How To Use Xbox Controller On Pc

How To Use Xbox Controllers On Pc

On a Windows 10 PC, you can plug in Xbox 360, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X|S controllers to play certain games.

Some PC games require a controller, and few controllers beat Xbox when it comes to PC gaming. Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S controllers can all be used to play games on Windows 10 PCs–for the latter two, you can even connect them to your machine wirelessly.

There are actually a few ways to connect an Xbox controller to your PC. A wired connection is the easiest to do, though the two wireless options aren’t that difficult to pull off either. It really just comes down to your personal preference.

How To Hook Up A Wireless Xbox 360 Controller To Your Computer

Jason Fitzpatrick is the Editor in Chief of LifeSavvy, How-To Geek’s sister site focused life hacks, tips, and tricks. He has over a decade of experience in publishing and has authored thousands of articles at Review Geek, How-To Geek, and Lifehacker. Jason served as Lifehacker’s Weekend Editor before he joined How-To Geek. Read more…

The wired Xbox 360 controller is USB, so using it for PC gaming is easybut things get a bit more complex if you have a wireless controller. Lets take a look at how you can enjoy wireless gameplay on your PC while minimizing the headaches.

How To Connect Your Xbox One Controller To A Pc Via Xbox Wireless Adapter

The Xbox Wireless Adapter is a small device that can help your Xbox controller connect to a PC.

1. Boot up your Windows 10 PC and plug the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows into your computer.

2. In the same “Bluetooth & other devices” menu we used in the previous method, look for the Adapter to appear under “Other devices.” Once it appears, this means it’s finished installing itself.

3. When the adapter is ready, turn on your Xbox controller by holding down the Xbox button. Once it’s on, angle it toward the Adapter and press and hold the Bind button.

4. Press and hold the Bind button on the Xbox Wireless Adapter. A small light will flash for several seconds.

5. Both your controller and Adapter should flash rapidly. Once they stop, it means they’ve found each other and are connected.

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How To Determine An Authentic From An Off

On the back of an authentic Microsoft adapter, you read Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows, and on its front, youll see the Microsoft branding.

Any additions or omissions are a sign of a fake dongle.

The stamps or prints on imitative clones usually show X360, PC Wireless Gaming Receiver, or similar remarks.

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.

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Connect A Wired Xbox 360 Controller To A Windows Pc

If you are using a Xbox 360 wired controller, you can follow these steps to install your Xbox 360 wired controller on Windows 10.

Step 1. Plug the USB connector of your Xbox 360 controller into any USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on your Windows PC.

Step 2. Then Windows 10 will automatically install drivers for the Xbox 360 controller. Just wait patiently and Windows will download or install the related driver software very quickly.

Step 3. When you see the pop-up notification that shows the drivers have been installed, you can use your controller immediately.

Step 4. Open a game that support your controller and then press a button, pull a trigger, or move a stick on the controller to test if your controller works properly.

Tip:

• If the Xbox 360 wired controller is not detected by your Windows PC, try re-plugging it into a different USB port, and then try again.
• If your controller still does not work, try installing latest Windows updates and then try again.

Use Xbox Controller On A Pc

There are different versions of an Xbox controller e.g. an Xbox One controller or an Xbox 360 Controller. These versions all correspond to and work with specific versions of the Xbox console. In most cases, the version doesnt really matter when you want to use an Xbox controller on a PC. What matters is if the controller is wired or wireless.

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Connect Your Xbox Controller To Pc With A Wired Connection

This is very simple, but you do need a physical cable connecting the controller to your PC. Here’s how you do it.

That’s it! It will automatically configure under Windows 10 and work with virtually any game on your PC.

How To Use Your Xbox Series X Controller On Pc Via Usb

Using a USB-C cable is the simplest way to play, as it removes any fears of the battery draining while you’re having fun. It does mean you’ll be tethered with the length of the cord, though. To set up your controller on PC for the first time, do the following:

• Connect a USB-C cable to your controller
• Connect the other end to a USB 3.0 or better port on your PC.
• Windows should automatically install the correct driver. If it doesn’t, make sure you have the latest version of Windows installed.
• When it’s ready, the Xbox button on the controller will turn white.

