Connect xbox controller to pc

Wondering how to connect an Xbox controller to your PC? While using a keyboard and mouse is superior for many video game genres, other types of games work better with a controller. As you'd expect, connecting an Xbox controller to a Windows PC is easy since Microsoft is behind both platforms. Hit the Xbox button to turn the controller on, connect xbox controller to pc, if it doesn't do so on its own.

Home Home. Set up an Xbox Controller for Windows. Note Xbox support content is no longer being maintained. If you need more info about your Xbox console, visit the Xbox forums. Many PC games let you play with an Xbox controller instead of a keyboard or mouse. Note This information applies only to the Xbox Controller for Windows.

Connect xbox controller to pc

Many PC gamers veer towards a gaming mouse and gaming keyboard when playing PC games. But a PC controller may come in clutch during certain games, and an Xbox controller is the perfect option to pair with your PC. Microsoft owns Windows and Xbox, so the gamepad's compatibility with the best gaming PCs is all but guaranteed. However, those with an Xbox One controller may want to snag a great Xbox deal and upgrade their gamepad for Bluetooth support. But no matter your choice of connectivity, we discuss the process in greater detail below:. If you're wondering what to do if your controller won't connect, there are a few options to explore before jumping into investing in a new controller. Below, we've detailed some steps worth taking to check your controller's connection. Wake up your controller - After 15 minutes of inactivity, the Xbox controller shuts off on its own. To turn it back on, press the center Xbox button until it lights up. Charge the controller - Sometimes, a dead battery is the culprit. If the battery level is low, the battery indicator light on the face of the controller will turn orange.

Most Popular. Note This information applies only to the Xbox Controller for Windows.

Since , the Xbox controller has been the easiest controller to use on PC. The Xbox gamepad made PC gaming with a controller convenient, and Microsoft has kept that going for nearly 20 years now. If you want a dead simple plug-and-play experience, the Xbox controller is the obvious choice, and the latest model, the Xbox Series controller, is definitely among the best PC controllers , anyway—it feels fantastic, with more textured grips and a clicky D-pad. After so many years it can be a little hard to remember some of the small differences between Microsoft's controllers for the Xbox , Xbox One and Xbox Series, and how they work on PC. They're all easy to use, but there are differences that matter based on your PC's hardware. That's what this guide is for. Thanks to the built-in Windows controller driver, you won't need any special software for your PC or most games to immediately recognize your Xbox gamepad.

Fortunately, you can easily connect an Xbox controller to a PC. Enjoy the functionality of your favorite controller when you connect your Xbox controller to your PC with one of these easy methods. Here are three ways to get gaming with the computer and Xbox controller combo you like best. If you want to use Bluetooth to connect your Xbox controller to your PC, your computer will need to have the Windows 10 Anniversary Update or later. Depending on your computer setup, you may want to consider getting a longer mini-USB cable for more comfortable playing. If you want to connect your Xbox controller to your Windows 11 PC, get ready for the best gaming experience yet with Xbox Game Pass for a small monthly fee. Connecting your Xbox controller to a PC is fast and easy.

Connect xbox controller to pc

Since the Xbox One controllers were released, Microsoft has had in-built drivers for its operating system, making it easier than ever to use your favorite controller with PC games. With the Xbox Series S X controllers having different wired connectivity to the previous generation of controllers, we've updated our guide on connecting your controller to Windows 10 and Read on for our complete guide. The cable needed will differ depending on which version of the controller you have. Take a look at your controller and see which cable you need to connect to your PC, and it's as simple as that! Many phone charging cables will be either USB-C or mini-USB and can be used for this purpose, or we have suggested cables to use at the end of this article. While the newer controllers all have Bluetooth, some older models do not. The first generation of Xbox One controllers and the original Xbox Elite controller do not support Bluetooth, so if you want to play wirelessly, you will need an Xbox Wireless Adapter. Simply plug the dongle into your PC or laptop's USB port, and connect your controller by holding down the pairing button on the controller's bumper.

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Click it to open that settings page. It's to the left of the disc tray on the original Xbox One, and at the bottom-right of the front panel under the power button on the Xbox One S and Xbox One X. It really is that simple: they'll be recognized by Windows and just work in any PC game with controller support. More articles. Update your controller - In a similar vein to the point above, connecting your controller to a console or PC may show that it needs an update! Turn on your Xbox One controller by holding the Guide button in the center. Still need help? Click to pair. It does mean you'll be tethered with the length of the cord, though. Below, we've detailed some steps worth taking to check your controller's connection. Things to keep in mind:. Then, press the Pair button twice again to reconnect to the Bluetooth device you were just using.

Last Updated: September 16, Tested.

Update your Xbox Wireless Controller. UK Edition. While it's not necessary to update your Xbox controller, if you want to, the process is pretty simple. PC Gamer Newsletter Sign up to get the best content of the week, and great gaming deals, as picked by the editors. Not only is it amongst the best controllers for PC that you can buy in , but learning how to set it up and use your Xbox Series X controller on PC is relatively straightforward. For more help with Bluetooth, visit:. For help with other gamepads or joysticks, or for information on configuring a specific game so that you can play it with a controller, refer to the manufacturer's website or support centre. Now that you know how to pair your Xbox controller with your PC, let the games begin! But a PC controller may come in clutch during certain games, and an Xbox controller is the perfect option to pair with your PC. To pair, you'll hold down the sync button on top of the Xbox controller until the LED starts to blink; then hold down the button on the wireless adapter for a few seconds. But what about if you want to use the original Xbox controller on PC, from all the way back in ? The Xbox button will light up and start flashing. Power cycle your Xbox or restart your PC - If none of the above work, try restarting your PC or power cycling your Xbox which is done by holding the power button on the front of the console for 10 seconds, letting it shut down, then turning it back on. Select Add device to find and add your Xbox controller. Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.