How to stop my xbox pro controller 2 from opening the tab-menu

Ruben Kuppens 0 Reputation points
2026-09-26T12:07:59.11+00:00

Every time i connect my controller and I hold the A button it opens the tab-menu. i have turned game bar off and turned every app of but i cant seem to find the issue.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Gaming
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  1. Thomas4-N 22,380 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-30T08:40:51.43+00:00

    Hello Ruben Kuppens,

    When you hold A, what exactly opens: the Windows app-switching screen, a menu inside the game, or something else? A screenshot would help.

    Does it also happen on the Windows desktop, or only in a game? If you use Steam, could you fully exit Steam and check whether holding A still does it? That should help narrow down whether a controller mapping is involved.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-26T12:08:11.4433333+00:00

    On Windows 11, controller input can navigate Windows UI when the taskbar or another system surface has focus. That is why holding A can open a menu even with Game Bar turned off.

    Try these steps:

    1. Turn off controller access to Game Bar
      • Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Bar.
      • Turn off Allow your controller to open Game Bar.
    2. Avoid giving focus to the taskbar
      • If the taskbar gets focus, controller buttons can act like Windows navigation controls.
      • Set the taskbar to auto-hide to reduce accidental focus while gaming.
    3. Check Game Bar app background behavior
      • Go to Settings > System > System components > Game Bar.
      • Open the three dots menu > Advanced options.
      • Set Background component permissions to Never.
      • Select Terminate.
    4. If the issue started after a recent Windows 11/Game Bar update
      • In Settings > System > System components > Game Bar, use Repair first.
      • If needed, use Reset.
    5. If the menu still opens only on Windows 11
      • This behavior is described as built into Windows 11 system-wide controller navigation when Windows UI has focus, not only as a Game Bar shortcut.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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