Source: Windows Central
The Xbox One packs a steadily growing lineup of mouse and keyboard-compatible titles, bringing a signature of PC gaming to the living room. Games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare are among the early heavy hitters offering a secondary input method, complementing their support for cross-play and other inter-platform features. However, the Xbox One's dashboard and menus remain heavily controller-centric and fail to support simple cursor input.
But using a mouse and keyboard on Xbox One doesn't need to be a chore, with a list of inputs to navigate menus and access console features. Microsoft's baked-in solution isn't as accommodating as a Windows PC but makes everyday tasks possible without reaching for the controller. We've rounded up every keyboard shortcut compatible with Xbox One today.
Xbox One mouse and keyboard controls
While the Xbox One doesn't support mouse and cursor input, one dozen keyboard inputs will get you moving around the console menus. These inputs allow you to navigate the Home menu, open the Guide menu and use Xbox Live features, or access other components of the OS. While incompatible with game menus, most titles feature full cursor support once loaded into the application.
Action | Keyboard Shortcut |
---|---|
Open the guide | Windows key |
Select | Space / Enter |
Back | Escape / Windows key + Backspace |
Up | Up arrow |
Down | Down arrow |
Left | Left arrow |
Right | Right arrow |
Toggle to next tile | Tab |
Toggle to previous tile | Shift + Tab |
Menu (Three lines on Xbox controller) | Win + M |
View (Two squares on Xbox controller | Win + V |
Open Search (Home menu only) | Y |
While in-game, control schemes vary from title to title, with a sizeable list adopting their inputs from PC counterparts. Controls for individual titles are often by searching their PC versions, with some even offering custom keyboard bindings via settings. However, when getting through the Xbox One's own menus, the above keyboard inputs or a dedicated controller is required.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Job listings suggest the Surface Duo 2 could feature 5G and a better camera
Multiple job listings from Microsoft discuss a Surface Duo with 5G support and an improved camera. Many of the listings have since been taken down, but a few remain up that hint at what a Surface Duo 2 could look like.

Valheim raids: All raid types and how to survive them
Base raids are one of the most dangerous threats you'll have to deal with in Valheim. Here's a detailed guide on everything you need to know about raids, including what all the different raid types are and how you can defend yourself and your base from them.

ID@Azure is a new program for indie cloud development, based on ID@Xbox
Microsoft is spinning up a new program aimed at introducing independent devs and teams to Azure cloud-based services and infrastructure, according to this new job listing.

These are your best options for using a keyboard with Xbox One
Good news: with native keyboard and mouse support on the Xbox One you can have a controller alternative for some titles.