Install The Controller Driver
To make sure your controller or wireless receiver works on your computer, you need to install the latest driver for the device. One easy and reliable way to install drivers is to use Driver Easy.
Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You dont need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you dont need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you dont need to worry about making a mistake when installing.
You can download and install your drivers by using either Free or Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version it takes only 2 clicks :
1. and Install Driver Easy.
2. Run Driver Easy and hit the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
3. Click on the Update button next to the controller or receiver to download the latest and correct driver for it. You can also hit the Update All button at the bottom right to automatically update all outdated or missing drivers on your computer .
After installing the driver, restart your computer.
Connect The Xbox Controller To Your Pc
In this step, you synchronize the Xbox controller to your PC.
You can also verify the connection. Follow these simple guidelines:
- Search the âgame controllerâ on your PC.
- Look for âSet up USB game controllerâ.
- Check whether it is functioning or not. For this, you should play via triggers, pads, and sticks.
- If each of your moves is detected then the connection is successful.
- Your controller is ready to play games.
Attention:You should remember that unplugging the receiver will create a fuss. Because the second time connection will require following all the above-mentioned steps. So, be careful and do not unplug your device.
However, it may be disconnected automatically or accidentally. You should remember the above-mentioned steps as a precautionary measure.
The Official Orphans: A Sure Bet As Long As You Can Find One
In between the expense of buying an official Xbox 360 Windows controller bundle and cheap $7 eBay specials, youll find a sort of grey market happy medium if youre willing to make a small gamble. If you look on Amazon and eBay, youll find hundreds of official Microsoft brand Xbox 360 PC dongles that have been separated from their controller mates.
Your best bet is to look for listings that include not just the dongle but also include an official driver CD and booklet. While you dont need either of those things to use the controller , its generally a good indicator that the listing is legitimate. Its not really profitable for companies to go to the extra hassle of creating fake Microsoft support materials.
Just remember that Microsoft does not officially sell these separately, so if youre buying one separately, you are taking a bit of a gamble. While we recommend you carefully study each listing, read reviews, and make sure there is a good return policy for whatever online retailer youre using, we can say that weve had great luck purchasing . Every one weve ordered has shipped with a driver disc, documentation, and is identical in terms of branding, construction, and labeling to those found in the official bundle.
Also Check: Mirror Screen Xbox One
Install The Xbox Drivers On Your Pc
The first thing is to install the necessary drivers on your PC. It includes the following steps:
Install The Xbox Drivers For Your Pc
- First, you need to install the drivers. These are the steps:
- Find the USB port on your computer and insert the adapter there
- Start by going to Windows Search Box and then go to Device Manager
- Click on the Other Devices Sub-Category
- Select the Unknown Device option and click Update Driver Software.
- This will open a pop-up window stating Browse My Computer, where you can choose it.
- Click theLets me choose from a list option.
- A complete list of devices will be displayed. Select Xbox 360 peripherals.
- A second list will display all models. You should choose the most recent one and click the yes button in order to begin the installation process.
Also Check: Is Days Gone On Xbox One
How To Install An Individual Aftermarket Receiver
Installing the duplicate versions requires multiple steps and is much more demanding than the previous method.
However, it still works.
Regardless of what Windows version youre using, continue as follows to set up a duplicate adaptor.
Microsoft Xbox 360 Receiver For Windows 7 Or Lower
Windows 7 and below have a different installation processes. You must do the download manually, as it does not happen automatically.
- Connect the adaptor first to the gadget driver.
- Next, insert your USB drive.
- The wizard will appear on your screen. This will prompt you to enter your operating system.
- You can click on the automatic install button if your windows already contain relevant files. The installation process will continue, and it will be completed successfully.
- If your Windows does not have the files, you will need to take additional steps.
- The CD that comes with the Xbox package is an easy choice. Place the CD in CD ROM, and then download the drivers to your computer.
- Another option is to download the drivers from Microsoft directly. You can download the drivers by going to Microsofts official site.
