- You can connect your Xbox controller to a PC using Bluetooth, USB wire, or the official Microsoft Xbox adapter.
- To connect the controller using Bluetooth, turn it on using the Guide button and then press and hold the pairing button. Once done, simply go to your PC's Bluetooth settings.
- Connecting the Xbox controller to the PC using the wired method is as simple as plugging in the supported USB cable to both the controller and the PC.
The Xbox controller has always remained one that gamers connect to their consoles, smartphones, and PCs alike. If you’re a versatile Xbox controller user who’s looking to connect their controller to PC, this one’s for you. While the process itself is simple, there are a few ways to go about it. So without further ado, let’s break it all down as I show you how to connect the Xbox controller to PC here.
Recognizing Your Xbox Controller
Before you even begin connecting our Xbox controller to the PC, we need to figure out which controller you have. Unfortunately, Microsoft has released a variety of Xbox controllers. The oldest Xbox One controller lacks Bluetooth and can only be connected through a USB wire or a special dongle.
However, the new Xbox Series S/X controllers support connection over Bluetooth and wired USB alike. To figure out which Xbox controller you have, simply look at the Guide button. If your Xbox controller’s Guide button is on the faceplate itself, it supports Bluetooth.
However, if the bumper plate extends onto the controller with the Guide button on top of it, it lacks Bluetooth and relies on Microsoft’s communication standard or USB. Refer to the image above for help. So with that done, let’s connect the Xbox controller to the PC.
Connect Xbox Controller to PC with Bluetooth
If you have the newest Xbox controller then follow the steps below to learn how to connect the Xbox controller to your PC via Bluetooth using the steps below:
- With the Xbox controller charged, press and hold the Guide button to turn it on.
- Hold down the pairing button on the controller to enter the pairing mode.
- Click the Windows taskbar and then on the Bluetooth section to expand it.
- You will now find the Xbox Wireless Controller. Click on it and press Connect.
Once connected, the Xbox controller’s Guide button will turn a solid white and it will show up as connected on your PC.
Connect Xbox Controller to PC via USB Cable
Connecting your Xbox controller to your PC via a USB wire is as easy as breathing. Nonetheless, follow the steps below to learn how to do so:
- Depending on your controller version, plug in a USB C to C or a USB to micro-USB to your Xbox controller.
- Plug the other end of the wire into your PC.
Your Xbox controller will now automatically connect to your PC and can be used across almost all games.
Connect Xbox Controller via Adapter
As mentioned above, older Xbox One controllers lack Bluetooth and instead rely on Microsoft’s communication standard. So if you plan on connecting that controller, you will need the official Microsoft Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 ($24.95).
Once you connect the dongle to your PC, simply hold down the pairing button on both devices and the controller will automatically connect to your PC.
And now you know how to connect an Xbox controller to a PC. Are you a mobile gamer instead? In that case, learn how to connect an Xbox controller to your phone here! Were you able to connect your Xbox controller? Let us know in the comments below!
