Feature: Xbox Controller Support

[cdytoby]

What's the Problem?

I'm on sofa and want to open a file (a movie, or music folder, or whatever) without moving to pc, I have to use either wireless mouse or keyboard. But I only have controller in my hand.

While the current Files actually respond to my controller, however somehow confirm button (A) doesn't really work, and after using the context menu to get into a folder, the controller focus is somehow gone forever.

Solution/Idea

Add controller support.

Alternatives

wireless mouse/keyboard, or remote access through cellphone. But the mouse cursor on big screen is not as good as controller.

Priorities

Capability	Priority
This proposal will allow end users to browse files with game controller (typically xbox controller)	Could

Files Version

2.0.34

Windows Version

Windows 10 Pro 21H1

Additional comment

No response

[BenzLeung]

I'm also looking forward to this feature so I can use Files in my HTPC.

And by the way is there a way/parameter/config to start Files in fullscreen mode?

[yair100]

@cdytoby thank you for your feedback, can you clarify which parts of Files don't have proper controller support?

[Josh65-2201]

@cdytoby Can you answer the above question please.

[cdytoby]

@Josh65-2201 Sorry for the late response.

I created this ticket a while back and I kinda forget what exactly is the behaviour. I just installed newest version of Files (Microsoft Store) and noticed that the controller doesn't work at all now.

Right now, I'm using Windows 11, Xbox One Controller, wireless mode. I can confirm controller is connected, and the start menu respond to the controller.

And by doesn't work, I mean when using joystick or d-pad, there is no cursor or indicator that highlight things, and press a/b/x/y have no response at all.

Previously in Windows 10, the cursor does move, but it moves wrong when switch between sidepanel, toppanel, and actual files in file list view. Also, press A doesn't open folder.

I also noticed, in my current setup, in windows 11 start menu, press A button also don't open folder or selected application. Press "Menu" button (or "start" button on xbox 360 controller) will open the context menu, and "A" button will execute selected item in the context menu, but no button on controller will actually execute current hightlighted item, regardless folder or app shotcut.

[yair100]

@cdytoby can you clarify which parts of Files don't work with the controller?

[cdytoby]

I can't use Xbox One Controller (XInput) to select file or folder, and open a file (shortcut, to be specific) or folder.
DPad or left joystick don't move the selection, and A button or start button don't open a file or folder.