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How To Install Or Uninstall Hidguardian

IMPORTANT !!! Please read before installing HIDGuardian !!!!!! DO NOT delete HIDGuardian from Windows OS Device Manager. This can result in loosing access to your Mouse and Keyboard !!!

Purpose of HIDGuardian is to hide original controllers from games, so that only virtual controllers are visible. Install HIDGuardian only if original controller prevents virtual controller functioning properly in the game.

Install: Run Xbox 360 Controller Emulator as an Administrator Options tab HID Guardian tab HID Guardian Install button.

Uninstall: Run Xbox 360 Controller Emulator as an Administrator Options tab HID Guardian tab HID Guardian Uninstall button.

DO NOT attempt to removeHIDGuardian by simply deleting it from Windows OS Device Manager. This can result in loosing access to your Mouse and Keyboard and you will be forced to follow Manual Uninstall Instructions below.

You Can Connect Through Wires

The wired option is the easiest way to connect your Xbox to your PC. The setup process is quite simple and hassle-free.

First of all, find the USB port on your PC. Next, insert the controller into the USB port.

The next process will be automatic. The controller will be automatically recognized by your PC and it will start downloading the relevant drivers. Your PC will indicate the success of the connection.

So, you can now play the games through your Xbox 360 controller.

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Use The Wireless Adapter

To connect wirelessly, you’ll need an Xbox One Wireless Adapter for Windows 10. This may have come with your controller, but you can also buy it separately. Bear in mind that this is different to the adapter for the Xbox 360 controller, which won’t work for the Xbox One controller.

Take the Wireless Adapter and plug it into a USB port on your computer. You may need to use the included USB extender if the port is at the back of your computer or it doesn’t have a good line of sight to the controller.

Hold the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on. Now press the button on the adapter. Then press the bind button on your controller, located near the top. The LED on the controller will blink while it searches for a connection and will go solid once it’s established.

How To Use Your Xbox One Controller With A Windows 10 Pc

Sometimes while youre gaming, you dont want to use the mouse and keyboard. But you can certainly connect your Xbox One controller to Windows 10.

When it comes to gaming on your Windows 10 PC, a keyboard and mouse are typically best for FPS where youre competing with other people. This is because the mouse and keyboard are far more responsive and precise. But sometimes, you might want to use your Xbox One controller especially for a casual single-player game. This allows you to kick back and relax in your office chair while enjoying some free time. Here is a look at how to connect your Xbox One wireless controller with Windows 10 via Bluetooth.

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How To Play Minecraft Java With Xbox Controller On Windows 10

• User

One of the biggest differences between the Minecraft Java version and the Minecraft Bedrock/UWP version is controller support. The Minecraft Java version does not support controllers, while the UWP version has support out of the box with options to customize the controls.

Minecraft, when played on a PC, may work best if you play it with a keyboard and mouse, but everyone has their own preference when it comes to controlling a game.

S To Use Xbox One Controller On Steam On Linux

Believe it or not but Linux has been growing up to be a very feasible platform for gaming. Valve, the parent company of Steam has been testing things out with SteamOS which is a Linux based OS specially for Steam games.

Linux also has a native support for Xbox Controller which makes it quite unique because this is something that is only found in Windows OS. Just plug in your Xbox One controller on a Linux system and youre all set to game.

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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 Install A Knockoff Adapter

If youre stuck with one of the lower-quality knockoffs, were sorryby comparison, its a huge pain. Fortunately for you, its not hard to get them up and running as long as you know the completely non-intuitive way to do it.

