Wondering how to connect Xbox controller to PC? While using a keyboard and mouse is superior for the vast majority of computer 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 handles both platforms.
This is the way to use your Xbox controller to play PC games — this works for both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers since they’re nearly identical.
There are three ways how to connect Xbox controller to PC. We’ll cover every strategy.
- How to Connect the Xbox Controller to the PC using a USB Cable
How to connect Xbox controller to PCÂ – The most straightforward method for connecting your Xbox controller and PC is with a micro-USB cable (for Xbox One controllers) or a USB-C cable (for Series X|S controllers).
Simply plug the slim end into your Xbox controller and the flip side into a USB port on your PC. Raise a ruckus around town button to turn the controller on, if it doesn’t do as such on its own.
On Windows 10 and Windows 11, your computer should perceive the controller instantly.
On prior versions of Windows, the OS should automatically download drivers and your controller will be prepared in no time flat.
At the point when your Xbox controller is plugged into a computer, it will be fueled by your PC, so the batteries won’t deplete.
You could eliminate the batteries nevertheless use your controller over USB.
At the point when you need to disconnect your Xbox controller from the PC, just unplug it. It might flash for a couple of moments as it’s searching for other devices, however, it will switch off before long.
To switch it off immediately, press and hold the Xbox button on the controller for several seconds until the light goes out.
- How to Connect Xbox Controller to PCÂ Using Bluetooth
How to connect Xbox controller to PCÂ – On the off chance that your PC has Bluetooth, this is a convenient approach to connecting your Xbox controller and PC wirelessly.
However, to use it with an Xbox One controller, you must have the latter model; see the image beneath for an illustration of the differences.
On the off chance that your Xbox One controller has a plastic casing around the Xbox button, as shown in the top image, then, at that point, it is not Bluetooth-viable.
You’ll have to use the Xbox Wireless Adapter (explained underneath) to connect your Xbox controller to your PC without Bluetooth.
The bottom model, where none of the plastic surrounds the Xbox button, supports Bluetooth.
All Xbox Series X|S controllers support Bluetooth. You’ll know your controller is a Series X|S model if it has the Share button in the controller.
To use Bluetooth in Windows 10, make a beeline for Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and other devices.
On Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth and devices. There, empower the Bluetooth slider (if it isn’t turned on as of now), then, at that point, choose Add Bluetooth or another device (Windows 10) or Add device (Windows 11). Select Bluetooth from the resulting list.
Next, press the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on. Then, at that point, press and hold the Pair button on top of the controller (the small button next to the LB) for a couple of moments, and the Xbox button will start flashing quickly.
From here, your Xbox controller should show up in the Bluetooth pairing menu on your PC. Select it and complete the steps to pair them.
Assuming that you experience difficulty, allude to our aide on setting up Bluetooth in Windows 10.
Recall that the batteries in your Xbox controller will deplete while using it wirelessly. To save money on batteries, we suggest getting the Xbox One Play and Charge Unit (or the Xbox Battery-powered Battery for Series X|S controllers) to give your controller re-energizing capabilities.
You can easily plug your how to connect Xbox controller to PC when you’re not using it, so it will always be prepared for your next session.
- Use the Xbox Wireless Adapter to Pair Xbox One Controller to the PC
Microsoft has a standard considered Xbox Wireless that’s incorporated into a couple of computers, however, it’s possible not a piece of yours.
So, to sync your Xbox controller and PC wirelessly without Bluetooth, you’ll have to purchase the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
This adapter lets you connect your Xbox controller to your PC wirelessly, through the same restrictive connection used by your Xbox console.
Remember that it’s not authoritatively supported for Windows 11.
To use the wireless adapter, plug it into a USB port on your PC and allow Windows to install drivers. Once it’s done, press and hold the button on the adapter and you’ll see a light flash.
Next, hold the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on, then press and hold the Pair button on top of the controller.
Following a couple of moments, how to connect Xbox controller to PC and the adapter should see one another and connect.
From here, you can partake in your Xbox controller on your PC wirelessly, just like using Bluetooth. However, we only suggest this strategy if you have an Xbox One controller that’s not Bluetooth-empowered.
Otherwise, it’s smarter to add Bluetooth to your computer with an adapter that’s less expensive than the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
How to Reconnect Your Xbox Controller to Your Console
Remember that assuming your Xbox controller is now paired to an Xbox One or Series X|S console, pressing the Xbox button will turn the system on.
You should still have the option to pair it wirelessly using both of the methods above, yet you’ll presumably need to switch your console off after you do as such (or shut down and unplug it before you start).
How to connect Xbox controller to PCÂ to multiple devices at once will cause issues.
After you connect your Xbox controller to a PC using the technique above, you’ll have to re-pair the controller with your Xbox the next time you need to use it there.
To do this with the wired technique, connect the controller to your Xbox using a USB cable, then, at that point, press the Xbox button to pair.
To pair the controller wirelessly, press the pairing button on the system. It’s to the left of the disk plate on the first Xbox One, and at the bottom-right of the front board under the power button on the Xbox One S and Xbox One X. On Xbox Series X|S, it’s next to the USB port at the front of the system.
After hitting this button, turn on your controller by raising a ruckus around town button, then, at that point, hold the Pair button on the top to pair it.
Assuming you run into problems, see how to troubleshoot an Xbox controller.
If you have an Xbox Series S|X controller, there’s a convenient shortcut for switching paired devices.
At the point when you have it connected to a Bluetooth device, press the Pair button on top of the controller two times to immediately switch to the last Xbox Wireless connection (usually your console).
Then, at that point, press the Pair button two times again to reconnect to the Bluetooth device you were just using.
At long last, recall that you can switch off your Xbox controller (when it’s not connected to a PC or console with a cable) by holding the Xbox button for close to five seconds.
At the point when the light on this button goes out, your controller is off.
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Connect an Xbox Controller to Your PC Easily
You have a lot of options for connecting an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller to your PC. Whether you need to connect with a USB cable for the simplest option or like to connect wirelessly with Bluetooth, now you understand the accessible methods.
In the meantime how to connect Xbox controller to PC, a Windows PC isn’t the only device you can connect an Xbox controller to.