For gamers who grew up on PC or simply prefer the accuracy and flexibility of a keyboard and mouse setup, transitioning to cloud gaming can feel like a mixed bag—especially when the platform in question is Xbox Cloud Gaming. Known for bringing high-quality console experiences to a wide range of devices, from PCs to smartphones, Xbox Cloud Gaming has opened the door to portable and accessible gameplay like never before. But what if you don’t want to use a controller?
In this guide, we’ll break down how to use a keyboard and mouse with Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2025—what works, what doesn’t (yet), and the best tips to enhance your gameplay experience.
Why Keyboard and Mouse Still Matter
Let’s be honest—controllers are great for many types of games, but they’re not always ideal. First-person shooters, real-time strategy games, and certain MMOs are simply more intuitive with a mouse for aiming and a keyboard for hotkeys. For players who have muscle memory tied to PC gaming, switching to a controller can feel like trying to write with your non-dominant hand.
That’s why more players are looking to keep their keyboard and mouse setups, even when gaming through services like Xbox Cloud Gaming.
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Current State of Keyboard and Mouse Support on Xbox Cloud Gaming
Let’s set expectations right out of the gate, as of mid-2025, full native support for keyboard and mouse on Xbox Cloud Gaming is limited. Microsoft has made some progress in enabling it, but most cloud games still require a controller to function properly.
That said, there are exceptions. A small number of games—like Fortnite and Minecraft Legends—do support keyboard and mouse input directly when played through a web browser. There are also workarounds and third-party tools that let you emulate controller inputs using your keyboard and mouse, which we’ll get into below.
Devices You Can Use
Before diving into methods, here’s what you’ll need:
- A PC, Mac, or Chromebook with USB or Bluetooth support
- A wired or wireless keyboard and mouse
- A modern web browser (like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari)
- An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription (required for Xbox Cloud Gaming)
- Strong internet connection (at least 20 Mbps for stable gameplay)
Method 1: Native Keyboard & Mouse Support (No Extra Tools Needed)
This is by far the easiest and cleanest option—if the game supports it.
How It Works:
- Go to https://xbox.com/play
- Log in using your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate account
- Find a supported game like Fortnite, Sea of Thieves, or Age of Empires IV
- Launch the game directly in your browser
- Start playing using your keyboard and mouse—no controller needed
These games have been coded by developers to accept keyboard and mouse input in their Xbox versions, so you don’t need any workaround.
🔍 Tip: If you’re unsure whether a game supports keyboard/mouse, look up the game on the official Xbox website or Reddit discussions. Support is expanding slowly.
Method 2: Use Key Mapping Software (For Unsupported Games)
If the game you want to play doesn’t support keyboard and mouse directly, you can still trick the system into thinking you’re using a controller.
This is done using third-party programs that map keyboard and mouse inputs to virtual controller buttons.
Recommended Tool: REWASD
Here’s how you can use it:
- Download and install REWASD on your Windows PC
- Connect your keyboard and mouse
- Open REWASD and create a new profile
- Map your keyboard keys (e.g., WASD) to controller buttons (e.g., left joystick)
- Do the same for mouse movement and clicks
- Launch Xbox Cloud Gaming in your browser
- Start playing the game—your inputs will mimic a real Xbox controller
It’s not a perfect solution—mouse movement might feel more like joystick movement than true aim—but it works well enough for most casual play.
💡 Note: REWASD is paid software, but it offers a free trial. Alternatives include JoyToKey or InputMapper.
Method 3: For Console Users — Use Adapters (Not Recommended)
If you’re accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming through a console like the Xbox Series X or S, things get a bit trickier. Xbox doesn’t support keyboard and mouse input for cloud gaming on console, even though some games support them natively when installed locally.
There are adapters like the XIM Apex or Cronus Zen that let you plug in a keyboard and mouse and emulate a controller. These adapters act as a bridge, converting your inputs into something the Xbox understands.
However:
- They’re expensive
- Not officially supported by Microsoft
- May get you banned in competitive games like Call of Duty
- Often add input delay
Unless you’re desperate to use a mouse and keyboard on console, it’s better to stick to PC cloud gaming for now.
Xbox Cloud Games That Support Keyboard and Mouse (2025 List)
Here are a few cloud-streamable titles that work with keyboard and mouse today:
| Game Title | Keyboard | Mouse | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | ✅ | ✅ | Full support via browser |
| Sea of Thieves | ✅ | ✅ | Works well for sailing |
| Age of Empires IV | ✅ | ✅ | Ideal for strategy fans |
| Minecraft Legends | ✅ | ✅ | Smooth controls overall |
| Warhammer 40K: Darktide (Beta) | ✅ | ✅ | Experimental support |
Microsoft is expected to roll out support to more games gradually, especially as they integrate keyboard and mouse compatibility across the board.
What Microsoft Says About the Future
Microsoft has confirmed that native keyboard and mouse support is coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming, and some developer tools are already in place. In a 2024 developer Q&A session, Xbox engineers revealed they were testing backend mouse input for cloud-streamed games and that full rollout could begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
This will be a game-changer for players who want a PC-like experience from anywhere.
Best Practices for Better Performance
If you plan on playing Xbox Cloud Gaming titles using keyboard and mouse, follow these tips to keep your experience smooth:
- Use a wired internet connection when possible
- Close background apps to reduce lag and CPU load
- Stick to 1080p resolution for more stable streaming
- Use a gaming browser like Microsoft Edge (optimized for Xbox Cloud Gaming)
- Regularly update your browser and input drivers
Final Thoughts
While Xbox Cloud Gaming doesn’t offer full-fledged keyboard and mouse support for every title just yet, the tide is clearly turning. Whether you’re playing browser-friendly games like Fortnite, using key mapping software, or just waiting for more updates from Microsoft, there are definitely ways to enjoy the comfort and control of your keyboard and mouse setup in the cloud.
And as Xbox continues evolving its platform and adding broader compatibility, we can expect an even smoother experience in the near future.
So, if you’ve been holding back on Xbox Cloud Gaming because of the controller limitations, now’s a great time to plug in your keyboard and mouse and see what works. The future of cloud gaming is getting more accessible—and more PC-friendly—by the day.
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