And if you're a PlayStation user, read up on how to use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller on a PC. If you don’t mind a wired connection, using a USB cable is by far the easiest way to set up any type of Xbox One controller with a PC. You can use both wirelessly with your PC, but the process is different; you need to get a separate wireless dongle for the non-Bluetooth gamepads. Press and hold the Bind and Xbox buttons on your controller for three seconds, and wait until the controller's backlight or Xbox button begins to rapidly flicker. Kite is a free AI-powered coding assistant that will help you code faster and smarter. Once they stop, it means they've found each other and are connected. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. The latest version of the Xbox controller—the one included with the Xbox One S and the upcoming One X—includes Bluetooth! Step 1: Use a micro USB cable to connect your Xbox One controller to your PC. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. since, “No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention”. The Xbox One Wireless Gamepad might have Xbox in the name, but you aren't limited to pairing it with just a console. Microsoft finally included Bluetooth along with the older proprietary Xbox wireless connection, so Windows users can hook it up without an extra dongle. 2. Jeremy Dreyfuss, Justin Gmoser/Business Insider. Finally, if you don't need a wireless connection, you can just use a micro USB cable. Grab your Xbox One wireless controller and connect a micro-USB charging cable into the top of the device. This allows it to connect to an Android phone, but not an iPhone. The light will flash green. To connect an Xbox One controller to your PC via Bluetooth or Wireless Adapter, you'll need to use Windows' "Bluetooth & other devices" menu. Get it now on Libro.fm using the button below. You can only connect two controllers at a time if the controllers use Stereo Headsets. However, you need to keep in mind that Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controller are USB-C cables compatible. The other end must be plugged into the correct USB port of your PC. We also have tips for connecting Nintendo Switch and PS4 controllers to your PC. It … Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. If it's the same plastic as the bumper buttons, with a seam between the guide Guide button and the face of the controller, it's a non-Bluetooth gamepad. 5 Ways to Fix Xbox One Wireless Controller cannot connect issue. Connecting your Xbox Series X controller to a PC is as simple as plug-and-play. 1. Once it's on, angle it toward the Adapter and press and hold the Bind button. All you need to do is plug in the dongle and pair it to your controller just as if you were pairing your Xbox One, pressing the Pairing button on each device. Will is also a THX Level I home theater expert and ISF Level III-certified TV calibrator, which ensures the thoroughness and accuracy of all PCMag TV reviews. Press and hold the Bind button on the Xbox Wireless Adapter. Connecting your Controller to a Windows 10 PC through USB. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Step 1. 2. Jeremy Dreyfuss, Justin Gmoser/Business Insider. Here’s how to connect it to your Bluetooth-equipped laptop or desktop. Plug it into a free USB port on your computer and you'll be off to the races. Connect the Xbox Wireless Adapter to a USB port on the PC and then complete the setup process for the adapter. Connect your Xbox One Controller using Bluetooth. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you're connecting it to an Xbox One, you then hold down the Pairing button on the system itself, but for Windows 10 you need to go through some menus. Once you're ready to start playing, check out our favorite PC games. You can use a USB cable to Connect Xbox One Controller to PC by following the steps given below: If your Xbox one controller is wireless, plug your USB charging cable into the front of your controller. Once it appears, this means it's finished installing itself. The Xbox 360 controller is the typical default configuration for modern PC games, so you shouldn’t have to do any special key bindings or settings tweaks in the vast majority of titles. For starters, you can use up to eight gamepads with the adapter, while Microsoft recommends using just one at a time with Bluetooth. Naturally the simplest way to connect your Xbox One controller to your PC or laptop is to use a USB cable, effectively turn it into a wired controller. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. Will Greenwald has been covering consumer technology for a decade, and has served on the editorial staffs of CNET.com, Sound & Vision, and Maximum PC. You can easily connect your Xbox controller to your PC using Bluetooth. His work and analysis has been seen in GamePro, Tested.com, Geek.com, and several other publications. How To Connect Xbox Controller To PC. An Xbox One controller with a USB cable. The most straightforward way to connect your … Press the Xbox button on your controller to turn on it. The controller can be connected to your computer by three ways, USB cable, wireless adapter, and Bluetooth. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. The Xbox controller will be connected to windows 10. How to connect Xbox One Wireless Controller to PC. Step 3: Connect the Xbox 360 wireless controller to your computer Turn on the Xbox 360 wireless controller by pressing and holding the Guide button  On the receiver, press the connect button, which is a circular button located near the middle of the receiver. Download and install the reWASD Xbox One controller re-mapping software for PC. Connect your Xbox One Wireless Controller to your PC using Bluetooth. Start your Xbox controller by pressing the Xbox logo on the controller. SYNC: Wireless uses Bluetooth technology with the Xbox One Controller Turn on the controller with the guide button (middle of the pad) and then press the small sync button on the top of the pad (it’s just to the right of LB). Some PCs also come with Xbox Wireless built in so you can connect a controller directly without an adapter. Your PC should configure the controller automatically. 