How to Connect Any Modern Xbox Controller to a PC: 3 Easy Methods
Do you need instructions on how to link an Xbox controller to your computer? The use of a controller is preferable for certain categories of video games, despite the fact that the use of a keyboard and mouse is superior for many categories of video games.
Since Microsoft is in charge of both the Xbox and the Windows PC platforms, it is simple to connect an Xbox controller to a Windows computer. The following is a guide on how to utilise your Xbox controller to play games on your personal computer. This guide applies to both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers, as all of these controllers are nearly identical.
There are three different methods available for connecting an Xbox controller to a PC. In this section, we will go over each method in turn.
1. How to Connect Xbox Controller to PC via USB Cable
Using a micro-USB cable (in the case of Xbox One controllers) or a USB-C cable (in the case of Series X|S controllers) to connect your Xbox controller to your personal computer is the simplest method available. Plug one end of the cable into a USB port on your computer, and the other end into the thin connector on your Xbox controller. If the controller does not turn on automatically, you can turn it on by pressing the button on the Xbox.
Connect the Xbox One Controller to the Personal Computer. Wired Xbox Support is responsible for the image.
It is expected that Windows 10 and Windows 11 will immediately identify the controller when it is connected. If you’re using an older version of Windows, the operating system should be able to download the necessary drivers on its own, and your controller will be ready to use in just a few moments.
If you plug your Xbox controller into a computer, the computer will provide the power for the controller, preventing the batteries from running out. Even if the batteries are removed, you can continue to use the controller through the USB connection.
Simply unplugging your Xbox controller from the computer will allow you to detach it from the computer. It may flash for a few seconds while it searches for other devices, but soon after that, it will switch off completely. If you want to turn it off immediately, press and hold the Xbox button on the controller for a few seconds until the indicator light goes out. This will turn it off immediately.
2. How to Use Bluetooth to Connect an Xbox Controller to a Personal Computer
If your computer has Bluetooth, this is an easy way to set up a wireless connection between your Xbox controller and your computer. On the other hand, in order to use it with an Xbox One controller, you need to have a more modern model; the differences between the two are illustrated in the image that can be found below.
If the Xbox button on your Xbox One controller is surrounded by a plastic covering, as shown in the top image, then your controller does not support Bluetooth connectivity. If you want to connect your Xbox controller to your PC without using Bluetooth, you will need to purchase an Xbox Wireless Adapter (which will be discussed further below). Bluetooth connectivity is only available on the base model, which can be identified by the absence of any plastic surrounding the Xbox button.
Bluetooth connectivity is built into every Xbox Series X|S controller. If your controller’s Share button is located in the middle of the controller, then you have a Series X|S model.
- Xbox One controller model comparison
- Xbox Support is responsible for the image.
To utilise Bluetooth in Windows 10, navigate to the Settings menu, then select Devices, and then select Bluetooth & other devices. Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices on your Windows 11 device. There, make sure the Bluetooth slider is turned on (if it isn’t already) and select either Add Bluetooth or other device (Windows 10) or Add device from the drop-down menu (Windows 11). Choose Bluetooth from the list that appears after your search.
Next, turn on your Xbox by pressing the button labelled “Xbox” on your controller. The Xbox button will begin quickly flashing when you press and hold the Pair button on the top of the controller (the little button next to LB) for a few seconds.
From this point forward, the Bluetooth pairing menu on your personal computer should now display your Xbox controller as an available device. Choose it, then go through the necessary steps to match them. Refer to our walkthrough on how to set up Bluetooth in Windows 10 if you are having any difficulties.
Keep in mind that utilising your Xbox controller remotely will result in the depletion of the batteries included within it. It is recommended that you purchase the Xbox One Play and Charge Kit (or the Xbox Rechargeable Battery for Series X|S controllers) in order to provide your controller the ability to recharge its batteries. Doing so will help you save money on batteries. When you’re not using your controller, you may quickly and conveniently connect it to your personal computer (PC) so that it will always be available for the next time you play.
3. To pair your Xbox One controller with your computer, use the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
The Xbox Wireless standard was developed by Microsoft and is included in some computers; nevertheless, it is unlikely that yours is one of those systems. Therefore, if you want to wirelessly sync your Xbox controller with your PC but aren’t using Bluetooth, you’ll need to purchase the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
Through the use of this adapter, you will be able to connect your Xbox controller to your personal computer (PC) in a wireless manner, using the same proprietary connection that is utilised by your Xbox console. Take into consideration that Windows 11 does not receive official support for it.
Simply insert the wireless adapter into a USB port on your own computer, and then let Windows to install the necessary drivers. Once it is finished, you can check its status by pressing and holding the button on the adapter until a light flashes.
Next, turn on your controller by pressing and holding the Xbox button while also pressing and holding the Pair button, which is located on the top of the controller. After a brief period of time, the controller and the adapter ought to recognise one another and connect.
From this location, you can use your Xbox controller wirelessly on your personal computer, just like you would with Bluetooth. Having an Xbox One controller that does not support Bluetooth is required in order for us to recommend using this method, though. In such case, you would be better off adding Bluetooth to your computer through the use of an adapter that is less expensive than the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
Instructions on How to Reconnect Your Xbox Controller to Its Associated Console
Remember that if your Xbox controller is already attached to an Xbox One or Series X|S console, pushing the Xbox button on your controller will turn on the system. This is something to keep in mind when using your controller. You should still be able to pair it wirelessly by utilising either of the techniques described above; however, when you have finished doing so, it is recommended that you power off your console (or shut down and unplug it before you start). If you attempt to connect your controller to many devices at the same time, you will run into problems.
After you have used any of the methods described above to connect your Xbox controller to a personal computer, the next time you wish to use the controller with your Xbox, you will need to re-pair it with your console. In order to accomplish this via the wired method, first connect the controller to your Xbox using a USB cable, and then click the Xbox button to begin the pairing process.
Simply pressing the system’s pairing button will allow you to wirelessly connect the controller. On the first-generation Xbox One, you’ll find it to the left of the disc tray; on the Xbox One S and Xbox One X, you’ll find it on the front panel, to the right of the power button, in the bottom-right corner. It is located at the front of the Xbox Series X|S system, close to the USB port where you can plug in your device.
After you have activated this button, turn on your controller by pressing the Xbox button, and then couple it by pressing and holding the Pair button that is located on the top of your controller. If you experience any issues, check out the guide on how to troubleshoot an Xbox controller.
There is a useful shortcut available for switching between associated devices if you are using an Xbox Series S|X controller. You can rapidly switch to the most recent Xbox Wireless connection by pressing the Pair button on top of the controller twice when it is already linked to a Bluetooth device (usually your console). After that, hit the Pair button a total of two more times to reestablish a connection with the Bluetooth item you were utilising just before.
Last but not least, keep in mind that you can turn off your Xbox controller (even when it isn’t connected to a PC or console through a connection) by pressing and holding the Xbox button for around five seconds. Your game console will power off once the indicator light on this button goes out.
You can easily connect a controller from an Xbox to your computer.
When it comes to connecting an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller to a computer, you have a wide variety of choices. Now that you are aware of the many options, you can choose to connect using a USB cable, which is the most straightforward technique, or you can connect using Bluetooth, which is a wireless technology.