How To Connect An Xbox Controller To A Windows Pc

Knowing how to connect an Xbox wireless controller to your PC gives you the best of both worlds. You get the unmatched power of a gaming PC alongside the more attainable control scheme that a console controller offers. It's a win-win situation.

Playing with a keyboard and mouse tin can be enjoyable, but sometimes the more than simplified push layout you find on an Xbox wireless controller is the preferred option. Thankfully, Microsoft has made its console pad fully compatible with PC, and the setup process isn't likewise tricky either.

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There are several ways to connect an Xbox wireless controller to a PC. You lot tin can pair the two via Bluetooth or yous tin can utilise a Micro-USB/USB-C cablevision for a more streamlined setup. There is also a 3rd option, connecting the controller to your PC using an Xbox Wireless adapter, just this requires an additional accessory.

It also should be noted that not all PC games are compatible with an Xbox wireless pad. Yous can bank check if a title offers controller support on the publisher'due south website or on the storefront you buy games from. With those points out of the way, follow the instructions below to larn how to connect an Xbox wireless controller to a PC.

How to connect an Xbox controller to a PC: Employ a cable

Xbox Wireless Controller connected via cable — (Image credit: Microsoft)

Earlier we get into the steps, it's important to notation that this method of connecting an Xbox wireless controller to a PC is slightly different depending on what Xbox controller you are using. Xbox Series 10, Xbox Elite Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive controllers require a USB-C cable, whereas the older Xbox One pad uses a Micro-USB cable.

1. Plug a cable into your Xbox controller and PC. Whether y'all're using a USB-C or Micro-USB cable plug one end into your controller and the other into your PC.

2. With your controller and PC now tethered, press the Xbox button on the controller to switch the pad on.

3. Now that your controller is connected and switched on, let Windows to install the necessary drivers. This shouldn't take very long and is a one-and-done process. Adjacent time you connect your controller to your PC yous won't need to get through this pace. Your controller is now connected.

How to connect Xbox controller to PC: Connect via Bluetooth

Before attempting to connect your Xbox wireless controller via Bluetooth, it'south important to check your controller actually supports the feature.

If you're using an Xbox Series X controller, then you're skillful to go. If you're using an older Xbox I controller, things are a fiddling trickier.

Xbox Wireless Controller Bluetooth guide — (Image credit: Microsoft)

The refreshed controller that launched with the Xbox Series Southward does offer Bluetooth, while the original Xbox I controller doesn't. If you're unsure which you have, the easiest way to tell the two apart is by the plastic moulding at the superlative or by the fact that the newer controllers have a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom.

If y'all're missing that port, so unfortunately y'all have an Xbox Ane pad that doesn't include Bluetooth.

one. Open the Bluetooth & other devices carte on your PC. Just type Bluetooth into the Windows search bar located in the left-mitt corner of your screen and you'll get the option to go to the Bluetooth & other devices menu. Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on here.

2. Plough on your Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox push. Once your controller is switched on, concord the sync button on top of the controller (the one with three dashes next to it) until the Xbox logo begins to flash quickly.

three. In the Bluetooth settings menu click Add Bluetooth or other device and then select Bluetooth from the popup menu. After a few seconds of searching your Xbox controller should appear on the device list. Click on your Xbox controller in the device listing to pair it with your PC.

How to connect Xbox controller to PC: Connect via Xbox Wireless adapter

Xbox wireless controller adapter — (Image credit: Microsoft)

While you will need to buy an Xbox Wireless adapter separately, connecting your Xbox wireless controller to your PC is extremely unproblematic using this accessory. It's the easiest way to prepare your pad on a PC with a wireless connexion.

1. Plug the Xbox Wireless adapter into a USB port. The adapter comes with a standard USB-A connector, then you'll need a laptop that has ane of these ports.

2. Turn on your Xbox controller past holding the Xbox button. Once your controller is switched on, concord the sync button. This is located on tiptop of the controller (it's the push button with three dashes next to information technology) until the Xbox logo begins flashing.

3. Concord the sync push on the Xbox Wireless adapter for a few seconds. This push button is located on either the side of the adapter or the base of operations depending on which model you lot accept. When the Xbox logo on your controller stops flashing and is lit upward solid, and so your controller is connected.