3. 5. It enhances the gaming experience of the user as the person is not restricted by the length of the wire. https://www.businessinsider.com › how-to-connect-xbox-one-controller-to-pc Turn on your Xbox Wireless Controller by pressing the Xbox button. Account active This is one of the easiest methods to connect the Xbox controller to Windows 10 PC. Pairing the Xbox One controller with your PC over Bluetooth is almost the same as pairing it with your Xbox One. When the adapter is ready, turn on your Xbox controller by holding down the Xbox button. You can connect Xbox One controller wirelessly either via Bluetooth or via USB adaptor. You shouldn't need to install extra software for the Adapter. How to Wirelessly Connect the Xbox One Controller to Your PC Powered by - Designed with the Hueman theme This website or its third-party tools use cookies, which are necessary for its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the cookie policy. 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. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. Press and hold the controller bind button for three seconds, and then release. Using a USB Cable Plug the Xbox One controller into the charging cable. Taylor Lyles/Business Insider. If you have Xbox Chat Headsets attached, you can only connect up to four controllers at a time. Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links. Now, this is more like a plug and play, you just have to use a standard USB cable to connect the Xbox controller to Windows 10 PC. You will realize that a wireless Xbox 360 uses different frequencies that are nothing like Bluetooth, making you aware not to opt for such when you come across them. PC gamers can also enjoy a large pool of digital games available from the digital distribution platform Steam, making PC gaming exceptionally diverse. It's a USB dongle designed to connect directly to your Xbox One gamepad without any Bluetooth setup or pairing. Nowadays, the Xbox One comes with an inbuilt Bluetooth device, Bluetooth helps to connect the Xbox controller with the console wirelessly with the help of Bluetooth. Of course, then you need to deal with a physical tether to your PC, so it isn't very viable for a couch setup. Jeremy Dreyfuss, Justin Gmoser/Business Insider. To connect the controller via Bluetooth first you need a Bluetooth supported Xbox gamepad. Jeremy Dreyfuss, Justin Gmoser/Business Insider. You also need a Bluetooth USB dongle if your PC doesn't have Bluetooth. Pairing the Xbox One controller with your PC over Bluetooth is almost the same as pairing it with your Xbox One. A small light will flash for several seconds. 2. Boot up your Windows 10 PC and plug the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows into your computer. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Connect the Xbox controller to the PC via a USB port, and you’re good to give it a test. However, you can't use the headset jack on the gamepad. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. Connect your Xbox One Controller using a wireless adapter. Plug one end into your PC and the other into the micro USB port at the top of the gamepad, and it will automatically install. Connecting your Xbox One gamepad to your Windows 10 PC is almost as easy as connecting it to your Xbox One. All you need for wired gaming with an Xbox controller on PC is the USB cord you use to charge your controller. Lastly, try Micro USB to use your Xbox controller on PC. If it's the same plastic as the face of the controller, without any seams, you have a Bluetooth gamepad. This means it's in pairing mode. The Xbox controller is not Bluetooth enabled thus it cannot connect to a PC through a Bluetooth connection. Plug the USB connector of your Xbox 360 controller into any USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on your Windows PC. ", We strongly recommend that you check the box that says "Show notifications to connect using Swift Pair" if your computer has built-in Bluetooth. The first-generation controller and the original Xbox Elite controller don't support Bluetooth, so to go wireless on your PC, you'll need the dongle. How to connect any Xbox One controller to PC via USB. 5. It is also compatible with both Xbox One and the new Xbox Series X. Use the charging cable that … To connect your Xbox One controller using Bluetooth, your PC will need the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. The adapter’s lights should flash and then turn solid, pairing the controller to your PC. 1. The Xbox Wireless Adapter is a small device that can help your Xbox controller connect to a PC. Using a wired Xbox One controller on PC is as simple as it gets, if you don't mind a tether. Connect Xbox Controller to Windows 10 PC using USB Cable. Power up your PC, then head to "Settings," then click "Devices" then "Bluetooth & other devices. