Xbox Insiders can now use mouse and keyboard for cloud gaming in select games

Mouse and keyboard support for Xbox Cloud Gaming is limited and not without issues, yet.

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What you need to know

What you need to know

Xbox Insiders are getting a chance to try out a new feature for Xbox Cloud Gaming with the latest update. Mouse and keyboard input support has been added to the service, according to anupdate announcementposted by Xbox. The new feature is not without limitations, however. Only members of the Xbox Insiders Programmed enrolled in PC Gaming Insiders preview who install the latest update can make use of the new feature for the time being. Users must also be subscribed toXbox Game Pass Ultimateto access theXbox Cloud Gamingservice.

As mouse and keyboard input for cloud gaming is still in its testing phases, only a limited selection of games will be compatible with the feature in the beginning. Those games include:

In addition to its existing limitations, Xbox has announced that there are currently known issues with mouse and keyboard support via the cloud. Most notably is that Fortnite will only support mouse and keyboard input when playing on the cloud via supported web browsers (Edge and Chrome), and not when played on the mobile app or Windows’Game Bar. Xbox has also shared that Atomic Heart has difficulty switching between controller input and mouse and keyboard when streaming via the cloud.

Some games will show controller input UI elements by default when streamed via the cloud but will adapt to mouse and keyboard UI elements once the player moves the cursor or presses a key. Mouse and keyboard support will only be available when the game is displayed in full-screen mode, and players must check the game option “capture your pointer” in the game bar menu for mouse input to be registered. Pressing F9 will exit mouse and keyboard input for any of the active games.

The Xbox Insider Program gives users an opportunity to beta test upcoming features for Xbox and PC gaming, but the program relies on users providing feedback to work. To provide feedback on beta features, users can pressWIN + Fto bring up a feedback form or submit comments via theXbox Insiders Subreddit.

Want to dive in and try out mouse and keyboard input, but need an upgrade to your setup? We can help you find thebest gaming mouseandbest gaming keyboardso you can make the most of mouse and keyboard input on cloud gaming.

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Cole is the resident Call of Duty know-it-all and indie game enthusiast for Windows Central. She’s a lifelong artist with two decades of experience in digital painting, and she will happily talk your ear off about budget pen displays.