml file to the USB drive. This prepares the USB for an unattended installation of Windows 11. The XML file may also appear as "unattend.xml" in other contexts.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

I’ll admit, Microsoft’s new Windows 11 update surprised me with its usefulness, providing accessibility fixes, a gamepad keyboard layout, and PC spec cards

Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11, known as KB5053657, currently in its preview phase. This update includes significant accessibility enhancements in File Explorer, ensuring uniform text scaling across all elements. It introduces PC spec cards in the Settings app, providing insights into CPU, RAM, storage, and graphics card. A new gamepad keyboard layout allows typing via an Xbox controller, and a new emoji button has been added to the taskbar for emojis, GIFs, and clipboard access. Voice Access now supports Simplified and Traditional Chinese. The full release of these features is expected on April 8 as part of the April cumulative update.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Windows 11 Is Making Xbox-Controller Typing Better

Microsoft is rolling out an update for Windows 11 that simplifies typing with an Xbox controller, particularly for handheld devices. This update introduces a gamepad-specific layout for touch keyboards, allowing users to use controller shortcuts like the X button for backspace and the Y button for space. All Windows 11 users can expect this feature in the coming weeks. The update enhances controller functionality and is significant for Windows 11 mobile devices, amid speculation about a rumored Xbox-branded handheld device in collaboration with Asus, expected to run Windows and feature Xbox-inspired aesthetics. Additionally, Microsoft is reportedly developing its own Xbox handheld, targeting a launch in 2027. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has expressed interest in creating an Xbox handheld that reflects the essence of Xbox.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Microsoft readies next Windows 11 feature drop with gaming, emoji, and lock screen updates

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with new features, including: - A dynamic emoji panel button on the Taskbar that appears when typing in a text field. - A reintroduced gamepad keyboard for easier typing with a controller. - Customizable widgets on the lock screen through the Windows Settings app. - A real-time language translation feature for Intel and AMD-powered devices, translating over 44 languages into English during video calls. - A natural language feature in voice access for Snapdragon PCs. - Live captions and real-time translation capabilities for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. - Real-time translation support for Chinese (Simplified) on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. - A new Settings homepage for commercial customers with relevant cards for enterprise-managed PCs. - An overview of key PC specifications under Settings > System > About. - Natural Language Commanding in voice access for more fluid command issuance. - Voice access support for commands in Simplified and Traditional Chinese. - An icon in the system tray to enhance the discoverability of the emoji panel. - Adjustments to Task Manager's CPU utilization calculations and a new optional column for backward compatibility. - The ability for web developers to create dynamic and interactive widgets using existing web content. - Extended support for lock screen widgets in the European Economic Area (EEA). - A Gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard for Xbox controller users. These features are currently being tested in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, with a broader rollout expected in the coming weeks.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Typing on a gamepad gets less annoying with this new Windows keyboard

Microsoft has introduced a dedicated keyboard layout for the touch keyboard in Windows 11, specifically designed for gamepad users, as part of Build 26100.3613. This layout allows users to type and navigate using Xbox controllers, featuring button accelerators like the X button for backspace and the Y button for the spacebar. The keyboard keys are vertically aligned to improve navigation. Users can activate the gamepad keyboard by accessing the touch keyboard and selecting Keyboard layout > Gamepad. Additionally, Windows 11 includes accessibility features such as Live Captions, Narrator Mode, and Voice Typing to enhance usability for all users.