Can You Use An Xbox Controller On Pc

Xbox One S Controller — (Epitome credit: Microsoft)

If y'all want to utilise a controller on PC, you merely can't beat the convenience of the Xbox gamepad. If you want a dead unproblematic plug-and-play feel, the Xbox controller is the obvious choice, and it's definitely among the best PC controllers, anyhow—Microsoft revised its controller afterward the launch of the Xbox Ane, making its bumpers experience improve and adding Bluetooth connectivity.

Thanks to the born Windows driver, you won't need any special software for your PC (and most games) to immediately recognize your pad. So what'due south the point of a guide at all?

Well, at that place are a couple means to hook upwardly the Xbox One controller wirelessly, and a few things y'all should know nigh the dissimilar iterations of the controller and what how exactly they'll piece of work with your PC.

Setup

What you demand

Hardware

Xbox Ane controller
Xbox Wireless adapter for Windows (optional, for wireless)
Bluetooth adapter (optional, for wireless)
Micro-USB cablevision (optional, for wired)
AA batteries

Software

Xbox Accessories app (optional, for software updates)

Wired

Using your Xbox 1 controller

Using a wired Xbox I controller on PC is equally simple as it gets, if you lot don't mind a tether. Plug your micro-USB cablevision into the controller and into a USB port on your PC. Windows should install the necessary driver, the Xbox Guide button in the center will light upward, and you're in business!

Windows version notation: On Windows 10, y'all can connect up to viii Xbox One controllers, while on Windows 7 and Windows 8, yous tin can connect up to four. On Windows 10, you can only accept four controllers continued if you also connect an Xbox chat headset to the controller or two with the stereo headset. Sound throughput isn't supported on Windows 7 and 8.

Troubleshooting note: the vast majority of micro-USB cables deport data no trouble, just some manufacturers inexpensive out and produce cables that can simply charge. If you're using a random USB cable from a drawer and having trouble, endeavour a dissimilar i.

Wireless adapter

How to connect with the Xbox Wireless adapter for Windows

This process is nigh every bit simple as connecting with a USB cable, and is basically identical to connecting the controller to an Xbox console.

i. Plug the Xbox Wireless adapter into a USB port.

ii. Plough on your Xbox I controller by holding the Guide push button in the centre. At present press the the small-scale sync button on the top of the controller until the Guide button begins flashing.

iii. Press the small sync button located on the side of the Xbox Wireless adapter for a couple seconds. Lookout man the flashing Guide push button on the controller. When it goes solid, you're continued!

Bluetooth

How to connect the Xbox One controller via Bluetooth

Hither's where things get a trivial complicated. Certain models of the Xbox One controller can connect to whatever quondam PC Bluetooth adapter. Others can't. Here's how to tell if your Xbox One controller has built-in Bluetooth:

The shape of the plastic molding at the elevation of the controller is your clue. The kickoff iteration of the Xbox One controller does not support Bluetooth and has a few other annoyances. Its bumpers have a narrower click range, making them less comfortable depending on where y'all position your fingers.

The redesigned controller launched with the Xbox One South panel has a smaller plastic molding along the tiptop. It also adds a 3.5mm headphone jack to the bottom of the controller, another easy giveaway. On peak of that headphone jack, it as well has built-in Bluetooth!

one. Printing the Windows key and type "Bluetooth" until search brings upwards the Bluetooth & other devices settings option. Click it to open that settings page. Here you should come across your Bluetooth is ready to "On" and is discoverable.

Windows version note: Using the Xbox 1 controller via Bluetooth merely works on Windows 10 with the Anniversary update practical.

2. Turn on the Xbox Ane controller by holding the Guide button. Press the sync button on top of the controller until the Guide calorie-free begins to wink rapidly.

3. In the Bluetooth settings carte du jour, click "Add Bluetooth or other device" and then select Bluetooth from the card options. After a few seconds of searching, your Xbox controller should show up. Click it to pair. And you lot're wirelessly continued!

Headset note: Only i Xbox One controller can exist paired via Bluetooth. Headsets not supported.

Updating

How to update and configure the Xbox One controller

It's not only games that have updates these days. So do controllers! While information technology'due south not necessary to update your Xbox controller, if you lot want to, the procedure is pretty simple.

1. Open the Windows Store and search for Xbox Accessories. Install the app and open it.

Windows version notation: 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 cheque if there'south a firmware update for your controller.

Instead of configuring controller options on a game-past-game basis, you tin can besides use the Accessories app to modify button mapping, swap and capsize sticks and triggers, and enable or disable rumble.

If you have an Xbox One Aristocracy controller, you can also utilise the Accessories app to configure options similar trigger and analog stick sensitivity. You tin can relieve different configurations to the two profiles the controller supports.

Not a controller person? Here's a round-up of the all-time gaming keyboards , and all-time gaming mouse .