Verify that the connection is working. You must confirm the connection is successful.
- Open Device manager on your computer and check for drivers that are installed.
- You will see the command pair controller to computer if they have been installed.
Recommended Reading: Tether Phone To Xbox One Via Bluetooth
How To Sync The Xbox 360 Controller To An Xbox 360
Syncing an Xbox 360 controller with an original Xbox 360 is, naturally, the easiest process on this list. Here’s how:
Turn the Xbox 360 on.
Turn the Xbox 360 controller on by pressing and holding the big Guide buttonin the center.
Skillkit/Twitter
Press the Wireless Connect button on the Xbox 360. It’s located on the front of the console. You should see the light ring around the consoles power button flash and rotate.
On the Xbox 360 E and S consoles, the Wireless Connect button is found by the controller ports. On the original Xbox 360 console, it’s located near the memory card slots.
While the lights are still flashing, press the Sync button on the controller. It’s located on the gamepad’s backside, next to the wired connection. The Guide Button flashes when the syncing completes.
You’ll know the controller is synchronized with the console when the LEDs around the controllers Guide Button stop flashing and one LED stays on. The Xbox console shows a similar light, although the Xbox 360 E shows a single solid light around the power button.
Connecting A Wireless Xbox 360 Controller
If you use an older Xbox 360 controller that comes with wireless connectivity or uses a receiver, here is how to connect such a controller to your Windows PC.
- Insert the USB receiver into a dedicated port on your PC.
- Make sure that the receiver is working correctly by checking if the green light is blinking.
- Install the required driver software.
Don’t Miss: Xbox App Change Gamerpic
Can You Play Guitar Hero On Pc
Several of the Guitar Hero games have been released for Windows and Mac, including Guitar Hero III, Guitar Hero: World Tour and Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, and USB-based instruments should work natively with them. None of the Rock Band games have been released for PC, however, and intercompatibility is generally bad.
Plug In Your Wireless Receiver
This section only applies to those with wireless controllers. If youve got a wired Xbox 360 controller, skip straight to Install software.
For those of you that own wireless Xbox 360 controllers, connecting to a PC isnt as straightforward as simply plugging in the device. First off, youll need to purchase a capable receiver, then run the proper setup wizard.
If you dont already have a receiver, they typically cost between $10 and $20. The official Microsoft version will cost a bit more than that, but there are many third-party versions available that work perfectly well.
After purchasing the wireless receiver, connect it to a compatible USB port on your computer . Once plugged in, a green light will appear on the receiver indicating the device is working properly.
Also Check: Boot People Offline Xbox
Connecting To An Xbox 360
Types Of Games That Benefit From A Controller
It is true that most games will run fine using a keyboard and mouse, and many PC gamers prefer this style of control for a vast majority of their games. Most games such as first person shooters, MMORPGS, roleplaying games, sim games, and more are actually easier to control with a mouse and a keyboard. But, that doesnt mean there arent games that dont run better with a controller. Games such as driving or racing games such as Grand Theft Auto just work better on a gamepad and some people do prefer a gamepad for their first person shooter experiences. If you are into some classic games or emulator games, then a gamepad is often a better choice.
You May Like: How To Change Screen Size On Xbox One
How To Connect Your Wireless Xbox 360 Controller To Your Pc
The easiest and most convenient method to set up and link your Xbox 360 wireless controller to your PC is by using a wireless gaming receiver for Windows.
If you do have an adapter, the process of connecting to your PC becomes hassle-free and takes no more than a few minutes.
The steps are easy to follow and outlined below:
Connect An Xbox Controller To Your Pc Via Bluetooth
Connecting your Xbox controller via Bluetooth requires the most steps, but it’s also the only method that doesn’t ask you to buy anything other than the controller–no cables or adaptors are needed. That said, you will need to buy a specific controller.
This method will not work for Xbox 360 or original Xbox One controllers. You will need an Xbox One controller that entered production alongside the Xbox One S or an Xbox Series X|S controller. So basically no Xbox controllers that were made prior to August 2016.