First, plug your device into your computer. We recommend plugging it directly into a port on the back. If you must plug it into a USB hub, make sure its a powered hub. Wed also recommend picking a port that youll be able to leave the device more or less permanently attached to. Whenever you unplug it, youll need to repeat the annoying steps were about to outlineso youll want to leave it plugged in at all times, if you can.

Lets emphasize that last point again: with the majority of aftermarket adapters weve come across if you unplug the adapter you have to repeat the annoying multi-step installation process. In my experience, it was worth the extra money to buy another genuine adapter just to avoid this hassle.

With the adapter plugged in, navigate to the Windows Device Manager. Press the Start button and type device manager to access it. Look under Other Devices in the list of devices under the entry for your computer.

We know its quite nondescript, but unless you have multiple Unknown Devices on your PC, that little Unknown device entry is your knockoff Xbox 360 controller adapter. Right click it and select Properties.

Select the Driver tab in the Unknown device Properties box and then click Update Driver.

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How To Use A Micro Usb Cable With The Xbox One Controller

Any decent cable will do the trick, even the one that you used to use to charge your phone.

However, it’s not just desktop PCs that you can use an Xbox One controller with. It’s entirely possible to use it with a tablet or laptop, and in those cases, you may only have USB-C connectors available.

The easiest thing to do is get a USB-C to USB-A dongle, allowing you to use a regular micro USB cable through the USB-C connector on your laptop or tablet.

Wireless Xbox Controller On Pc

A wireless Xbox controller connects to a PC over Bluetooth.

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Way : Using A Wireless Adapter To Connect Your Xbox One Controller To Pc

Besides USB connection, if you use a wireless controller, you can connect the controller to your PC with a Xbox wireless adapter.

Follow these steps

Now you can enjoy video games with your controller.

How To Connect An Xbox Wireless Controller To A Pc

Pranay Parab has been a technology journalist for over 10 years, during which time he’s written well over 500 tutorials, and covered everything from social media apps to enterprise software. Pranay lives in Mumbai, India, and keeps traveling around the country and the world. Read more…

The Xbox Wireless Controller, which ships with Xbox Series X|S consoles, can also be used with Windows 10 PCs for gaming. Heres how to connect the Xbox Wireless Controller to your PC.

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How To Connect Other Game Controllers To Pc

Once you’re ready to start playing, check out our favorite PC games. And if you’re a PlayStation gamer, read up on how to use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller on a PC. We walk you through the surprisingly complicated process.

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Way : Using Bluetooth To Connect Your Xbox One Controller To Pc

If youre using a Bluetooth supported Xbox One controller and a Bluetooth supported PC, you can connected them via Bluetooth then.

Note: On a Bluetooth-supported controller, the plastic around the Xbox button is part of the face of the controller, like this:

To connect your controller and PC via Bluetooth:

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Figure Out Which Xbox Controller You Own

To start, the Xbox Wireless Gamepad included with the Xbox Series S/X, and now widely available as the Xbox Wireless Gamepad, is nearly identical to the Xbox One’s controller. They both support Xbox wireless communication and Bluetooth, and the methods for connecting them to your PC are identical. The instructions here apply to both gamepad generations.

Original Xbox One controllers lack wireless connectivity, but the gamepads that shipped with the Xbox One S and later consoles include Xbox wireless communication and Bluetooth. You can use both controllers wirelessly with your PC, but the process is different you must get a wireless dongle for the non-Bluetooth gamepads. The good news is that Bluetooth controllers have been in production for so long that if you picked yours up in the last four years, there’s a good chance that it already has Bluetooth.

To determine whether you have a Bluetooth or non-Bluetooth Xbox controller, you need to look at the plastic surrounding the Guide button. If it’s the same plastic as the face of the controller, without any seams, you have a Bluetooth gamepad. If it’s the same plastic as the bumper buttons, with a seam between the Guide button and the controller’s face, it’s a non-Bluetooth gamepad. If it has a small, rectangular Capture button between the Menu and View buttons, and a USB-C port on the top instead of micro USB, it’s an Xbox Series controller and also has Bluetooth.