How To Connect And Use An Xbox Controller On Your Pc
Video game consoles are just computers that have been custom-built for a very specific purpose. So it’s not a huge leap to make a console controller play nice with your desktop or laptop.
It’s especially easy if you’re talking about plugging an Xbox controller into a Windows machine. Obviously. But even Mac users can take advantage of Xbox controllers for their gaming, albeit with a pretty notable limitation. Setup is very easy though.
First, know that it doesn’t matter too much which generation of console controller you want to use, unless we’re talking about an original Xbox controller. Those plugged in using a proprietary connector, so you’d need to buy an adapter like this to make the connection.
Beyond that, every Xbox controller since the Xbox 360 days relies on a USB connector. So using them with your computer of choice is as simple as plugging into a USB port. If you’re using a Mac, know that may need to take the extra step of installing a freely available custom driver.
That’s really it. All you need for wired gaming with an Xbox controller on PC is the USB cord you use to charge your controller. Plug it into a free USB port on your computer and you’ll be off to the races. Yes, it’s that simple.
Congrats, you’re now ready to game.
How To Update And Configure The Xbox One Controller
It’s not just games that have updates these days. So do controllers! While it’s not necessary to update your Xbox controller, if you want to, the process is pretty simple.
1. Open the Windows Store and search for Xbox Accessories. Install the app and open it.
Windows version note: The app only works with Windows 10 with the Anniversary update applied.
2. Plug your Xbox One controller in with a micro-USB cable.;
3. Click the “More options” button to check if there’s a firmware update for your controller.
Instead of configuring controller options on a game-by-game basis, you can also use the Accessories app to change button mapping, swap and invert sticks and triggers, and enable or disable rumble.
If you have an Xbox One Elite controller, you can also use the Accessories app to configure options like trigger and analog stick sensitivity. You can save different configurations to the two profiles the controller supports.
Reconnect Xbox One Controller To Android
In the future, if you want to reconnect your Xbox One controller to your Android device, all you need to do is switch on the controller, switch on Bluetooth on your phone, and it should pair.
If it doesnt, you may need to go your phones Bluetooth settings , tap Previously connected devices, then select Xbox One Controller from the list there.
If you connect your Xbox One controller to another device in the meantime, you may need to go through the pairing process to connect it again.
Read Also: How To Set An Xbox As Your Home Xbox
How To Connect Xbox One Wireless Controller To Pc Windows 10
If you are a gamer, Xbox One Controller could provide great convenience to you for you can play most of the computer games with it instead of playing games with keyboard and mouse. Some users may have a problem when connecting Xbox One Wireless Controller to the computer and this passage can help you with this problem.
Contents:
Blinking Xbox Controllers Rundown

Our troubleshooting guide can show you how to fix your Xbox controller. Well start by the most straightforward fixes and run our own towards more advanced solutions.; Lets start our guide on how you fix your Xbox controller flashing by listing the most common errors.
- If the Xbox One controller is blinking or not connecting, it could mean its not paired to the console. The fix is frequently quick and simple, and were about to see. For example, you can use a micro USB cable as a temporary measure. Moreover, you could hold down the pair buttons for 5 seconds.
- If the controller constantly desyncs from your Xbox, check the state of the battery. Most probably, youll need to either charge it or replace it if its too old. I recommend going for rechargeable AA batteries. Otherwise, make sure youre in range of the console.
You May Like: What Is The Difference Between Xbox Series X And S
How To Use An Xbox One Controller On Pc
06 November 2020
Pro tips for getting the most out of Microsoft’s latest controller via USB, wireless adapter, or Bluetooth.
If you want to use a controller on PC, you just can’t beat the convenience of the Xbox gamepad. If you want a dead simple plug-and-play experience, the Xbox controller is the obvious choice, and it’s definitely among the best PC controllers, anywayMicrosoft revised its controller after the launch of the Xbox One, making its bumpers feel better and adding Bluetooth connectivity.
Thanks to the built-in Windows driver, you won’t need any special software for your PC to immediately recognize your pad. So what’s the point of a guide at all?