The easiest way to know whether you have an Xbox controller that supports Bluetooth is to read the supported features listed on the side of the box it came in. If you no longer have the box, you can tell just by looking at how the controller is designed. The original Xbox One controllers have a larger plastic molding along the top. The newer Xbox One controllers and Xbox Series X|S controllers incorporate bumpers with a wider click range and feature a smaller top plastic molding.
Here’s what you do:
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email
Recommended Reading: How To Set Xbox One As Home
Update Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Driver In Device Manager
Windows has in-built support for managing hardware and device drivers. So, you can use this default utility called Device Manager to download and update Xbox 360 controller driver on Windows 10 64 bit. Here is how to do that:
Step 1: On your keyboard, altogether press Windows logo + X keys.
Step 2: This will show you the quick access menu list, wherein you need to choose Device Manager.
Step 3: Next, expand the category of Sound, video, and game controllers.
Step 4: Look for the Xbox 360 controller and right-click on it to choose Update Driver Software from the context menu list.
Step 5: In the next prompt, choose the option that says Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software.
Now, the Device Manager will download and install the most appropriate drivers for your Xbox 360 controller.
Also Read: How To Gameshare On Xbox One: Step By Step Guide
How To Connect Xbox To Windows 11 Using Bluetooth
To connect your Xbox controller to Win11 with Bluetooth, first of all, you need to make sure it supports this feature. If your controller looks like the one on bottom in the following picture, it has that feature.
On Bluetooth-supported controllers, the plastic around the Xbox button is part of the face of the controller. On controllers without Bluetooth, the plastic around the Xbox button is part of the top, where the bumpers are.
Tip: Update your controller to bring you a better performance.
Note:
- Xbox Controller attachments like headsets, chat pads, as well as the Xbox Stereo Adapter, wont work with your controller while connected via Bluetooth.
- Youd better only connect only one controller via Bluetooth at a time.
Recommended Reading: How To Get A Mod Menu For Gta 5 Xbox One
How Can I Use Dualshock 4 On Pc
Now youll be able to connect your PS4 DualShock 4 controller to your PC. You can do this in two ways either via a USB cable or via Bluetooth. To connect the PS4 DualShock controller to your PC via a USB cable you just need a regular micro USB cable the same one that comes with many modern smartphones.
Purchase Microsoft Xbox Package
This process is a little bit complex and needs many accessories. Additionally, it is an expensive method. If you do not have an Xbox already then go for this option.
Purchase the Microsoft Xbox package for windows. It contains all the accessories and is compatible with each window version. Unlike traditional controllers, the Microsoft Xbox package does not pose any problem. You can connect it wirelessly to your PC.
So, all you have to do is to buy this bundle if you want a hassle-free setup.
However, if you already own an Xbox then you may hesitate to buy a new one. The solution is that you can sell your older Xbox.
Also Read:Connect JBL Speakers To Computer and laptop
Recommended Reading: How To Turn Off Parental Controls Xbox
Testing And Calibrating Xbox 360 Controller
No matter how you connected the controller to the PC, you may want to check if it works appropriately afterward. Testing the controller could be done simply by running the game and checking for unexpected behavior, but doing it this way is not recommended, as you may easily miss any malfunctions.
Instead, open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers after connecting the gamepad to the PC. From there, you can choose the Xbox 360 controller click it with the right mouse button and select Game controller settings from the context menu. In the newly opened window, choose Properties, and then, in the Settings section, click on the Calibrate button. Doing so will launch a calibration wizard follow the instructions to calibrate your device.
Once you are finished, you can switch from the Settings tab to the Testing tab in the Properties window. Here you will be able to test your controller and all of its buttons conveniently. Leaning analog sticks and pushing triggers will cause Z-Axis, X Rotation, and Y Rotation positions to change accordingly. Similarly, pushing buttons will cause corresponding parts in the window to glow red. Ensure everything works properly if it doesnt, you may want to install a different, possibly older version of the controller driver.