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-use-an-xbox-one-controller-on-a-pc, How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Find Free Tools to Optimize Your Small Business, How to Get Started With Project Management, how to use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller on a PC, how to choose the right controller for your PC, How to Connect Your PS5 DualSense Controller to Your PC, How to Connect a PS4 DualShock 4 Controller to a PC, How to Connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC, How to Choose the Right Game Controller for Your PC, Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset for PlayStation 5, Herman Miller X Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair, The Best Controllers for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Cloud Gaming, The Best Flight Sticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator, Give Your Eyes a Break: How to Choose the Right Blue Light Glasses, What Do TV Model Numbers and SKUs Actually Mean? Press the controller Connect button for three seconds and let go. It can be a surprisingly complicated process. PC gaming is one of the more multidimensional consoles when it comes to offering gamers multiple ways to enjoy their gaming experience. Method 1: Connect Xbox controller to PC using Bluetooth. In the same "Bluetooth & other devices" menu we used in the previous method, look for the Adapter to appear under "Other devices." How To Connect Xbox One Controller To Mac Keep an eye on your inbox! Make sure you have updated your personal computer’s Windows to Windows 10. © 1996-2021 Ziff Davis, LLC. He currently covers consumer electronics in the PC Labs as the in-house home entertainment expert, reviewing TVs, media hubs, speakers, headphones, and gaming accessories. The good news is that Bluetooth controllers have been in production for so long that if you picked yours up in the last three years it's a good chance it's already Bluetooth. If one option doesn't work, try the other. For more, check out our guide on how to choose the right controller for your PC. Below are the three different ways to use Xbox One controller with Windows PC. Depending on how old the controller is you might need to use a separate wireless dongle, but as of the Xbox One S, all recent controllers include Bluetooth support to make PC connections that much easier. The new controller has a USB-C port, so all you need is a USB-C cable, and voilà, your controller is ready to go. Taylor Lyles/Business Insider, 3. How to Know If You're Getting a Good Deal. Select "Xbox Wireless Controller" or "Xbox Elite Wireless Controller" if you're using an Elite controller. Sign up to 10 Things in Tech You Need to Know Today. The headset jack is also enabled if you use the adapter, with adjustable settings in the Xbox app for Windows 10. It can be found at the top of the Xbox One controller next to the USB port. 4. This means you need to figure out which controller you have. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Jeremy Dreyfuss, Justin Gmoser/Business Insider, Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories, How to connect an Xbox One or Xbox 360 controller to your Mac computer, How to get free games on your Xbox One through Xbox Live and Game Pass, How to connect a Xbox One controller to your Xbox One console, with or without a USB cable, How to delete games on your Xbox One, and reinstall them later, How to appear offline on an Xbox One, and adjust who can see your online status. In addition to using a default mouse and keyboard, gamers can also use a slew of various controllers, including Microsoft's Xbox One controller. Taylor Lyles/Business Insider. By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider You need to use the plug and play your micro-USB cable above the controller’s top and then plug the other end of the cable into your PC. With your Xbox controller light blinking, that means it's in pairing mode and it should show up in that list of available devices on your Windows 10 PC. PCMag Digital Group. All you have to do is customize the controller … Power the controller on by holding down the Guide button, then hold the Pairing button on the top of the controller down for three seconds until the Guide button flashes. Once installed, open the application and you’ll notice an Xbox controller in front of you. Press the Windows + R button to launch the Run application. Subscriber Your subscription has been confirmed. Select "Add Bluetooth or other device, and then either "Bluetooth" or "Everything Else." Just like Sony's DualShock 4, while 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 over Bluetooth. To determine whether you have a Bluetooth or non-Bluetooth Xbox One controller, you need to look at the plastic surrounding the Guide button. You can connect up to eight Xbox Wireless Controllers simultaneously with USB charging cables. The Xbox Wireless Adapter hooks into your PC's USB port. Both your controller and Adapter should flash rapidly. Put the Adapter into Binding mode. Hold the pairing button on the USB adapter (it is located on the upper side of the dongle). 6. Windows 10 can simply and painlessly pair with the controller, allowing you to use it wirelessly with any compatible PC game. Taylor Lyles/Business Insider. From there, it’s straightforward. If you have a wireless controller, simply use your charging cable. Plug your micro-USB cable into the controller and into a USB port … This $25 adapter has some benefits over Bluetooth. 1. By default, Windows will scan for drivers and install them. There are currently three ways you can pair your Xbox One controller to your Windows 10 PC: with a USB cable, through Bluetooth, or using a Wireless Adapter. Connect your controller to a Windows PC by using a USB cable, the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, or over Bluetooth. You can find information about updating your computer on the official Windows blog. After that's clicked, your computer will begin searching for nearby Bluetooth devices currently on. If you have an older Xbox One controller, or you just want to use your newer one with Microsoft's proprietary wireless connection instead of Bluetooth, you need to get the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows. You won't have to go through any menus or plug in any adapters. Make sure your controller is on and ready to pair. You might want one for the new generation of Xbox, as the official Xbox controller still uses AA batteries, unlike the internal power source of the Elite.