Well, there are a couple ways to hook up the Xbox One controller wirelessly, and a few things you should know about the different iterations of the controller and what how exactly they’ll work with your PC.
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.
Don’t Miss: How To Hook Up Bluetooth Headphones To Xbox One
Search For Controller And Connect
Press Add Bluetooth Or Other Device -> Bluetooth, and since your controller is now in pairing mode, your PC should be able to detect your controller. Once the two have found each other, in the Bluetooth connectivity menu, the controller should appear as either Xbox Wireless Controller or Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, depending on the model you are trying to connect. When finished, press Done and grab your Xbox controller.
How To Sync An Xbox One Controller To Your Console Wirelessly
Wireless pairing is the most convenient method for connecting your Xbox One controller to your Xbox. Here’s how it works:
Once you’ve paired your Xbox One controller successfully, you can use it to navigate the home screen and play games.
Also Check: Why Is My Xbox Controller Not Working
Solution 4: Update Xbox One Controller
Updating your controller with the latest software make you get full use of your Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter capabilities and important controller improvements. You can update your controller wirelessly or via USB or PC. Here are steps of updating via PC.
1. Download and install Xbox Accessories application in Microsoft Store.
2. Launch the Xbox Accessories app.
3. Connect your Xbox One Wireless Controller by using a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
4. If you see the message Update required, it indicates your controller needs to be updated. Click it to get your controller updated.
Supposing that you want to update wirelessly or by USB, you need to sign in Xbox Live on the Xbox One console, press Xbox button on the controller to open the guide, and then follow this path System>Kinect & devices>Devices & accessories>select controller>Device info>Firmware version>Continue.
After the update is completed, test the controller to see if the problem is solved.
How To Pair An Xbox One Controller With Your Android Phone
For starters, you’ll want to ensure the Xbox One controller you have uses Bluetooth. As a rule of thumb, newer versions of the Xbox One S and Xbox One X come with Bluetooth by default. If you’re buying a new controller, Amazon has them for $50. Assuming your phone works just fine with the Xbox One controller, the pairing process is painless. Here’s how to get connected:
On your Android phone, tap Pair new device.
For some phones, you’ll see evidence of the controller working right away, with the directional pad and buttons being used to navigate the system UI. Then, fire up your favorite game with Bluetooth controller support to test it further and get familiar with how it all works.
Read Also: How To Make Updates Go Faster On Xbox One
How To Fix Xbox One Controller Wont Sync
Are you having an issue with your Xbox One controller that wont sync? Well, youve come to the right blog. In this article, well show you the ways to easily fix your problem.;
An Xbox One controller can continue working for years because theyre built with durability in mind. However great the hardware though, some Xbox One users may experience a rather frustrating problem: a wireless controller that wont pair. If youre one of the unlucky users with this problem, learn what you can do by following the solutions in this post.
Update Your Controllers Firmware

If youre having connectivity problems, it may be that your controllers internal software is out of date. You can update that firmware from your Xbox One console, which can solve some issues. Head to the Settings menu and the Kinect and Devices menu, where youll find each of your connected controllers, either with a wireless connection or connected by a USB port. From this menu, select the controller you want to update and choose the Ellipses;beneath the Controller button. From here, youll get a menu that allows you to check for firmware updates, which could fix any issues youre dealing with.
Don’t Miss: How To Setup Xbox One S
How To Connect The Xbox 360 Controller To Pc
If you have a wired Xbox 360 controller, you simply need to plug it into an open USB port on your PC. Windows automatically installs the necessary drivers and notifies you when the controller is ready for use.
If your PC doesn’t detect the Xbox 360 controller, try plugging it into a different USB port, then test it again. If it still doesn’t work, make sure Windows is fully updated. Install any updates and try again.
If you want to connect a wireless Xbox 360 controller to a Windows PC, you need a wireless receiver. Microsoft has an official one, but there are also third-party options that work just;as well, though they include a couple of extra hoops to jump through. Here’s how to set one up:
Connect the wireless receiver to a spare USB port on your PC. If youre using the official adaptor, it should automatically launch the driver installation software. Follow the on-screen instructions, then skip to Step 7. If youre using an unofficial adaptor, follow the steps below.
Use the Windows search box to look for Device Manager, then select it from the results.
You should see one item in the list with a small, yellow triangle, suggesting Windows doesnt recognize the device. Right-click it and select Properties >Driver>Update Driver.
Select Browse my computer for driver software.
Select Let me pick from a list of available;drivers on my computer.
Scroll down the list and select Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows. Then select Next.
Switch Wireless Pro Bluetooth Pairing
These instructions assume you are using a Nintendo Switch with TV Dock , however if you wish to use an Xbox One, PS4 or Xbox 360, be sure to connect a Pass-Thru Auth Controller to A1 before powering on the console.
Turn off the Console.
Ensure your wireless Switch Pro Controller is turned off.
Plug in the short micro-USB cable to the back of the Zen and connect the other end to your PC or console .
Turn on the console with its power button and wait until it boots to the main menu.
Place your Switch Pro Controller into Bluetooth pairing mode by pressing the SYNC button at the top for a few seconds.
The player LED indicators at the bottom of the Switch Pro Controller will now begin to cycle.
Press the Bluetooth pairing button on the Cronus Zen. The RGB LEDs will flash BLUE to show Bluetooth pairing has begun.
Within a few seconds the Zen RGB LED will change to WHITE indicating that pairing is complete.
Once paired, the player LED corresponding to the controller number will remain lit.
That’s it!You are now connected to the Cronus Zen and ready to use your Switch Pro controller wirelessly. Test the controller in-game to make sure you have full functionality before attempting to use any GPC Scripts or GamePacks.
Nintendo Switch Users: The Cronus Zen controls all data between the console and the controller, including Bluetooth, so it is important that you enable ‘Pro Controller Wired Communication’, which forces all communication data to pass directly through the Cronus Zen.
Also Check: How To Take Off Parental Controls On Xbox
Connect Your Xbox Controller To Pc With Bluetooth
Pairing the Xbox controller with your PC over Bluetooth is almost the same as pairing it with your Xbox One or Xbox Series. You activate the controller by holding down the Guide button, then hold the Pairing button for three seconds until the Guide button flashes. This means it’s in pairing mode. If you’re connecting the controller to a console, you hold the Pairing button on the system itself. If you’re connecting the controller to a Windows 10 PC, you need to go through some menus. You also need a Bluetooth USB dongle if your PC doesn’t have Bluetooth. Here’s the full step-by-step process:
Hold the Guide button to turn on the controller.
Hold the Pairing button for three seconds until the Guide button flashes.
Right-click the Bluetooth icon in your system tray.
You can now use the Xbox Wireless Gamepad with your PC, and play the vast majority of modern games that support controllers. However, you can’t use the headset jack on the gamepad, just like Sony’s DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers. Although you can use a wired;gaming headset;with a controller and its associated game system, audio isn’t sent through the jack when it’s connected to a PC via Bluetooth.
Do You Have The Right Xbox One Controller
Before we begin, you need to confirm whether your Xbox One controller is the newer model. Older Xbox One controllers use RF wireless technology to communicate with devices, while newer Xbox One controllers use Bluetooth, which means theyll be able to connect via Bluetooth to your Android phone.
So how do you check this? Simple. The newer-style controllers look a little different, with a unibody face that doesnt have a separate area of plastic around the Xbox button .
Pretty much any new Xbox One controller you buy today should have Bluetooth functionality. If you have the old RF controller, you can still connect your Xbox One controller to your phone via a micro USB to USB adapter.
If you are looking to connect your Xbox One Controller to other devices, here is the instruction for PC, Mac and Linux
Recommended Reading: How To Join Servers On Minecraft Xbox
Power Up Your Controller And Turn On Your Xbox One
Syncing your controller means powering it up. Xbox One controllers take AA batteries, but you also can get rechargeable battery packs for them. Either way, make sure your controllers are juiced up before trying to pair them not enough power often is the cause of connectivity issues .
With the Bluetooth controller charged or fresh batteries installed, turn on the device by pressing the Xbox button in the center of it. It will light up to indicate its been turned on. Then hit the Power button on the Xbox console.